Enjoyment a la kart

A while ago I posted a couple of shots of the new kart track near Bali Hai Pier. Last night, the brave bikers, and not brave at all me, descended on it as part of the birthday celebrations.

I have been out on the karts at Theppasit, but this was a much more professionally managed experience. There were around thirty of us and we were split into three groups and send out to practice. You are given a hairnet to wear which makes you look like a dick, but it keeps your hair separated from the helmet they provide, and they have a huge choice of decent helmets so you will easily find one that fits.

Then out in the karts. I suspect they are not as powerful as those in Theppasit, but they are much more fun to drive and quite capable of being spun or stuffed into the side of the track, as I personally discovered more than once. The track is interesting with fast corners, tight hairpins and changes in elevation courtesy of a figure of eight with a bridge.

When you get back after your run you are given a printout showing all the times from every lap for everyone in your group, with your fastest lap highlighted. Much more interesting than just blasting round, not knowing how you are doing; although I think my timing sensor was faulty because I was much slower than I felt….

After the warm-up session we had qualifying runs where I spectacularly failed to qualify for the twelve kart final. Graham, the birthday boy, won the final race; we suspect he had been doing some advance practice.

The final featured a Le Man style start, with twelve drivers in various stages of inebriation staggering across the track to the waiting karts.

The overhead lights are bright enough for driving, but not for photography; ISO 3200 led to very grainy photos.

There is a bar selling drinks and food and the whole enterprise seems to very well run. Suitably pumped with adrenaline I came back to inform she who must be obeyed that I fancied doing something similar for my birthday. She did not bubble over with enthusiasm, but did enquire about the extent of the food menu, so there is hope.

Comments 🔗

2008-09-17 | todd says

ahh wish i was there! karting is the only outdoors activity i do here!

hey, in your css file, add this anywhere

img { padding:15px; }

2008-09-17 | todd says

I’m trying to put together a kart together for next years season, need to find some small sponsors to get on board though, can’t afford to pay it all out of pocket all year :|

let me know if you’re having issues with the blog layout, i can throw css your way.

2008-09-17 | Spike says

Thanks for the offer of help; I know just enough to be dangerous.

Pattaya Days will of course offer you a massive sponsorship deal for next season.

2008-09-17 | todd says

hah yeah i’m sure. my aussie sponsors cant help here so i’m stuck finding new ones :|

let me know if you need any wp help, i know it backwards. my email is my msn addres…

2008-09-17 | Spike says

Thanks again for the offer Todd.