These go-karts might seem like toys, but mind you, they're more than capable of hitting 70 km/h in CKR's indoor track and pull more G-forces than an average touring car. But with proper safety equipment and a little bit of guidance, motor racing can be a safe and fun sport. In fact, CKR offers one of, if not the quickest and best-equipped rental go-karts in the country. Adding to the thrill of racing, City Kart Racing recently launched their online app, taking bragging rights to a whole new level. It not only records lap times and race results, but also sends you a copy via e-mail. Furthermore, it shares them on Facebook so you can gloat to your friends. There is, however, a more functional side to it. The avid karter can make the most out of this online feature as it lets them keep track of their best lap times, race results, and CKR's lap record - crucial information that should help any driver know if they're getting any quicker. The timing software used is the only available one in the country, and CKR provides this added service absolutely free of charge.
Racing Against the Clock
After the morning briefing, the true order of the day was a quick 12 minute qualifying session, followed by the main event - a daunting one hour endurance race. 60 minutes behind the wheel at race pace is considered a good workout for more seasoned drivers; but for a field that consisted of mainly first-timers, this was a feat not for the faint-hearted. Thankfully, they were grouped into teams of three so they could conquer the gargantuan challenge collectively. I, on the other hand, decided to sit this one out as I've already taken a whack at endurance racing in CKR.
When the green flag went down, eight teams on the grid gunned it to race 60 minutes non-stop for a top spot on the podium. With adrenaline pumping high and experience running low, the first few laps quickly turned into an overtaking frenzy. Some kept their cool and drove at their own pace, while a few frantically tried to defend their position. And there were those who completely lost all coordination and plowed straight through the tire barriers.
Thankfully, there's a mandatory driver change every 15 minutes to let the team's battered and bruised driver take a rest. But the wheel-to-wheels battles immediately resumed once a fresh pumped up driver went back on track.
Fun Cup
Watching the race from the sidelines, it was quite a spectacle to see drivers who had little or no experience in racing go-karts become so competitive in as little as a day's worth of driving. With the number of marshals around the track to keep things in order, all they had to do was focus on driving fast and having fun.
“The first time people come here, they're normally excited but a bit hesitant because of the perceived danger. So on the first round, they try to be careful and drive a bit slow. But as the program progresses, you can see their confidence level grow and begin to push harder and harder. And near the end of the session, they start to overtake more aggressively, all without an accident,” asserted Jeff.
As the race drew to a close, the trio from Tsikot.com had built a considerable lead, leaving teams 'Extraordinary,’ 'Sharpshooter,’ and 'Bat Ako' to fight it out to the chequered flag for last two podium positions.
Bragging Rights
After the dust had settled, a last dash from 'Extraordinary' and 'Sharpshooter' apparently paid off, securing them second and third places, respectively, while the team of Tsikot.com took top honors. Aside from some aching muscles and hurt egos, City Kart Racing's Blogger's Fest Fun Cup 2011 proved that go-kart racing can be both fun and safe for anyone. And with CKR's new online app, they can all go home with bragging rights shared on Facebook.
Here are some quotes from drivers of the winning teams:
Jonathan Arriola, www.tsikot.com; Team 'Tsikot.com'
“Our secret to winning is good practice. The course is very good, all the karts are tuned properly, and they have great marshals.”
Alice Mate, www.photoescape06.blogspot.com; Team 'Sharphooter'
“My first experience was fun, but a bit nerve-wracking because I don't really drive. I'll surely try this next time with my friends.”
Dennis Angulo, www.dencio.com; Team 'Extraordinary'
“City Kart Racing is way more awesome that what I've tried before. Honestly, I haven't been driving for three years because of an accident, but my experience in City Kart Racing makes me want to drive again. The track is very advanced, so I learned a lot of tricks in turning and how not to drift.
City Kart Racing Makati is located at the 7th level car park, Park Square 1, Ayala Center, Makati City. For more info, visit www.citykartracing.com and check out the link for City Kart Racing's Facebook App.
