Night Karting

Guys !!!!!

Last Thursday @ 14/12/2006, Shaeran aka Pelumba Haram and I participated to one of the 80 cc night enduro races organized by CK. The format is 2 person per team with 4 mandatory pit stops where each pit stop must not be less than 10 mins. The overall race duration was 110 mins ( Of course My-Kart can change the format )

I was informed that on a normal day the 80 cc’s would be faster during night with at least 7 – 12 sec per lap. This was supported by CK. Perhaps you pros may want to comment on this theory ( maybe the track condition, temp, or for whatsoever reasons) but of course that could not be proven this time as we happily drifting throughout.

The race started at about 8.50 p.m. with a modest of 12 teams of whom mostly are novices and intermediates. The track condition was wet with water all over as it was slightly drizzling. CK race marshals prompted if the group still wanted to race. As the pack was so eager and enthusiastic with some even brought their own night markers and gadgets hooked on their helmets to communicate, all of them agreed to proceed. We, as usual followed the group without any hesitation as we ourselves never had experienced such condition before. ( so call want to practice lah …) We noticed none of them from My-Kart. This made the event a bit tougher as we do not know how this people would behave especially on that wet condition. Though, we do not want to under estimate anyone as we ourselves may and will (definitely) make silly mistakes as well due to the unforgiving weather. ( Sorry guys ,,, no wet tyres ). So, goes the balloting process with ballast fitted for the skinnies.

As much anticipated, a qualifying lap was set to determine the positions. Adi, ( he did not ballot and raced for fun ) clocked ahead of us with 8 sec difference ( there were slight advantage to him as he uses a handle to steer due to his condition and that probably gave him a little bit of over/under steer- Maybe, but he was also a big timer with a lot of experience behind him). Since he was not counted in, our team by default lead the pack followed by the rest.

The race was extremely enjoyed as the kart was drifting all over. we were laughing as if we were at a fun fair. Both of us did not have any experience racing at night especially on a wet surface and that added the fun. The whole race was well organized with zero casualty. Everyone enjoyed the race and ended with light refreshments and trophies for the winners. Though both of us took the flag and spread My-Kart activities as usual to the rest but it was the fun that we actually won that night.

We ought to do one for the club…. trust me, it will be worth. And the best part, you’ll never feel that you’d driven a kart the night before … at least for me.