Do you want to be the next Scott Dixon, Scott McLaughlin, or SVG? Alternately do you want to get into motor racing as your sport of choice? Karting could be the first step on that very long ladder to motorsport superstardom.
KartSport clubs such as KartSport Mt Wellington hold regular have a go days to get youngsters into the world of karting in a real race kart. No lawnmower powered toys here!
Competitive race karts can have up to four times the power, and go twice as fast as the best indoor hire karts. Speeds of about 100 km/h are attainable on the short outdoor courses, and being seated just millimetres off the ground means the rush is naturally much, much larger on the racer.
The fundamental difference however is that you can rock up to any local indoor kart track, pay the money and have a drive. After your stint in the seat you just wander off into the sunset with fun memories and no worries.
Competitive karting doesn’t work that way as you need to own all your equipment. This could be an expensive experiment should you purchase all the necessaries, such as the kart, karting suit, helmet etc. - only to find that you don't gel with the sport.
This makes the have-a-go day the perfect low cost option to get some seat time before you take the leap and fork out for your own kart and gear.
Next weekend the Mt Wellington KartSport club will open its gate to newbies wanting to try the sport.
The day is open to all ages and costs $80 to cover the use of the karts and insurance costs.
For your money you get the use of a real race kart on the track (for those under 15 you get the track to yourself with no other karts to bother you, while over 15s may have up to two other participants on track with them) for two five minute sessions. Five minutes is the typical time of an average race which means you get a realistic time behind the wheel. This is no endurance event.
Bookings are essential with only a limited amount of time slots on each day. Once booked you will be given an arrival time which then reduces the amount of time you have to wait for your drive.
To book head to the KartSport Mt Wellington website or email [email protected]
To find a KartSport club near you check out the KartSport NZ website at www.kartsport.org.nz