LSherratt

iTrader: (1)

Yesterday I went go-karting for the first time and I'm surprised how much fun it was . I knew it would be good, but it was unbelievably good fun and I'd highly recommend it if you haven't been before (I'm sure you all have though).

There was 6 of us and we had 25 minutes worth of track time split down into a couple rounds and a final which seemed plenty long enough to be honest, although I wouldn't have minded having an hour on there . Even my partner who isn't "into cars" throughly enjoyed it despite coming last in every race so bring your partners too.

The track we went to was Hereford Raceway which is a nice 600m outdoor track with twin engined karts and has very good reviews. The staff were very relaxed and just let you get on and enjoy racing.

CREWJ

Can't believe you've never been before!?

It's great fun isn't it. We go at least once a year in work and run a little race series on the day as loads of us go, enough for 4 grids. With these I'm highly competitive so it's always a race to the end.

I used to go karting with my mates in uni but they were semi-pro karting drivers so would spank me all over the circuit. You don't realize just how bad you are until you go with someone hitting the lap record almost every lap.

pimmo2000

iTrader: (6)

Suitable for ladies too ?

ditchmyster

iTrader: (7)

No! it's like Yorky bars "not for girls" Partner = boyfriend.

Just kidding.

CREWJ

Speaking of Yorkie bars!

Clicky!

pimmo2000

iTrader: (6)

That's how I read it too

LSherratt

iTrader: (1)

My girlfriend then, happy?

We were all very competitive apart from my girlfriend who seemed to be out on a Sunday drive . I didn't do as well as I had hoped..... I came 4th out of 6 in both the rounds and was a constant 3rd place in the final but spun out on the last lap which put me in 4th

I think the trouble was is that I didn't use the brake enough to control and smooth out the kart.... instead I was more sliding it all over the place which feels fast and fun but apparently not as quick and if you can hear the tyres always squealing then you're doing it wrong.

LSherratt

iTrader: (1)

Sorry double post...

stiscooby

If you find the twin engined hire karts fun, you should try the 2 strokes

Donnie Brasco 46

iTrader: (2)

Karting is great fun, but can work out fairly expensive.

I've raced at Daytona in MK a few times, both in twin engine and the DMAX (2 stroke) karts. Ribs always hurt afterwards though lol

theboy

Done it a few times with work mates, we had a mix. Old fella out for a sunday drive & 21stone 6ft3 lad who hardly fit in car and it made it a touch slow.

tarmac terror

iTrader: (2)

Do this every year at Christmas with the guys in work, its fiercely competitive and good fun.

Moley

iTrader: (9)

I've started to get back into karting recently, going once or twice a month.

I'm using the quicker DMAX karts at Sandown Park, which are certainly a challenge in the wet, and hurt your ribs a lot in the dry.

Awesome fun though, in fact I'm doing it again tomorrow evening.

Need to loose some weight to get quicker times though

Fonzey

iTrader: (5)

Love karting, need to get into it properly instead of the odd corporate event.

I've been on track before with a couple of local regulars and their laptimes were amazing, I'd love to learn the techniques properly instead of just sliding the thing round all day

pimmo2000

iTrader: (6)

I'm not convinced, you're protesting too much

I think my misses would be the safe, seems a waste of money ..

Been looking at the Quad bikes ..

urban

iTrader: (1)

Good friend of mine races karts.
He let me have a drive in his 125cc kart on a track.
Its pretty scary going that quickly with your **** 2 inches off the ground.

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

Bitches offer a great power to weight ratio though....... Unfortunately they lack the 'aggression' required. Not withstanding the skill LOL

P1Fanatic

Its always a good crack. Indoor is always a bit frustrating as the tracks are a lot tighter and slower karts = hard to get passed without touching someone. And if your 14st like me and are against some kid who weighs half that you have got no chance.

They should do BTCC style weight penalties to ensure us chunkers are disadvantaged

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Been going on and off for the last 15 years to my local track, Buckmore Park.
The karts have varied a little over the years but have all been 4 stroke, around 400cc and capable of 65-75mph.

Only done a couple of races though, as I prefer to just enter the general practice sessions and try and improve my times.

The two races were 2hr enduro events, one of which I had to complete on my own as my team mate fell ill the day before the race! 2hrs plus 30 minutes qualifying at night, in the pissing down rain. Was a great experience and one that I managed to win .(probably because I didn't have to stop to change driver! )

But any excuse I get (and when the funds allow) I try and get back out there.

Leslie

Looks good to me.

Les

scoobeenut

I like the look of those and Sandown Park not too far from me. Can you just turn up and drive the DMAX Karts or do you have to qualify first?

stiscooby

I use to race senior Tkm about 14 years ago. Now getting the urge to get back into racing again.

Got a test day booked at rye house next week to spend the day in a Rotax Max, looking forward to it, hopefully it will be dry as I use to hate the wet lol

Moley

iTrader: (9)

You have to book them via their website, as they only run them at certain times.
No previous experience needed.

Had a great time down there last night, 9 DMAX karts and 8 normal karts all out together.

I was 0.23 off the quickest lap of the session, but my average time was just over 2.5 seconds quicker.

Popping back down in 2 weeks.... hopefully I'll stop aching buy then!!!

cster

Used to have a 100 cc A kart. Aircooled, no clutch jobby.
Great fun, but expensive.
18000 rpm on a 2 stroke = 300 firings per second and frequent engine failure
Having a good fitting seat will stop the rib ache etc, but will not save the neck muscles at the end of the day.