Karting breeds real need for speed - From the Gladstone Observer

IT was just the track and me.

Nothing was stopping me and my kart from reaching speeds of 100kmh and breaking the lap record.

Well there was one thing, my fear of high speeds.

I must admit I was hesitant when Craig Butler of the Gladstone Kart Club told me he had lined up one of their karts for me.

But I am not one to chicken out (although I was coming up with great reasons not to).

Next thing I knew I was zipping up my jumpsuit and Craig was fastening my helmet.

The next step was to sit on the kart and learn how it all works.

Simple really, stop and go and don’t turn the wheel too hard. I got it.

And I was off and racing.

I could feel the wind in my helmet and my body was vibrating from the speed I was travelling around the track.

Once you got me started, I had to be peeled off the track.

Each time I passed the start, I would indicate to Craig one more lap. And another. And another.

Finally I pitted.

Now I am not a karter, but that track is fantastic, in great condition, a real challenge.

And the club ought to be proud.

Feeling pretty good about my lap time and the speeds I was hitting down the straight, I confidently asked what my lap time was.

My fastest, 1.23.46, a record?

No, the kids that had gathered to watch me soon put me back in my box, saying they did a lap in less than 40 seconds.

But that did not shatter my dreams of getting on a kart again.

I know I won’t be the next Cian Fothergill but I may challenge my friends to a lap.

Karting breeds real need for speed – From the Gladstone Observer