Gear Up

One may wonder what is needed in terms of equipment when
you are in the race kart.

This is what I have:

1. Helmet. it's a obvious need as all frequent karters will have
one of their own. It has to be fitting.

2. Gloves..... hidden in my helmet! hahaha

3. Knee guard. for my right knee as it always get very sore
after the sessions. I reckon it's from 'grabbing' to the fuel tank
through corners.

4. Shoe. Puma. Its thin sole helps in giving the feel to the throttle
& brakes pedals.

5. Rib protector. Vitally important, one do not want their rib bang
up when I'm in a rigid kart seat, and without any form of suspension.

6. Tee & shorts. to be worn inside the suit. thus I choose the coolest
wear I can find for this purpose.

7. Kart Suit. Interestingly, I will say that this piece of gear is not 100%
important. i.e. as long as I do not crash heavily. However, some times
accidents just happen. So it always good to be prepared.

With all these, I'm ready to hit the road and track tomorrow, 1 Feb 2009.

May the Bull Runs Begin!

In about 2 days times, many Chinese around the year will
celebrate the customary Lunar New Year. Based on the
Chinese Zodiac Sign, the new Lunar New Year will be that of
Ox or Bull or Cow.

With the recent news of a global recession, I would hope that
this will be a bullish year. Maybe it will not be as good as previous
years, but at least not that bad as expected us all.

In the kart race context, I certainly hope that this year will be
a much better year for me on the track. With quite a number of
main problems resolved after the last race in 2008, I'm genuinely
looking forward to sitting in my kart again now!

Talking about it, I had received my air box from Koene Racing
this morning. Sweet stuff! It should up the performance of the
engine... I hope!


Before, I end this short post, I would like to wish everyone who
is going to celebrate the BULL Year...
Happy Happy Chinese New Year, 新年开乐！

cheers

2009 Kart Races Schedule in Plentong

Plentong race schedule:

Date	Track	No of laps	Single lap distance (km)	Total Distance (km)
15-Feb	A	25	0.75	18.75
15-Mar	H	25	0.873	21.825
12-Apr	G	20	0.935	18.7
17-May	B	18	1.035	18.63
14-Jun	D	18	1.103	19.854
19-Jul	F	15	1.203	18.045
16-Aug	E	15	1.265	18.975
20-Sep	C	15	1.433	21.495
11-Oct	E	15	1.265	18.975
8-Nov	C	15	1.433	21.495

For the different configuration of the each track, please
go to www.permasgokart.com/main.htm

Thankfully, this year no races clashes with any F1 races
weekend.

Better in Time..

Track Test on 10 Jan, 2009

It had been some time when I think there will some
aches tomorrow morning, but it had also been a long time
since I had much smiles when I was in my kart, pushing it
hard.

At long last, I think the majority of my 2008 track woes are
eradicated. Finally!! I feel the engine coming alive again!
I feel the kart moving again!

To be honest, I had never thought I will see this day ever
again. But I had some good friends who had helped me along,
and the mechanics at the track side always giving my hints.

Instead of packing up my bags, and giving up, which I had
indeed thought of previously, I chose to dig in and try
harder some more.

Today, we had a mini race with 8 guys. I was asked to be in
the pole position. I was wondering if I'm up for this as all my
previous race results in 2008 are just simply awful.
However, I went ahead and lead the field for the rolling lap,
and start race proper.

Once the race got underway, I was constantly checking where
Graeme, who started second, may be trying to overtake me.
But I can't see him. So I went on. Then I realised the rest of the
field was somehow stuck behind Graeme for the first few laps.
During these times, I was able to pull out a lead.
Not a comfortable lead, but it was still nice to lead a 'race' !

However, at about 8 / 9 laps in, I was overtaken by one of the
meachanics, Ah Seng, who had joined us for the 'fun race'.
A lap later, Kenneth came at me and took second place.
I was panting then. I was tired. But I was having great fun!


At the end, I finished 3rd. And quite surprising, I had my
own personal fastest lap time on the final lap. The second,
and third fastest times are all from lap 11 onwards.
I need to understand why this is so. I was supposedly
tired when I had all the faster times.

Now, I do not want to bother too much on it. I just want to
remember this good day on the track, and may I have more
of such. And hope it will all get better in time!

I love my kart

cheers

This is way COOL !

1st test of 2009

It's been sometime that I had think of go karting since the last race.
Obvious reason been that I had not been competitive at all.

Hence, what's the point of struggling and trying without any result
to speak of?

Anyway, there's the Christmas and the New Year holidays too.
So I believe it's good to take some time to relax, and eat & drink
and be merry!

Today, I had return to the track. Did some tunings and the kart
seems to enjoy its 1st run out in 2009 !
WOW! now, I'm excited about karting all over again.

There's much to be done, much to achieve, I reckon.
I just hope for better competitive race this year.
I just want to have more fun!