Karting

[Gary in NJ]

A group of us went to the NJ Motorsports Park in Millville NJ this weekend to go karting. I've gone karting a few times in the past, so I was excited to go again. We went with a group of 14, mostly adults and some teenagers too. I brought my 16 year-old son Connor. Connor and I use to race motocross so I knew he would like karts. He has just started driving (has about 5 miles experience) this week so I thought it would be a good driving lesson for him as well.

First race of the day I took first. Not much of a surprise since I had taken a two-day karting class 12 years ago. Connor took 8th. Lots of trash talk ensued amongst the group, which is the best part of racing.

Second race out I took first, Connor took 3rd. The trash talk reached a new level as I show everyone the back of my helmet and told them to get use to seeing it.

Third race I took first, Connor took 2nd. He was on my bumper the entire race watching every line I took. He was a good MX racer so he fully understands the importance of line selection and, more importantly when not to shadow the line in front of you.

The final race I spun-out early dropping from 1st to midpack. I worked my way up to 3rd. As I was getting ready to pass second my buddy behind me slammed me from behind spinning me off the track. I laughed my butt off because they finally had a crack at me and after all of my trash talk I deserved to be taken out. I passed the flag in 4th and pulled into the pits, to see that Connor took 1st. He also had the the fastest lap time of the day beating my best by a full second.

I was more proud of him winning then anything.

If you haven't been karting you'd be surprised at how much fun it is. It's REAL racing. The rent-a-karts are governed to 60 mph, so the only way to find speed is through line selection and cornering.

The NJ Motorsports Park is an outstanding facility. After karting we went and watched some sports car racing, formula-type cars and sport bikes. I felt like I had made it to heaven.

I kind of have the kart bug and may look into somehow increasing my participation in this very cool activity.

[torker]

Haha Racing as a driving lesson.. I wish my dad would have taken me racing. I learned how to drive in a hay truck. I think I toppled a few stacks of hay:) I remember telling my dad how fun it was driving and he said it was fun trying to ride back there too;) Good story !