Stuck in Florida (Part 2)

The weather forecast for today was for a "save it" day; clear, sunny and temperatures in the mid-60s. No way was I spending any time inside, I wanted to find something to do outdoors. I’m a big fan of racing and yesterday I noticed some racing people at breakfast. I asked what they were in town for and they said there was an ARCA race at Palm Beach International Raceway (the old Moroso Motor sports Park). Since I really wanted to ride a bicycle Saturday I wasn’t interested in the ARCA race. But last night I did check out their website and noticed in addition to the road course and drag strip they had added a kart track to the facility.

Years ago, probably in the early 90’s, I’d driven at Moroso in a Formula Ford at a Skip Barber Racing School. And for several years in the mid to late 90’s I had raced karts (yup that's me in the picture above). This idea is getting me excited! So off to the race track!

The facility just recently changed hands and they have leased the karting portion to MRP Motorsports. MRP is the importer for Birel karts (the last brand of kart chassis I raced) and owns a track in Michigan. I met Ron, an accomplished kart racer, and the manager of the karting facility. In addition to running club races at the track they also rent “fun karts” to the public. Ron showed me around the shop where in addition to about 30 fun karts they also had shifter karts (6 speed transmissions) and several categories of Rotax engined karts.

When I raced karts my Birel  frame was fitted with a Yamaha 100cc engine that produced about 15 HP. The Rotax engine produces about 32 HP. In a slightly over 100 pound kart frame that is a significant amount of additional power. OK, twist my arm; I want to try the Rotax kart.

I was introduced to Tim. Tim is helping the new owners get the operation started; he owns the Oakland Valley Race Park in Cuddleback, NY. I actually raced a couple times at Oakland Valley and enjoyed talking shop with Tim. Tim had the mechanics set up my kart, fit my seat and get it ready. Tim introduced me to Dan a Brazilian kart racer that works there and would be my racing partner. The track would allow groups of people in the fun karts out, or Tim (who was coaching some aspiring new kart racers aged 6-9 years old) out with his group and Dan and I would slot in between the groups and run 10 lap sessions. Dan would lead and I would follow him for part of the session and then I would lead and Dan would follow me, so we could analyze my lines and speed during the breaks.

The first session out and WOW this thing is FAST! Tremendous acceleration and according to Dan able to pull over 2 G’s in the corners; I was quickly reminded how physical this sport is. It’s a good thing they planned short 10 lap sessions because at the end of 10 laps I was ready for a drink of water and a rest.

With all the people there and the much needed rest periods between sessions I made a day of the kart racing. At the end of the day I was physically exhausted but had a smile that couldn’t be wiped off my face.

Work tomorrow and then fly back to NJ.