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Journalism of Courage
This is one vehicle which doesn’t need a licence to drive! The Go-Kart, as it is called, is a load of fun from the word Go’. The micro racing car is a brightly-coloured, low-suspension vehicle, equipped only with a brake, accelerator and steering wheel for controls. A new word in entertainment surely, but no kid’s play, this.
Shyam Kothari, motor-cross racing champion, and Sagar Chordia, a keen racer, have created the first Go-Kart racing track in the city at Koregaon Park Annexe, North Main Road, Mundhwa, and by the looks of it, it will soon overtake all the happening entertainment spots in the city.
“We want to encourage more people to participate in racing, this track is a stepping stone towards making better drivers,” says Kothari, looking every inch the racer, attired in wind-cheater, gloves, dark glasses and helmet as he steers the little car on to the track.
“The track has been specially made as per international standards,” says Chordia, pointing to the track which is being given the final touches for its launch on February 15. The 410-metre-long and 20-foot-wide track is a criss-cross network and easy to negotiate once the racing enthusiast gets familiarised with the twists and turns of the road.
One can easily visualise eight drivers taking their places and zooming onto the track, which is cushioned by a bank of rubber tyres. As a guide to the drivers, flags are planted at different turns and 12 marshals will help the drivers along. “Each race will be monitored by computers, and the speed, and time taken, of each racer precisely noted,” adds Chordia, “which will be a great help to beginners”.
Drivers will be taught the basic rules and provided with jackets and helmets. Amongst the highlights’ of this track are the floodlights, fitted atop five poles around the track, for use on late evenings, as the track will remain open till 11 p.m., closing for lunch from 1 to 4 p.m. after the morning session.
As this new track comes to town, racing buffs can get into top gear to enjoy this new means of entertainment. Go-getters, you can get your driving gear ready!
