Karting is good fun and the proper place where races are supposed to be on since it is a controlled environment filled with officials keeping an eagle eye on their precious karts. The dark arts of driving can be sharpened and applied on the road when necessary. That aside, there will be plenty to talk about prior and after the event. Seeing that there are more than quite a few in Klang Valley alone, let’s get to the good, the bad and the ugly.
EDITOR'S PICK
FEATURE: How to; Copilot
FEATURE: Adrenaline
FEATURE: Sepang Gold Coast
PRO
Test of skill
Powerful karts
Condition
CON
Narrow track
Price
OUR BEST TIME
47.2 seconds
RECOMMENDATION
6 to 8 drivers
3 stone park
This is without a question the most technical circuit of the bunch which makes it a tad difficult for first timers since it has got twenty turns altogether. Being sat so low in the kart, you can’t see over high tyre walls until the turn in so forget it altogether when the skies get dark. The technique to this track is all down to perfecting the racing line and having your foot down through a fast right hander to get the best time.
The track is in smoothly paved but things can get slippery. As for the karts, they are in great shape providing good throttle response and strong stopping power. Just be careful of drivers who have spun otherwise a collision almost inevitable. You’ll be forgiven for thinking that 3 stone is stingy since their marshals are eager to stop the race as the 10-minute mark approaches.
PRO
Great training ground
Exposure to karting
CON
The more the merrier
OUR BEST TIME
1 minute 10 seconds
RECOMMENDATION
15 to 20 drivers
Sepang
Anyone at all ranging from first timers or skilled enthusiast will find themselves at home on this track. It is long, wide and in decent condition albeit a little sandy. Mistakes done will not be severely punished because corrections can be easily made in the following bend. The highlight on this circuit would be the hairpin can be difficult to master which makes things even more fun. Their fun karts are very much beaten up and in order to have actual fun, you’ll be better off with more powerful karts on offer. Despite it all, things can be very lonely when there are ten or less participants.
Shah Alam
The track is one that encourages the novice and yet be able to reward the enthusiasts. Karts here are not at all in good shape but the more powerful ones are seriously quick. They not only are fast but also worth the premium for a balanced track like this one. As much as going fast is fun but there is more to learn in slower karts. Tarmac’s in bad shape where rough patches is littered throughout the sandy circuit where one is bound to get blue blacks after a run. So if you are one who bruises easily, it is highly advised to be equipped with racing apparel.
USJ
This too is one with a good blend of turns accompanied by a long straight, a hairpin then a fast left hander. The road surface sits above average providing ample room for overtaking and friendly duels. On a contrary, their karts are seriously under powered for a track like this and more powerful ones are not available. Moreover the power on each of their karts can vary by a lot. If it had rained earlier in the day, water puddles will be everywhere so drivers are bound to get wet.
PRO
Good for all drivers
CON
Track condition
OUR BEST TIME
1 minute 8.5 seconds
RECOMMENDATION
6 to 10 drivers
PRO
Good for all drivers
CON
Track condition
OUR BEST TIME
59.7 seconds
RECOMMENDATION
6 to 10 drivers
Extreme Park Sepang Gold Coast
Also known as Avani, the pace here is a slow which is very suited for novice or anyone at all looking for a good time. The circuit is short and easy to master while karts are slow to the point where one may think it were meant for children.
PRO
Good fun
CON
Slow karts
OUR BEST TIME
Not timed
RECOMMENDATION
4 to 6 drivers
Safety is important while karting but participants are frequently reminded on the penalty of damages and death in the case of an accident while chances of such an occurrence is extremely rare. This instillation of fear takes away a huge chunk of confidence out of beginners. Moreover, the customer service at these facilities are dare I say, appalling. Prices charged in Malaysia may be cheap in comparison to elsewhere in the world but it isn’t the case for most of us here. It is a shame really because such facilities are not viable to everyone which may lead to take things onto public roads. On that footnote, do drop us a comment on tracks we did not include in this list.