KARTING

Karting is a sport that very few people know about. Actually if you mention the word “Karting” to the general public the first thing that comes to their mind is a children’s game, unfortunately that’s far from reality. However, this sport is actually one of the most physical demanding. Professional drivers are well known for their great resistance to high temperatures, physical and mental stress. It is also the first step for those who want to get to formula 1, or simply are adrenaline junkies.

Last summer, a group of friends and I decide to go to Boston F1 in Braintree, MA. We all went there in search of one thing “Glory”, race to each other to see who can be the fastest. Before the race starts you must participate in a 10 minutes instructive course. Which shows you the safety regulations, type of gear and equipment that must be worn during the race.

It was my first time at Boston F1, I really had low expectations about this track, because is an indoor track. According to my personal experience indoor karting tracks aren’t as fun as outdoor track, but I was impressed by the track layout. Usually indoor tracks are narrower and have less space to develop high speed, while outdoors tracks also have runoff areas. Which can help to avoid a collision or simply to pull off for a breakdown. But the main reason to all drivers is that gives you more confidence to take turns at higher speeds. Well, the time has arrived to get into the karts. Wearing a red race suit and a white helmet, with the visor ¾ down and the remaining gap to let the air circulate inside our helmets. Our first session or stint is a couple of warm up laps, followed by the qualy. This is the short name for qualification, that’s when every driver in the grid does his or her best time individually. The results of the qualy, will set the order of the drivers line up in the grid.

The green flag goes down and driver’s speed up like lunatics, like there is no tomorrow. It always happens some of the less experience drivers are left behind, because of the lack of knowledge in the limitations and confidence of the kart. But the front contenders, often becomes sort of a Viking battle. Where the more consistent with better physical and mental preparation is most likely to win.

I personally did the fastest time in 2 out of 4 stints and also reach the top speed of the night, but unfortunately didn’t win, because in the middle of the race I was black flagged, which means I was sanctioned for reckless driving at some point during the race. Which made me lose a few points that cost me the race.

Alexis Muñoz/540610