HSCCV Go Kart Night - June 2006

It was a big night at Ace Karts, Sunshine, when the el primo driving talent from HSCCV gathered for a show down of raw ego and half baked talent, with all the expected brow furrowing, teeth sucking and furtive looks at cheat sheets of excuses (in case it all turned to merde) that accompanies championship rated contests such as this.

In all 15 members braved the semi- Arctic conditions, although two of our Junior members were unfortunately unable to join the race group due to age restrictions (I think it was a clause along the lines of don’t make the poor old farts look bad…) and instead had fun terrorising the general public later in the night. After a torrid 15 minute practice, which saw the sad demise of Peter “had a big feed of noodles to keep me going” Stewart when said noodles were nearly deposited in the helmet, the remaining contestants were lined up for the gladiatorial affair.

When the flag dropped the bullshit stopped, and with the full 9hp (WOW! That’s more than most human beings ever experience! Well, in the 18th century, anyway) being eagerly exploited by all and sundry the battle for honours began. Cold tyres and close competition made the first couple of laps an interesting affair, with yours truly getting it all sideways on the third corner and copping a t-boning as a result (obviously the cold tyres!) which put me about as far back as is possible while still being on the same track. The 15 minutes took further toll on some, particularly those who had forgotten minor essential requirements such as gloves—I was in that category, and found I could get in a quick hand wringing down the front straight as I tried to get some sense of feeling, and blood circulation, back into them.

At the end of the race, it was Greg Kastelic who took the honours, ahead of Paul and Wayne, with another 4 on the same lap. All in all a top night, and remarkable for the fact that we had no incidents requiring either yellow or reds lights, no safety cars were needed and no damage due to reverse grids was encountered—maybe Tony Cochrane should make these Karts the basis for the next parity change!