Every driver, who has experienced the agony of being stuck in a post-rain, rush-hour gridlock, will agree that this year's traffic in Metro Manila is in its absolute worst. Even sans selfie shots, authors of payday-Friday Twitter posts marked #traffic can be presumed to be hair-pulling, teeth-gnashing, or, worst, head-banging behind their steering wheels. Traffic is so terrible these days that if EDSA were to have a communal swear jar and drivers were to pay P5 every time they curse, the Philippines will be able to afford the construction of a new expressway in less than a week.
But despite all these, one redeeming factor is stopping us from dismissing Metro Manila as the worst place to live if you’re a wannabe racer. In the metro’s heart, just right outside the Central Business District, is City Kart Racing— a 700-m winding asphalt track, where one can drive up to 70 km/h without worries or hesitations. If you’re at your wit's end because of the metro’s horrific traffic, you might want to visit this motorsport venue to vent your frustrations and satisfy your dire need for speed.
Located inside Circuit Makati (formerly Sta. Ana Horse Racetrack), City Kart Racing is a gearhead’s haven amidst the impossibly-congested metro. It is an outdoor kart track that combines straight roads and technical turns for the driving pleasure of both beginners and advanced drivers. With a 700-meter long track, over 90 high-powered karts (4 stroke 200 cc FunKarts, 4 stroke 200 cc ProKarts, and 4 stroke 390cc SuperKarts), and the latest-generation live stream timing system, City Kart Racing is arguably the biggest and most professional go-kart facility in Metro Manila.
What else sets CKR apart from their competition? “Safety is always our priority,” emphasizes chairman Jean-Marc Freihuber who boasts that they are unrivalled in that department. “We follow European standards,” he states. Race license is compulsory and a minimum height requirement of 4 feet is strictly observed. This standard ensures that the drivers can step on pedals properly.
To prove CKR’s claim that go-karting is beginner friendly, I, along with a non-driver, friend visited track to try their first-timer promo. Here’s what we found out:
It’s as easy as operating a bump car… sort of.
Jean-Marc and his marshals will do a thorough briefing before they let you in the cart. The first thing they’ll teach you is how to operate the kart: right pedal is for accelerating and left is for braking. You’ll also be taught how to read the flags which will serve as signals during the race. All of their instructions sound complicated especially for first timers, but once you are in the track, you’ll find that it’s as easy as operating a bump car.
Kids, as young as eight, excel in this sport.
During our race, we met Manuel, a young member of the CKR team. According to him, he was racing since he’s eight. At 12, Manuel set the record for the most laps in a minute. If a boy, half your age, can accomplish this, then there’s no stopping you from rising up the ranks.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Everything else you need is in CKR.
The go-kart will require you to sit with your legs wide apart so make sure you are wearing comfortable pants. Any shoes will do as long as they are flat, comfortable, and will cover your ankles. Balaclava or a head sock is available at CKR for P150. You may borrow a full-face helmet and driving suit in there, too.
It’s an adrenaline-pumping sport that’s more enjoyable when done with your friends.
Cruising for the first time along the winding track is challenging enough, but it becomes all the more enjoyable when you’re racing against your friends. CKR’s state of the art timing system tracks your speed per lap and then ranks you at the end of the race. To heat up the competition, bet on your positions. The loser will have to treat everyone with chow or a beer at the end of the race.
Walk-in Rates
Race License (Compulsory) – P160
1 Heat on Fun Kart – P620
1 Heat on Kiddie Kart – P620
1 Heat on Pro Kart – P900
1 Heat on Pro Kart (Members) – P800
*1 Heat = 12 Minutes
First-timer Promo – P1900
Inclusive of 3 sessions (12 minutes each) + registration + balaclava (head sock)
Membership
1-year membership – P900
1 Heat on Pro Kart – P800
5 Heats on Pro Kart – P3500
10 Heats on Pro Kart – P7000
20 Heats on Pro Kart – P14000
Equipment (optional)
Balaclava (head sock) – P150
Gloves BOX’s – P1500
Karting Maniac T-shirt – P400
City Kart Racing is open from Monday to Thursday, 3:00pm to 12:00am, and Friday to Sunday, 10:00am to 12:00am. For inquiries and reservation, call Sharon at 0917-455-1060 or email sharon@citykartracing.com.
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This October, City Kart Racing (CKR) is hosting “Race to Boracay”. Expecting more than 500 drivers to vie for the “fastest driver” title, “Race to Boracay” could easily be the biggest motorsports event Manila has ever seen. It will be the perfect occasion to meet and mingle with fellow speed enthusiasts.
There will be two classes, juniors (13 to 17 years old) and adults (18 years old and above). Awaiting the winners of each class at the finish line is a 3-day-2-night hotel certificate and round trip airfare for two to the paradise of Boracay. Special treats are also in store for the two runners up. Other drivers will get a chance to win goodies in the raffle.
Schedule of activities for Race to Boracay is as follows:
October 23 – November 14 – Qualifying rounds
*any day except Saturday and Sunday afternoon
November 22 – Pre finale
November 23 – Finale, awarding, and raffle
Entry fee is at P3,900, which includes five qualifying rounds. The early birds, who register before October 17, will get one free practice run.
For more information, call (0917) 4551060 or log on to www.citykartracing.com.
