We’ve all been go-karting before, but have you ever thought of joining a team? With the F1 fever hot on our tails, lots of kids and adults are getting into the action. One local team which have been doing really well in the racing circuit is Drakar Racing Team. It was really nice of them to invite me to give it a go recently at their home track at Kartright Speedway in Jurong.

I’m one who loves the adrenalin rush from sports, and this was an opportunity I could not pass.

Jon, who is part of the Drakar racing team gave me a quick run down on what a normal weekend meet up would be like and the race circuit they take part in. I had no idea a community existed nor did I know there was a racing circuit locally and with neighbouring countries. If you were ever going to be a serious race driver, you’d always start with karting.

About the Drakar Racing Team
Founded by entrepreneurs Jonathan Tay, Raymond Low and Edwin Seah, Drakar Racing Team was set up with the purpose of allowing Singaporeans a chance to race in go-karts and grooming potential local talents. Started by Singaporeans for Singaporeans, Drakar Racing was set up last year and has 12 drivers on the team now – the youngest being nine-year-old Jordan Tay and the oldest driver being Rick Chiam who is in his 50s. Serving as a platform for drivers to race, they will be managed properly, including sourcing of sponsorships and data analysis to improve racing techniques.

This thrill ain’t cheap, but I guess everyone has their passion. Mountain bikers can easily spend 3k on a bike, and $90+ a month on service and parts.

Full Equipped Kart (new) – S$10,000 – S$15,000
Race Wear & Helmet – S$1500
New Tyres (per set of 4) – S$300
Basic Engine Rebuild – S$300
Kart Storage (per month) – S$150
Transport (per outing) – S$120 (with petrol and kart preparation)
Track Fee – S$60

BUT, having said that, items above can be bought in the marketplace 2nd hand. So if you’re really keen on the hobby, don’t be discouraged. Perhaps try fun karting first and speak to the Drakar Team.

I got introduced to Nasir aka Opai, who is one of, if not THE top kart driver in Singapore. For safety reasons, was required to wear a racing suit, so he kindly lent me his.

Lovin the race suit look.

Nasir gave me the lo-down on track rules and safety and before you know it I was on my way.

With every loop, I got a bit more confident and a bit more daring. But there was one hairpin turn which I was cautioned about and slowed down substantially for.

After the first 5 rounds around the circuit, you start to realise why F1 drivers have to be extremely physically fit. My arms were really getting a work out from all the steering and by the end of 15mins or driving, I was dripping with sweat! Didn’t help that I was driving in mid afternoon heat.

I’ve always enjoyed go-karting. Got my advance card in Perth while I was there, it just meant you were allowed to drive the faster karts. But Jon’s go-kart was crazy fast! Small tap on the throttle and you lunge forward. fun! Here’s a short video compilation of that afternoon.

Here’s a Drakar Racing Team video I found on YouTube on a recent Endurance race in Singapore.

Karting in Singapore

To find out more about the Drakar Racing Team, racer profiles, racing circuit and how to join them, visit their website at: www.drakarracing.com/