Finally I managed to do some karting. But after the last post asking when I am able to kart, I did in fact do 2 sessions including yesterday in Plentong. And 1 more very short session in Yanai Karting in Yamaguchi Japan!
Yanai was memorable as it was a public holiday in Japan on 13th October and it became a sports day with Inoue-san's family! I also test drove a Nissan GTR! Albeit, its a remote control car. Heehee. The kart was using 100cc Yamaha engines, I did not find out what was the exact model, I think SC perhaps. The track from the picture on the website was a little bit technical,
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
When?
When was the last time I karted? Hmmmmm
I think it was June 21st! Thats a LOONNGGG time ago.
I have seen the new track, looks like a fast track. But what the heck, backside itchey. Maybe not this month as well. Most prob early September?
I think it was June 21st! Thats a LOONNGGG time ago.
I have seen the new track, looks like a fast track. But what the heck, backside itchey. Maybe not this month as well. Most prob early September?
Monday, August 4, 2008
Speeding Rocks!
corresponding post from VK
3 Aug 08, 5 more days to the Olympics, I finally visited the new track
at Plentong.
Where the previous track is located just by the side of a main road,
this new track is hidden away.
It's like if you want to get to something good, you have to seek it.
You will have to venture. You will have to drive through about 4Km
of dirt track
And mind you, it took us about 15 mins to complete this dirt track.
There are stones, and humps, and pot holes to deal with.
So do not think you're driving in some stages of WRC Rally... because
if you do, I am quite sure there are no Service Parks at the end of the
'stage' to repair damaged suspensions or radiator been hit by stones.
Upon reaching the track, it's all buzz again! Buzzing with flies!
Because this area was a fruit farm, the flies still lingers on.
There was no one there as yet at about 10.15am.
We were suspecting that if anyone will come in at all!
But before we got started, there was one group of 4-5 persons
who arrived and ready for fun karting.
Then steadily throughout the afternoon, there are groups who
came in and karted. Interestingly, I believed now I am not the only
crazy ones along with my friends!
I did not take any picture of the track itself, as it has been posted
in few forums, and one of those is located at:
http://kartingedge.com/forum/index.php?topic=260.0
The tarmac is smooth. The track wide. So we are ready to go out
once again! Today, the boss had put forth this configuration of the
track for us to try (path is marked with red dots)
The distance of this particular configuration is about 1.1Km.
Once you exit from the pit, it's something of a hairpin which I
marked as Turn 1. If you are not from the pit, Turn 1 is wide 180
degree right turn. At this turn, I will need to carry as much speed
as possible for the long straight.
The straight is slightly upslope, and the speed will built up to its
max about half way or 3/4 way through it. From there, you have
to be ready for Turn 2, a very high speed right hander which is
still uphill.
Here, after my 1st session I had to tweak my rear end as it
fish-tail a bit no matter how I turn delicately. Session 2 was
much better.
Turn 3 come quick and fast. Another fast right hander down slope.
If you have balls of steel, a very good brake and good set up for
Turn 4, right hander hairpin, one can full throttle and brake at
the last possible moment and turn! COOL...! But, last I checked
it was not made of steel!
Anyway, if you brake too late for this corner you will more often
than not find you and your kart in the ditch. Don't believe, ask
Desmond.
After Turn 4, you will gently climb uphill again for Turn 5.
Look at the track layout, and you will see it's something a 300
degree left hander that will bring you back downhill. Here, it will
crucial to find the correct speed and line to take. Which after
trying and looking at over again, it's about 3/4 away from the
most inside line. This is the most challenging section of the whole
track. My neck hurts now
I had never do round about so fast
ever before!
Finishing Turn 5, the section before Turn 6 is quite tricky as
there is a quick Left then Right before the very wide right turn.
Which is Turn 6, I reckon you will have to use all the available
track so that you can carry much speed into the pit section of the
track and the straight before Turn 7.
Turn 7 is deceiving. It seems wide. As a mater of fact, it is. But
because you think it is SO Wide, you tend to bring too much
speed into it forcing you to go too wide. I know, because I'm
guilty and nearly paid for it!
Oh, I did nearly went off as well at a very high speed at Turn 2.
I was already feeling hot and tired when we went for the 3rd
session at 1.30pm.
A blink of my eyes, and I was steering a second too late for the
corner.... Luckily for the wide track I managed to
recover to be on my way back to the pits and called it a day.
The track is fun.
But well, karting is always fun, isn't it?
In a nutshell, this track is hidden because it will be a gem in time
to come when the rubber is laid down from more karts.
Since it's a relatively high speed track, one will get tired more
easily without feeling too much torque from the kart. Fatigue
will come from full concentration and the G force from Istanbul
like Turn 5.
So you think you can go fast.... try this @ Plentong!
3 Aug 08, 5 more days to the Olympics, I finally visited the new track
at Plentong.
Where the previous track is located just by the side of a main road,
this new track is hidden away.
It's like if you want to get to something good, you have to seek it.
You will have to venture. You will have to drive through about 4Km
of dirt track
And mind you, it took us about 15 mins to complete this dirt track.
There are stones, and humps, and pot holes to deal with.
So do not think you're driving in some stages of WRC Rally... because
if you do, I am quite sure there are no Service Parks at the end of the
'stage' to repair damaged suspensions or radiator been hit by stones.
Upon reaching the track, it's all buzz again! Buzzing with flies!
Because this area was a fruit farm, the flies still lingers on.
There was no one there as yet at about 10.15am.
We were suspecting that if anyone will come in at all!
But before we got started, there was one group of 4-5 persons
who arrived and ready for fun karting.
Then steadily throughout the afternoon, there are groups who
came in and karted. Interestingly, I believed now I am not the only
crazy ones along with my friends!
I did not take any picture of the track itself, as it has been posted
in few forums, and one of those is located at:
http://kartingedge.com/forum/index.php?topic=260.0
The tarmac is smooth. The track wide. So we are ready to go out
once again! Today, the boss had put forth this configuration of the
track for us to try (path is marked with red dots)
The distance of this particular configuration is about 1.1Km.
Once you exit from the pit, it's something of a hairpin which I
marked as Turn 1. If you are not from the pit, Turn 1 is wide 180
degree right turn. At this turn, I will need to carry as much speed
as possible for the long straight.
The straight is slightly upslope, and the speed will built up to its
max about half way or 3/4 way through it. From there, you have
to be ready for Turn 2, a very high speed right hander which is
still uphill.
Here, after my 1st session I had to tweak my rear end as it
fish-tail a bit no matter how I turn delicately. Session 2 was
much better.
Turn 3 come quick and fast. Another fast right hander down slope.
If you have balls of steel, a very good brake and good set up for
Turn 4, right hander hairpin, one can full throttle and brake at
the last possible moment and turn! COOL...! But, last I checked
it was not made of steel!
Anyway, if you brake too late for this corner you will more often
than not find you and your kart in the ditch. Don't believe, ask
Desmond.
After Turn 4, you will gently climb uphill again for Turn 5.
Look at the track layout, and you will see it's something a 300
degree left hander that will bring you back downhill. Here, it will
crucial to find the correct speed and line to take. Which after
trying and looking at over again, it's about 3/4 away from the
most inside line. This is the most challenging section of the whole
track. My neck hurts now
I had never do round about so fastever before!
Finishing Turn 5, the section before Turn 6 is quite tricky as
there is a quick Left then Right before the very wide right turn.
Which is Turn 6, I reckon you will have to use all the available
track so that you can carry much speed into the pit section of the
track and the straight before Turn 7.
Turn 7 is deceiving. It seems wide. As a mater of fact, it is. But
because you think it is SO Wide, you tend to bring too much
speed into it forcing you to go too wide. I know, because I'm
guilty and nearly paid for it!
Oh, I did nearly went off as well at a very high speed at Turn 2.
I was already feeling hot and tired when we went for the 3rd
session at 1.30pm.
A blink of my eyes, and I was steering a second too late for the
corner....
Luckily for the wide track I managed torecover to be on my way back to the pits and called it a day.
The track is fun.
But well, karting is always fun, isn't it?In a nutshell, this track is hidden because it will be a gem in time
to come when the rubber is laid down from more karts.
Since it's a relatively high speed track, one will get tired more
easily without feeling too much torque from the kart. Fatigue
will come from full concentration and the G force from Istanbul
like Turn 5.
So you think you can go fast.... try this @ Plentong!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Change(s) is Good
i am quite the opposite from the KP's take on changing the setting
on the kart. of cos there are things which i'm uncomfortable in
changing, e.g. seat position.
basically, once the seat position is right and good, there is no need
to change it as 10mm lower may or may not help in the stability of
the kart. also not to mention, the hassle of moving the kart seat can
be take up quite a lot of work and a lot of time!
however, i will happily change engine jettings based on weather
condition, widen front tyre width setting when the tyres are going
botak, widening the rear tyre width settings if the rears are new.
& vice versa. this changes can help the kart to handle better and
it's simple to deal with.
the power of observation can and is a a powerful tools to be better,
Agreed!
but the advices of others have to be tried and then to determine
whether it is good & suitable for us.
else, we will only see what others are doing. and without trying it
ourselves, we will not know if indeed that's the one change
(read: improvement) that we are looking for.
however, every one has a different take on it. but KP's take is his,
and mine is well, mine. i'm not changing it.
jon
on the kart. of cos there are things which i'm uncomfortable in
changing, e.g. seat position.
basically, once the seat position is right and good, there is no need
to change it as 10mm lower may or may not help in the stability of
the kart. also not to mention, the hassle of moving the kart seat can
be take up quite a lot of work and a lot of time!
however, i will happily change engine jettings based on weather
condition, widen front tyre width setting when the tyres are going
botak, widening the rear tyre width settings if the rears are new.
& vice versa. this changes can help the kart to handle better and
it's simple to deal with.
the power of observation can and is a a powerful tools to be better,
Agreed!
but the advices of others have to be tried and then to determine
whether it is good & suitable for us.
else, we will only see what others are doing. and without trying it
ourselves, we will not know if indeed that's the one change
(read: improvement) that we are looking for.
however, every one has a different take on it. but KP's take is his,
and mine is well, mine. i'm not changing it.
jon
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Zero Visitors
Just checked the site monitoring I have subscribed to. And its reporting a big fat ZERO in the number of visitors here. Cool.
No Karting for me this July. Most probably in end August. And maybe we will have shifted to the new track. But with a new track, there will be even more confusion when it comes to kart setup. Lucky those who have coaches. Here, I have to learn everything practically by myself, just like how I learnt how to skate all by the power of observation and just going out to skate!
At the moment, I still believe the biggest setup that needs to be done is the driver. Once the driver is consistent, then move on to changing the kart itself.
No Karting for me this July. Most probably in end August. And maybe we will have shifted to the new track. But with a new track, there will be even more confusion when it comes to kart setup. Lucky those who have coaches. Here, I have to learn everything practically by myself, just like how I learnt how to skate all by the power of observation and just going out to skate!
At the moment, I still believe the biggest setup that needs to be done is the driver. Once the driver is consistent, then move on to changing the kart itself.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
You should, You should, You should
Seems like there will always be lots of advice on how to setup your kart. Not that I am complaining, any advice that makes you go faster is always welcomed. You should change your jetting? You should change your final gear? You should lower your seat?
I have resisted all and just played with kart tire pressure only. In this respect, I am still a newbie, but in simple terms, you need to have your tires at the correct pressure for it to work at its optimum. For short races, best you start at a higher pressure as the race would be too short for the temperature to rise till it hits the tire's optimum pressure. For long races, best to start at a lower pressure else you will find late on in the race that your tires are losing its grip.
We can see in F1 where those teams that changed from Michelin to BS tires will struggle with managing the new tires. Which is a fact that I am facing. Why? Because here in Singapore / Malaysia, we do not have a constant supply of the same tires. I am using a set of Yokohamas now, and after this, I do not think I will be able to get another set. Most probably, I will have to switch to Mojos, and I hope we can get a steady supply of these.
Also last week, I have set down to create a list of data that I want recorded. Time to get a little bit more professional. In this respect, I would need to be able to measure Pressure, Temperature and Humidity. Any sponsors?
I have resisted all and just played with kart tire pressure only. In this respect, I am still a newbie, but in simple terms, you need to have your tires at the correct pressure for it to work at its optimum. For short races, best you start at a higher pressure as the race would be too short for the temperature to rise till it hits the tire's optimum pressure. For long races, best to start at a lower pressure else you will find late on in the race that your tires are losing its grip.
We can see in F1 where those teams that changed from Michelin to BS tires will struggle with managing the new tires. Which is a fact that I am facing. Why? Because here in Singapore / Malaysia, we do not have a constant supply of the same tires. I am using a set of Yokohamas now, and after this, I do not think I will be able to get another set. Most probably, I will have to switch to Mojos, and I hope we can get a steady supply of these.
Also last week, I have set down to create a list of data that I want recorded. Time to get a little bit more professional. In this respect, I would need to be able to measure Pressure, Temperature and Humidity. Any sponsors?
Friday, June 27, 2008
390cc Enduro Race Report
21st June. Met up with the kakis and had breakfast at a new location. After discovering Grandpa, which is located in the bunch of shops right after bhp petrol station, we have been going there for breakfast eversince! This time, we were introduced to Kim's and I must say, the KOPI is definitely good! I believe not only must you kart, you must also know where to get your food as well! With the track moving to a new location soon, I will try to update on the nearby eateries there as well. Hopefully with my GPS up and running, you can get your GPS co-ord here too!
Thats for food, now back to the race! This time, our team members are made up of
Jon - Team Principle
Leo - Driver Uno
Des - WRC wannabe
KP - Spin too much
We started off drawing kart no.41, and from initial inspection, suspect the kart may not turn well. But when Leo started his timed qualifying laps, he hit a timing of 1:16:xx which was 1 secs faster than P2! We got P1 !!! Now THAT was a surprise as we thought P2 using kart 916 is the strongest kart.
When the race was flagged off, we can see that 41 does have speed as well, beating 916 to the first turn, and there after, Leo continued to build up his lead during his first 26mins. While we were discussing whether to bring Leo in as his timing was starting to drop from a consistent 1:18 to 1:19 and 1:22, when he suddenly came into the pit lane with his brakes smoking. We could hear him shout "Throttle JAM!", somehow, we were so surprised we spent 1 minute looking at his kart before I got into action by suiting up and jumping into kart 33. On hindsight, we should have gotten Leo to jump straight into kart 33 and not wait for me to suit up.
Now Kart 33 was handling well during the first 3 laps, in fact, I managed to overtake another kart. It does not accelerate well, but if you can maintain the revs high, it does go well. But our TP decided to call me in to switch back to kart 41, as I found out later, I was only doing laps of 1:21 to 1:22. In Kart 41, I had to relearn how to drive another setup again. I found the handling is not as good as kart 33, but its brake is solid. Also, there were no acceleration! Looking at how well Leo was getting on earlier, I can only surmise that the throttle line was not repaired properly, and I can hear the engine not reving up to its peak.
This mean I have to start defending! On the straights, I can see the karts behind have the power to overtake me, so I had to drive on the left and let them commit to overtake me on the right. Once they are commited, all I had too do was close the gap as turn 1 is a left turn, if they cannot get ahead of me, they will not be able to overtake. In fact, I had to rub tires with one of the kart. This I did for 3 laps, before I made a mistake at hairpin 1 and drove a bit wide, losing revs and not able to pick up speed to defend my line before the kart overtook me just in time. And our TP was waiting for me at the entrance of the pit lane, signalling that my race is over.
Leo hopped back on, and I was told Leo cannot take it when I was overtaken...heehee...I was also doing laps of 1:20 to 1:21, but I told our TP the throttle cannot be opened full, which Leo later confirmed when he came back in to change driver with Des.
All in, it was fun racing the 390cc again, and we can see what an enduro can do to a kart. 3 karts had brake fade, and in the final 10 minutes, the kart lying in 2nd had to come in via banging into Jason's kart as he has no brakes! That enabled us to move up from 5th to 4th.
Oh, did I mention our dear TP - JoN spun on his first lap out? Heehee, he still owes us lunch for that! As he did spin more than the Spin A Lot.
Thats for food, now back to the race! This time, our team members are made up of
Jon - Team Principle
Leo - Driver Uno
Des - WRC wannabe
KP - Spin too much
We started off drawing kart no.41, and from initial inspection, suspect the kart may not turn well. But when Leo started his timed qualifying laps, he hit a timing of 1:16:xx which was 1 secs faster than P2! We got P1 !!! Now THAT was a surprise as we thought P2 using kart 916 is the strongest kart.
When the race was flagged off, we can see that 41 does have speed as well, beating 916 to the first turn, and there after, Leo continued to build up his lead during his first 26mins. While we were discussing whether to bring Leo in as his timing was starting to drop from a consistent 1:18 to 1:19 and 1:22, when he suddenly came into the pit lane with his brakes smoking. We could hear him shout "Throttle JAM!", somehow, we were so surprised we spent 1 minute looking at his kart before I got into action by suiting up and jumping into kart 33. On hindsight, we should have gotten Leo to jump straight into kart 33 and not wait for me to suit up.
Now Kart 33 was handling well during the first 3 laps, in fact, I managed to overtake another kart. It does not accelerate well, but if you can maintain the revs high, it does go well. But our TP decided to call me in to switch back to kart 41, as I found out later, I was only doing laps of 1:21 to 1:22. In Kart 41, I had to relearn how to drive another setup again. I found the handling is not as good as kart 33, but its brake is solid. Also, there were no acceleration! Looking at how well Leo was getting on earlier, I can only surmise that the throttle line was not repaired properly, and I can hear the engine not reving up to its peak.
This mean I have to start defending! On the straights, I can see the karts behind have the power to overtake me, so I had to drive on the left and let them commit to overtake me on the right. Once they are commited, all I had too do was close the gap as turn 1 is a left turn, if they cannot get ahead of me, they will not be able to overtake. In fact, I had to rub tires with one of the kart. This I did for 3 laps, before I made a mistake at hairpin 1 and drove a bit wide, losing revs and not able to pick up speed to defend my line before the kart overtook me just in time. And our TP was waiting for me at the entrance of the pit lane, signalling that my race is over.
Leo hopped back on, and I was told Leo cannot take it when I was overtaken...heehee...I was also doing laps of 1:20 to 1:21, but I told our TP the throttle cannot be opened full, which Leo later confirmed when he came back in to change driver with Des.
All in, it was fun racing the 390cc again, and we can see what an enduro can do to a kart. 3 karts had brake fade, and in the final 10 minutes, the kart lying in 2nd had to come in via banging into Jason's kart as he has no brakes! That enabled us to move up from 5th to 4th.
Oh, did I mention our dear TP - JoN spun on his first lap out? Heehee, he still owes us lunch for that! As he did spin more than the Spin A Lot.
Friday, June 20, 2008
K[p] - Bumper sticker
Saw this on the bumper of a car, modified it to this
"A bad day karting is still better than a good day at work!"
"A bad day karting is still better than a good day at work!"
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Strategies! jOn
21 June, 10am, 390cc 2 hours Enduro Race @ Permas.
we will be having 4 drivers, KP, Des, Leo, and myself. the aim is simple. get more laps around the track than any other teams. if we are on par with the teams on number of laps, get in front of them! easy rite? haha not so.
our competitors are not so 'easy meat'. and since there are 4 of us, we will have to decide who will be the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th driver. also we will need to think when do we switch over, having the information of each full tank of petrol can last ~ 45mins.
having considering some or all factors, this is wat i have come up with: starting with the easiest.
Plan 1 :
all driver change over will take place at every 30min interval.
that pit stop will also include petrol top up.the only qnn is who to go 1st.
i will go for Leo. he can push almost any kart fast enough to give us a lead or a respectable position in the 1st leg. regardless of strategy, i will have him to go 1st and hope the kart we draw and his skill can be use to our advantage. i will not go on to say who's our next few drivers, as it will not be really important now. will have to play by ears.
==============================================
Plan 2: Longer stints, out of sync pit stops
1st driver will drive for 35mins. then change over with petrol top up.
2nd driver will go for 25 mins. change over will take place at 60min mark. no petrol top up!
3rd driver will drive for ~18mins or less. this is very impt and risky. we should be faster due to lower fuel load, and hope to gain some advantages. however, we do not know for sure if the engine will be using more fuel. pushing it very near the 45min mark is a risk.
4th driver will hope on at the 78-80mins mark. top up petrol and drive 42 mins! that should do it!
==============================================
Plan 3: Long mid stint.
1st driver will drive for 25mins.
2nd driver will hop on, with petrol top up. he will hit the track for about 40mins.
3rd driver will be on at approximately 65mins mark. likewise, he will drive for 40 mins with petrol top up durin pit stop.
last driver will be driving for 15 mins only with the change over at 105mins mark. the petrol top for the last change will be short with only less than half tank needed.
the idea of the longer mid stint, should the drivers can take it, have significant advantage. as other teams will stop during these times while we continue to pound the track.
==============================================
while these may 'look' like 'good' plans, it will only work better if we have an above average kart. our team of drivers will no doubt deliver no matter of the plan choose to use. but if the kart sucks, that's it! so, we pray for Good Luck!
we will be having 4 drivers, KP, Des, Leo, and myself. the aim is simple. get more laps around the track than any other teams. if we are on par with the teams on number of laps, get in front of them! easy rite? haha not so.
our competitors are not so 'easy meat'. and since there are 4 of us, we will have to decide who will be the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th driver. also we will need to think when do we switch over, having the information of each full tank of petrol can last ~ 45mins.
having considering some or all factors, this is wat i have come up with: starting with the easiest.
Plan 1 :
all driver change over will take place at every 30min interval.
that pit stop will also include petrol top up.the only qnn is who to go 1st.
i will go for Leo. he can push almost any kart fast enough to give us a lead or a respectable position in the 1st leg. regardless of strategy, i will have him to go 1st and hope the kart we draw and his skill can be use to our advantage. i will not go on to say who's our next few drivers, as it will not be really important now. will have to play by ears.
==============================================
Plan 2: Longer stints, out of sync pit stops
1st driver will drive for 35mins. then change over with petrol top up.
2nd driver will go for 25 mins. change over will take place at 60min mark. no petrol top up!
3rd driver will drive for ~18mins or less. this is very impt and risky. we should be faster due to lower fuel load, and hope to gain some advantages. however, we do not know for sure if the engine will be using more fuel. pushing it very near the 45min mark is a risk.
4th driver will hope on at the 78-80mins mark. top up petrol and drive 42 mins! that should do it!
==============================================
Plan 3: Long mid stint.
1st driver will drive for 25mins.
2nd driver will hop on, with petrol top up. he will hit the track for about 40mins.
3rd driver will be on at approximately 65mins mark. likewise, he will drive for 40 mins with petrol top up durin pit stop.
last driver will be driving for 15 mins only with the change over at 105mins mark. the petrol top for the last change will be short with only less than half tank needed.
the idea of the longer mid stint, should the drivers can take it, have significant advantage. as other teams will stop during these times while we continue to pound the track.
==============================================
while these may 'look' like 'good' plans, it will only work better if we have an above average kart. our team of drivers will no doubt deliver no matter of the plan choose to use. but if the kart sucks, that's it! so, we pray for Good Luck!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
K[p] - Last Race in Permas BIG Track
Well...well...well...looks like we will get to race on the big track in Permas this coming Saturday for the 390cc Enduro. Which will probably be the very last time, probably, because look at how many times our Kallang Stadium has held its last game?
Anyway, it will be tiring on the big track, and jOn has plans for us to race 30mins at one go! At least Des and me are still quite used to the way a rental kart can handle, but if it does not turn well, it will have to be manhandled to turn.
Anyway, it will be tiring on the big track, and jOn has plans for us to race 30mins at one go! At least Des and me are still quite used to the way a rental kart can handle, but if it does not turn well, it will have to be manhandled to turn.
Friday, June 13, 2008
K[p] - Home Track Going Soon
The Go-kart track in Permas Jaya, Johor, Malaysia where I became seriously interested in the sport, will be demolished soon. The so called inner track is scheduled for demolition starting next week.
A short eulogy.
Started using the 80cc 2-stroke fun kart for 2 months, then preceeded to use only the WPP 80cc 2-stroke before they ran out of spares. The WPP is still one of my favs. So I was introduced to the 100cc 2-stroke Yamahas (dont know which engine version was this) before they too ran out of parts and was retired. But I probably only karted twice in these karts. Next up was the 390cc 4-stroke which we are still using till today and coming up next week, we are using these 390cc for the endurance race. In between popped in the so called Road Rats, which are actually 80cc 4-strokes Honda engine, and they could keep up with the 390cc if you drive them well. But if you have a good driver in the 390cc, you would probably lose 2 to 3 secs per lap. But hey, they are RM15 cheaper to rent!
Have not seen the new track in Plentong. Will post more when we do. And this time, we will prob try to name the corners so everyone knows which corner we are talking about rather than, turn 1, 2, 3, S-bend, U-turn etc.
A short eulogy.
Started using the 80cc 2-stroke fun kart for 2 months, then preceeded to use only the WPP 80cc 2-stroke before they ran out of spares. The WPP is still one of my favs. So I was introduced to the 100cc 2-stroke Yamahas (dont know which engine version was this) before they too ran out of parts and was retired. But I probably only karted twice in these karts. Next up was the 390cc 4-stroke which we are still using till today and coming up next week, we are using these 390cc for the endurance race. In between popped in the so called Road Rats, which are actually 80cc 4-strokes Honda engine, and they could keep up with the 390cc if you drive them well. But if you have a good driver in the 390cc, you would probably lose 2 to 3 secs per lap. But hey, they are RM15 cheaper to rent!
Have not seen the new track in Plentong. Will post more when we do. And this time, we will prob try to name the corners so everyone knows which corner we are talking about rather than, turn 1, 2, 3, S-bend, U-turn etc.
Monday, June 9, 2008
K[p] - Front End Crash
I just don't react FAST enough!
Whats the first rule about driving and avoiding something? You just don't look at it! Look at a tree, you will crash into a tree, look at the wall, you will crash into the wall, and STARE at the fun kart, you will crash into the fun kart. Good driver do not get into scraps. Remember that!
On the Gillard, finally found out its a 010 chassis. But still to find the year of manufacture. On wet, went too fast into turn 1 and spun twice! Spun at u-turn twice! Jeez. Time to sit back and rethink my driving.
Anyway, there is another enduro coming up on the 21st. This time using the 390cc, hope they are in good condition. Watch out for our team list.
Whats the first rule about driving and avoiding something? You just don't look at it! Look at a tree, you will crash into a tree, look at the wall, you will crash into the wall, and STARE at the fun kart, you will crash into the fun kart. Good driver do not get into scraps. Remember that!
On the Gillard, finally found out its a 010 chassis. But still to find the year of manufacture. On wet, went too fast into turn 1 and spun twice! Spun at u-turn twice! Jeez. Time to sit back and rethink my driving.
Anyway, there is another enduro coming up on the 21st. This time using the 390cc, hope they are in good condition. Watch out for our team list.
wat goes around will comes around..
8 June, Canadian F1 Grand Prix... BMW scores 1st win with
Robert Kubica! excellent win for the guy who does everything
to make himself competitive this season, not that he is
uncompetitive last season. but before the start of this season
he goes on a diet, making himself leaner so that he can move
some ballast to the front of the car giving the car more front
end grip.
yesterday win is deserving for a guy who 12 months ago suffered
a horrific crash, but only to have a sore ankle after that!
well done Robert! wat a win!
however, the highlight of the race was another crash... at the end of
the pitlane no less! red light, Kubica and Kimi stopped side by side,
but Lewis seeing the red light late, can't stop in time and hit Kimi's car.
sounds familiar? last race, Kimi hit Sutil's car when he can't brake
in time for corner after exiting the tunnel..
but Kimi has this to say: “Obviously, anyone can make mistakes, as
I did two weeks ago in Monaco, but it's one thing to make a mistake
at 200 miles per hour but another to hit a car stopped at a red light."
hey... Karma, my fren. CARMA!
and hey hey... wat did i say abt braking?
Robert Kubica! excellent win for the guy who does everything
to make himself competitive this season, not that he is
uncompetitive last season. but before the start of this season
he goes on a diet, making himself leaner so that he can move
some ballast to the front of the car giving the car more front
end grip.
yesterday win is deserving for a guy who 12 months ago suffered
a horrific crash, but only to have a sore ankle after that!
well done Robert! wat a win!
however, the highlight of the race was another crash... at the end ofthe pitlane no less! red light, Kubica and Kimi stopped side by side,
but Lewis seeing the red light late, can't stop in time and hit Kimi's car.
sounds familiar? last race, Kimi hit Sutil's car when he can't brake
in time for corner after exiting the tunnel..
but Kimi has this to say: “Obviously, anyone can make mistakes, asI did two weeks ago in Monaco, but it's one thing to make a mistake
at 200 miles per hour but another to hit a car stopped at a red light."
hey... Karma, my fren. CARMA!
and hey hey... wat did i say abt braking?
Sunday, June 8, 2008
brake to be Fast
It's quite incredible but it's true...
If you are not comfortable and not confident with your kart's braking, you're F(finished). With Engine not performing up to par, it will just mean that you will be slower. But if brakes are F then your entry will be too fast, pushing the kart too wide and then spending time at the same spot. Worse is to come, you generally lose time in getting power back on again and that is worse than just been slow!
gees... that's what happened when i got back out on the track for the 2nd time. Braking has to be done earlier and earlier over each lap. Brake fade? Tiredness? Tyre pressure? to be frank, it's actually just the bloody brake system!
I think I have lived with this cock up and FU brake system more than i should. It is time to change. People who had tried my kart always wonder how i brake before corners...I wonder myself too. Maybe I'm just too darn good! hahahahahaha
Tony gave up after 2 laps...well his is Brembo brake, mine is Bimbo
=X he just cloudn't 'handle' this soft brake.
kp, tried yesterday... and well, crashes heavily into a fun kart just after Turn 1. Can't slow the kart in time, he mentioned. That's one, he didn't spot far ahead enough to see the crawling fun kart in front of Des, who slowed too much too soon, and simply my kart can't brake & he can't react in time.
I guess it just go to show, enough is enough. Time to change.
On hindsight, during my 1st run, when the brake was newly bled, I managed to pull away from kp slowly there and then and that was with more weight on my kart, but his tyres were starting to slip too
Thus, yes, it does sound silly, better braking makes u go faster & it so darn bloody true!
Oh, I am now determined not to spend a second more than i need to behind anyone. Concrete very nearly flew into my helmet and smash my visor! And I realized that my suit is getting a lot of exhaust fumes. The odour stink out my room when i bring it out to hang eeeekkks good motivation to be fast!
If you are not comfortable and not confident with your kart's braking, you're F(finished). With Engine not performing up to par, it will just mean that you will be slower. But if brakes are F then your entry will be too fast, pushing the kart too wide and then spending time at the same spot. Worse is to come, you generally lose time in getting power back on again and that is worse than just been slow!
gees... that's what happened when i got back out on the track for the 2nd time. Braking has to be done earlier and earlier over each lap. Brake fade? Tiredness? Tyre pressure? to be frank, it's actually just the bloody brake system!
I think I have lived with this cock up and FU brake system more than i should. It is time to change. People who had tried my kart always wonder how i brake before corners...I wonder myself too. Maybe I'm just too darn good! hahahahahaha
Tony gave up after 2 laps...well his is Brembo brake, mine is Bimbo
=X he just cloudn't 'handle' this soft brake.
kp, tried yesterday... and well, crashes heavily into a fun kart just after Turn 1. Can't slow the kart in time, he mentioned. That's one, he didn't spot far ahead enough to see the crawling fun kart in front of Des, who slowed too much too soon, and simply my kart can't brake & he can't react in time.
I guess it just go to show, enough is enough. Time to change.
On hindsight, during my 1st run, when the brake was newly bled, I managed to pull away from kp slowly there and then and that was with more weight on my kart, but his tyres were starting to slip too
Thus, yes, it does sound silly, better braking makes u go faster & it so darn bloody true!
Oh, I am now determined not to spend a second more than i need to behind anyone. Concrete very nearly flew into my helmet and smash my visor! And I realized that my suit is getting a lot of exhaust fumes. The odour stink out my room when i bring it out to hang eeeekkks good motivation to be fast!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
K[p] - Kart Test
Did not measure the cold tire, but hot pressure was 0.7bar, decided to pump them up to 0.8bar (hot reading), should have bumped it up to 0.9bar, but got distracted by improving my driving.
MUST REMEMBER, get my right leg OFF the pedal till I have lifted off the brakes, else I'm going to pay for some EXPENSIVE repairs on the clutch.
Another lesson, the road is very wide, learn to use all of it to find the best line. But always concentrate on your driving doing it.
Today was shiok, had a mini race with Grahame and Tony, on the u-turn saw a gap and tried to overtake Grahame but think I braked till the kart stalled. After starting, realised the front pair is stucked behind a few fun karters, decided to open up and try to catch up and catch up I did! When I caught up with the pair, Grahame spun out and it was only Tony and me, did finally overtake him and it was shiok! Keke...But always, must remember, clutch is EXPENSIVE!
MUST REMEMBER, get my right leg OFF the pedal till I have lifted off the brakes, else I'm going to pay for some EXPENSIVE repairs on the clutch.
Another lesson, the road is very wide, learn to use all of it to find the best line. But always concentrate on your driving doing it.
Today was shiok, had a mini race with Grahame and Tony, on the u-turn saw a gap and tried to overtake Grahame but think I braked till the kart stalled. After starting, realised the front pair is stucked behind a few fun karters, decided to open up and try to catch up and catch up I did! When I caught up with the pair, Grahame spun out and it was only Tony and me, did finally overtake him and it was shiok! Keke...But always, must remember, clutch is EXPENSIVE!
Friday, May 30, 2008
K[p] - Weather Forecast
Since the weather forecast was put up on the right, have not ascertained whether it is accurate or not. So, tomorrow's forecast is rain in the afternoon but should stay dry for the morning. Awww...good news for jOn but as a spectator I want a wet track to see people spin! Hee Hee.
We are going in at 8am tomorrow, which is sort of a Causeway 'No Drive' time due to the morning office going back/going to work in JB. Oh well, jOn's race starts at 10am, so have to go in at this time for breakfast too.
Will update how accurate the weather forecast is tomorrow on this tread.
31st May Update
Weather forecast was ACCURATE! It was cloudy starting in the morning. And it started to drizzle starting around 11am with slight drizzle on off for the rest of the afternoon. But heard it was raining real hard in Singapore.
We are going in at 8am tomorrow, which is sort of a Causeway 'No Drive' time due to the morning office going back/going to work in JB. Oh well, jOn's race starts at 10am, so have to go in at this time for breakfast too.
Will update how accurate the weather forecast is tomorrow on this tread.
31st May Update
Weather forecast was ACCURATE! It was cloudy starting in the morning. And it started to drizzle starting around 11am with slight drizzle on off for the rest of the afternoon. But heard it was raining real hard in Singapore.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
BLEH....
wat a disappointing end to last race on 25 May.
just when i thot i can go and have some fun.
but at least i was game enough to race in wet,
albeit driving very slowly. i had fun
haha
but in the final 15 laps, i spun in the 1st lap
after that it was pretty much ALL downhill..
not much to add, aside that i was hit from the
back by Ivan when being lapped! darn it,
kenna lapped also kenna hit.
and well, my ribs is breaking into pieces liao
so either i need a bigger seat or a FreeM protector.
i reckon i will choose the latter. as a new seat will
set me back in terms of adjusting and setting it all
over again and again. not something i keen to do.
also it will mean i have to ask david to set it up.
well, somehow, i felt (and feelign now too) a bitter
anger inside me after sunday race.
it was that disappointing as i never beat
myself up after a race. understanding that anything
can happen. on last sunday, i just felt lousy. tsktsk
thankfully some bier subdued me.
with Lewis Hamilton winning in Monaco too helps
=)
do i look forward to racing in June? i dunno.
let's see.
just when i thot i can go and have some fun.
but at least i was game enough to race in wet,
albeit driving very slowly. i had fun
haha
but in the final 15 laps, i spun in the 1st lap
after that it was pretty much ALL downhill..
not much to add, aside that i was hit from the
back by Ivan when being lapped! darn it,
kenna lapped also kenna hit.
and well, my ribs is breaking into pieces liao
so either i need a bigger seat or a FreeM protector.
i reckon i will choose the latter. as a new seat will
set me back in terms of adjusting and setting it all
over again and again. not something i keen to do.
also it will mean i have to ask david to set it up.
well, somehow, i felt (and feelign now too) a bitter
anger inside me after sunday race.
it was that disappointing as i never beat
myself up after a race. understanding that anything
can happen. on last sunday, i just felt lousy. tsktsk
thankfully some bier subdued me.
with Lewis Hamilton winning in Monaco too helps
=)
do i look forward to racing in June? i dunno.
let's see.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
K[p] Kart test after bent axle
Kart feels like it is still the same after a change of axle. But I am still new to this, feels alright because I dont know what to feel!
It was like when I was bowling with house balls, I could hit 180 easily, and 200 was a common affair. But right after I bought my own ball, my score dropped to 120! Getting to 160 was a struggle not to mention 180 or even 200!
Same here in karting, I am just too used to the rental karts. Everything just seems better in the PDB that I dont know it may not be setup properly, but therein lies the job of setting up the kart properly. First off are the tires, I am using Yokohamas and no one else are using these. The rest are on Vegas or Mojos. Recommended pressure is 0.6 but it was pumped up to 0.75 by Ah Keong. I went out with it anyway, tires was ok, but after 8 or 9 laps of the big track, when I brake, the rear will swing out to the left! Setting or tires? That's for me to find out.
It was like when I was bowling with house balls, I could hit 180 easily, and 200 was a common affair. But right after I bought my own ball, my score dropped to 120! Getting to 160 was a struggle not to mention 180 or even 200!
Same here in karting, I am just too used to the rental karts. Everything just seems better in the PDB that I dont know it may not be setup properly, but therein lies the job of setting up the kart properly. First off are the tires, I am using Yokohamas and no one else are using these. The rest are on Vegas or Mojos. Recommended pressure is 0.6 but it was pumped up to 0.75 by Ah Keong. I went out with it anyway, tires was ok, but after 8 or 9 laps of the big track, when I brake, the rear will swing out to the left! Setting or tires? That's for me to find out.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
let's get moving!
A week from the May 25th race, and practice we went
Had to have some practice run today, so that i can assess if my ribs are better, and yes, it's all good now!
Managed to have Kevin give me some tips, and am glad that i did learn something today. It seems every run I learn something.
At the end of the last run, while i was catching up with the boy, I suddenly felt that I was not able to feel the brakes before the uphill run at turn 4...brake pedal all the way down but it was not slowing like previously... hmmm gremlins of the brake haunt me AGAIN!
Returning to the pit, saw that one of my brake pad was dislodged from the brake caliper. Wat's me and with brake components!
And more scary was that my radiator was pierced by the metal piece that used to hold it upright. Luckily, there was no damage done to the engine. Running temp was still normal.
PHEW!!
Looking forward to the next race! When?
Look right....!
Had to have some practice run today, so that i can assess if my ribs are better, and yes, it's all good now!
Managed to have Kevin give me some tips, and am glad that i did learn something today. It seems every run I learn something.
At the end of the last run, while i was catching up with the boy, I suddenly felt that I was not able to feel the brakes before the uphill run at turn 4...brake pedal all the way down but it was not slowing like previously... hmmm gremlins of the brake haunt me AGAIN!
Returning to the pit, saw that one of my brake pad was dislodged from the brake caliper. Wat's me and with brake components!
And more scary was that my radiator was pierced by the metal piece that used to hold it upright. Luckily, there was no damage done to the engine. Running temp was still normal.
PHEW!!
Looking forward to the next race! When?
Look right....!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
K[p] Bent Axle
What a month.
I joined my first race in PJ since the fun kart race last year. But this is different. This time, I will be racing on a Rotax Max 125cc engine! After 2 weeks of scurrying around looking for tires, I managed to get some Medium Yokohamas from David. And qualifying in front of Tony and Jonathan after the first try was sort of surprising. But the kart is definitely sorted out and I think Tony and Jonathan are still trying to sort out theirs. But the race only lasted 2.5 laps! At the same place where I told Jonathan to try to brake late, I brake too late and hit the grass on the the left a little and the kart starting to go right, it was still under control until I felt the bang on the right. Tried to move off after that but found the chain has come off, worst new is to come, the whole axle is bent. Thats it, race over, and I started to berate myself over and over for getting into this kind of situation. Darn!
Worst is to follow, I think I got a viral fever. First time fever lasted 5 days! Just recovered, and not able to join the rest during their testing on May Day (1st of May). Or Labour Day, Labour Day do sound better huh, May Day sounds like a day where Help is needed. The Earth probably needs it though.
Some notes on race day 4th round. While trying to warm up the tires, and driving leisurely, my timing was a low 1.08! And when I did try to push it to get a good qualifying time, my timing was only a low 1.07! Only a second of difference? This is definitely something worth looking into. Something the Alfano should be able to show. Cheers!
I joined my first race in PJ since the fun kart race last year. But this is different. This time, I will be racing on a Rotax Max 125cc engine! After 2 weeks of scurrying around looking for tires, I managed to get some Medium Yokohamas from David. And qualifying in front of Tony and Jonathan after the first try was sort of surprising. But the kart is definitely sorted out and I think Tony and Jonathan are still trying to sort out theirs. But the race only lasted 2.5 laps! At the same place where I told Jonathan to try to brake late, I brake too late and hit the grass on the the left a little and the kart starting to go right, it was still under control until I felt the bang on the right. Tried to move off after that but found the chain has come off, worst new is to come, the whole axle is bent. Thats it, race over, and I started to berate myself over and over for getting into this kind of situation. Darn!
Worst is to follow, I think I got a viral fever. First time fever lasted 5 days! Just recovered, and not able to join the rest during their testing on May Day (1st of May). Or Labour Day, Labour Day do sound better huh, May Day sounds like a day where Help is needed. The Earth probably needs it though.
Some notes on race day 4th round. While trying to warm up the tires, and driving leisurely, my timing was a low 1.08! And when I did try to push it to get a good qualifying time, my timing was only a low 1.07! Only a second of difference? This is definitely something worth looking into. Something the Alfano should be able to show. Cheers!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Lose Yourself...
"I continuously go further and further learning
about my own limitations, my body limitation,
psychological limitations. It's a way of life for me."
- Senna -
Sometimes, it's very very easy to be lazy.
Just sitting there and waiting for things to happen, waiting for things to better itself.
We wonder out aloud at others 'wah! so lucky', e.g. Newton is very 'lucky' to be sitting under an
apple tree, when he developed a very impt theory for us all. Besides luck, he had worked hard before that. He had been a thinker. He had been someone who pushes the boundaries of science in his time before luck found him.
Senna went out in the rain always to kart, he wasn't born the rain master...
On the other hand, sometimes it is not meant to be. No matter how hard one work and try, nothing comes to fruition. Full marks for trying, however Zero for everything else. Unlucky & unfortunate perhaps.
However, if one do not go for broke and give their all, the only thing we will think of is 'OUCH!' when & if the apple fell on our head
What am i saying???
It is likely we make our own luck. We can only wait for it and be prepared for it, when the moment comes, lose yourself in the moment. Let go, becuase you have already done the preparation. The future had been decided. Enjoy the rush. Feel the moment.
Cause you are in it.
cheers!
about my own limitations, my body limitation,
psychological limitations. It's a way of life for me."
- Senna -
Sometimes, it's very very easy to be lazy.
Just sitting there and waiting for things to happen, waiting for things to better itself.
We wonder out aloud at others 'wah! so lucky', e.g. Newton is very 'lucky' to be sitting under an
apple tree, when he developed a very impt theory for us all. Besides luck, he had worked hard before that. He had been a thinker. He had been someone who pushes the boundaries of science in his time before luck found him.
Senna went out in the rain always to kart, he wasn't born the rain master...
On the other hand, sometimes it is not meant to be. No matter how hard one work and try, nothing comes to fruition. Full marks for trying, however Zero for everything else. Unlucky & unfortunate perhaps.
However, if one do not go for broke and give their all, the only thing we will think of is 'OUCH!' when & if the apple fell on our head
What am i saying???
It is likely we make our own luck. We can only wait for it and be prepared for it, when the moment comes, lose yourself in the moment. Let go, becuase you have already done the preparation. The future had been decided. Enjoy the rush. Feel the moment.
Cause you are in it.
cheers!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Remembering Senna
May 1, 1994, was when the last fatality occured in modern Formula 1.
It is that of the great Ayrton Senna. F1 World Champion in 1988, 1990 & 1991.
One of his quote: "Being second is to be the first of the ones who lose."
Safety in F1 and many other motorsports has come a long way since. Just look at the horrific accident of Robert last year, and Heikki this year, their lives may very well have been cut short prematurely if it had happened decades back.
The death of Senna has inadvertently robbed us of the chance of him competing with a certain up & coming Michael. How interesting that would be!!
Talking about safety, I realized now how important is the rib
protector for karting, especially more so when my bloody seat was not set properly!
Sigh!
On the last blog entry i mentioned, it was quite a 'rib breaking' race, and indeed I was not wrong. 
Thinking I needed more track time, I went for a practice run on May Day.
On the 1st run, during turn 2 leading into turn 3.... i can't breathe. My left rib was sort of killing me. It was pain, a sudden sharp pain. I had to let the throttle go. I tried again on the next corner, holding my breath as I went thru it it was better, but i knew i cannot do this for long. How many laps, how many corners can i go without actually breathing??? Not many, considering the temperature is climbing throughout the day.
All in all, the seating position was really way out. I was sitting too upright, and my body is literally moving out of the seat through corners. It is no wonder I always felt as though I am been thrown out of the kart. With this motion, my left ribs was in fact hitting the edge of the seat. Imagine the number of times i was hit in the 30 plus laps last sunday..
However, i did try to drive a bit more after the seat has been set. It was much much better, but alas, the damage of the rib was done. Any compression on the area hurts. The pain then restricts my breathing, and in turn my concentration on the track dwindled considerably.
Now, I hope my ribs can recover, I wish too my seat position is indeed really set to my liking. The next bit of setting is that of the carb jetting. Driving improvement will be of the throttling. Fitness definitely have to buck up too. May 2008. let's hope it will be a better race for me this month. No more excuses not to do better, not to do well.
It is that of the great Ayrton Senna. F1 World Champion in 1988, 1990 & 1991.
One of his quote: "Being second is to be the first of the ones who lose."
Safety in F1 and many other motorsports has come a long way since. Just look at the horrific accident of Robert last year, and Heikki this year, their lives may very well have been cut short prematurely if it had happened decades back.The death of Senna has inadvertently robbed us of the chance of him competing with a certain up & coming Michael. How interesting that would be!!
Talking about safety, I realized now how important is the rib
protector for karting, especially more so when my bloody seat was not set properly!
Sigh!
On the last blog entry i mentioned, it was quite a 'rib breaking' race, and indeed I was not wrong. Thinking I needed more track time, I went for a practice run on May Day.On the 1st run, during turn 2 leading into turn 3.... i can't breathe. My left rib was sort of killing me. It was pain, a sudden sharp pain. I had to let the throttle go. I tried again on the next corner, holding my breath as I went thru it it was better, but i knew i cannot do this for long.
How many laps, how many corners can i go without actually breathing??? Not many, considering the temperature is climbing throughout the day.All in all, the seating position was really way out. I was sitting too upright, and my body is literally moving out of the seat through corners. It is no wonder I always felt as though I am been thrown out of the kart. With this motion, my left ribs was in fact hitting the edge of the seat. Imagine the number of times i was hit in the 30 plus laps last sunday..
However, i did try to drive a bit more after the seat has been set. It was much much better, but alas, the damage of the rib was done. Any compression on the area hurts. The pain then restricts my breathing, and in turn my concentration on the track dwindled considerably.
Now, I hope my ribs can recover, I wish too my seat position is indeed really set to my liking. The next bit of setting is that of the carb jetting. Driving improvement will be of the throttling. Fitness definitely have to buck up too. May 2008. let's hope it will be a better race for me this month. No more excuses not to do better, not to do well.
Monday, April 28, 2008
27 April - trainings day
27 April = SHIOK!! 28 April = aches and pains!!
woohooo
Well, as i predicted somewhat that this '1st race' of mine after 3-4 months is going to be tough, neck straining, and shoulder aching tough it is
Qualifying was not ideal. Basic front end setting problem. Wheels were put too wide and did not give much response. It felt like it is stucked in the corners...refusing to move and when it move it moved too much. So it's understeer then oversteer! steady lah! After adjusting it, it was much better. However, time trap had shut for qualifying liao.
1st heat, 10 laps. It was ok lah, still can survive. KP was in front of me...then I overtook Tony, but Steven overtook me and chased after KP... and somehow KP did the 'thing' I told him to try it during practice...what happened was that he skidded, Steven hit him, and that his race
ended in 2.5 laps. I did not see it all unfold, in fact i did not see KP until the next lap stranded by the side. My 10 laps ended with Tony overtaking me under the blue flag! But alas, it was non consequential.
2nd heat, 15 laps. This is neck wrenching...ribs breaking...somehow also stomach aching! During the closing stages, I was particularly moving my head as and when the corners come about...but I finished! importantt! It's a good start...2 points was awarded to me as there were a few racer being disqualified, and a few incidents. Well, this is motor racing which i realized one have to finish to have any chance. At times though, it is to try something spectacular so that one can be
brilliant...just like a fine line between a madman, and a genius.
Having said that, it's getting the basics (kart & technique) right 1st that counts most.
=)
till 25 May!
woohooo
Well, as i predicted somewhat that this '1st race' of mine after 3-4 months is going to be tough, neck straining, and shoulder aching tough it is
Qualifying was not ideal. Basic front end setting problem. Wheels were put too wide and did not give much response. It felt like it is stucked in the corners...refusing to move and when it move it moved too much. So it's understeer then oversteer! steady lah! After adjusting it, it was much better. However, time trap had shut for qualifying liao.
1st heat, 10 laps. It was ok lah, still can survive. KP was in front of me...then I overtook Tony, but Steven overtook me and chased after KP... and somehow KP did the 'thing' I told him to try it during practice...what happened was that he skidded, Steven hit him, and that his race
ended in 2.5 laps. I did not see it all unfold, in fact i did not see KP until the next lap stranded by the side. My 10 laps ended with Tony overtaking me under the blue flag! But alas, it was non consequential.
2nd heat, 15 laps. This is neck wrenching...ribs breaking...somehow also stomach aching! During the closing stages, I was particularly moving my head as and when the corners come about...but I finished! importantt! It's a good start...2 points was awarded to me as there were a few racer being disqualified, and a few incidents. Well, this is motor racing which i realized one have to finish to have any chance. At times though, it is to try something spectacular so that one can be
brilliant...just like a fine line between a madman, and a genius.
Having said that, it's getting the basics (kart & technique) right 1st that counts most.
=)
till 25 May!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
it's time again... Race day!
yes, with the count down timer on our blog, i can now
know EXACTLY how long more before the next race
starts. as of now... it's a week or so.
how exiciting.
thinking of it, we can see how times fly by.
in the coming race @ Permas, my only aim is to have a
good race. result can wait. why i say that is not because
i do not want a good result, its just that in the previous
months, Jan-Mar, i had not been able to finished or even
participate in a race. so it will show... that i'm not 'race fit'
and not 100% race ready.
thus instead of pushing too much too soon, i just wanna
have an enjoyable day drenched in sweat!
ah..... Mr KP will be in his 1st race with his new kart too!!
his Rotax Max and kart chassis should be able to performed
to scratch.
just hope there will not be any incidents during the race for
the both of us.
also incidentally, 27 April will see F1 teams going to Barcelona
for the 4th race of the year. personally, it will be very interesting
to see if McLaren can bounce back after some disappointing
results. considering how they started the year with Lewis winning
in Melbourne.
WRC, Rally Jordan, will start this coming week. the spotlight there
will NOT be whether if the Citroen or Ford will come up tops, but
a certain Mr Mosley is going to the event... with the recent Scandal
surrounding him i suspect he may not be moving to many teams
motorhome.
last but not least, Formula D is on 27 Apr too!
go Colin go!
all in all, this week seems to be a very environmentally
UNfriendly week... however some many people is going to have
some very serious fun!
know EXACTLY how long more before the next race
starts. as of now... it's a week or so.
how exiciting.
thinking of it, we can see how times fly by.
in the coming race @ Permas, my only aim is to have a
good race. result can wait. why i say that is not because
i do not want a good result, its just that in the previous
months, Jan-Mar, i had not been able to finished or even
participate in a race. so it will show... that i'm not 'race fit'
and not 100% race ready.
thus instead of pushing too much too soon, i just wanna
have an enjoyable day drenched in sweat!
ah..... Mr KP will be in his 1st race with his new kart too!!
his Rotax Max and kart chassis should be able to performed
to scratch.
just hope there will not be any incidents during the race for
the both of us.
also incidentally, 27 April will see F1 teams going to Barcelona
for the 4th race of the year. personally, it will be very interesting
to see if McLaren can bounce back after some disappointing
results. considering how they started the year with Lewis winning
in Melbourne.
WRC, Rally Jordan, will start this coming week. the spotlight there
will NOT be whether if the Citroen or Ford will come up tops, but
a certain Mr Mosley is going to the event... with the recent Scandal
surrounding him i suspect he may not be moving to many teams
motorhome.
last but not least, Formula D is on 27 Apr too!
go Colin go!
all in all, this week seems to be a very environmentally
UNfriendly week... however some many people is going to have
some very serious fun!
Friday, April 11, 2008
of setting & karting
finally, after some months of waiting and pondering
i decided to get a brand new engine... for my Kart @
Permas!
Engine is a Vortex Rok. giving me a good 29+bhp, with
19.6Nm @ 10000rpm to boost. Not a lot of power if u look
at it as car specs, but boy oh boy, is my neck hurting after
only the run-in program.. (and i cannot continue with the race
the very next day)
At the same time, I had to replace my seat to a more fitting
ones as the current is a tad too big with me sliding in it towards
the end of every race.
quite satisfied with the result...
have not done any real timed run on the track, but i would think
with a good set of tyres, and some more set up works on the
front components, this kart should technically give a impressive
time. i said technically, b'cos it depends on the driver (me) too
well, now i'm looking forward to the next race, which sadly clashed
with Colin's Formula D date.
(and oh.... there will be another challenger kart on the way soon! )
i decided to get a brand new engine... for my Kart @
Permas!
Engine is a Vortex Rok. giving me a good 29+bhp, with
19.6Nm @ 10000rpm to boost. Not a lot of power if u look
at it as car specs, but boy oh boy, is my neck hurting after
only the run-in program.. (and i cannot continue with the race
the very next day)
At the same time, I had to replace my seat to a more fitting
ones as the current is a tad too big with me sliding in it towards
the end of every race.
quite satisfied with the result...
have not done any real timed run on the track, but i would think
with a good set of tyres, and some more set up works on the
front components, this kart should technically give a impressive
time. i said technically, b'cos it depends on the driver (me) too
well, now i'm looking forward to the next race, which sadly clashed
with Colin's Formula D date.
(and oh.... there will be another challenger kart on the way soon! )
K[p] Karting 6th April - NO SPINS
Din have time to update.
6th April is a little significant, cause we are going in for kart test drive! As mentioned, my group did not materialize due to last minute urgent matters. And Jon's group of 5 became 2, and 2 cars became 3! So we were joined by Ist, Cindy and Jasmine. Actually I did not know Des was going in till I saw him in the morning, and its the first time I dont see him driving. Haha.
Before we hit the track, went to Grandpa's and made the mistake of ordering the Black Pepper Udon Noodle. It was hot! And all of it threatened to come back out after one session with the 390cc. Back to that in a while, when we hit the track, there was already a bunch driving the 390cc and boy, one went up the brick wall, another overturned after hitting the tire wall after turn 3 and a few crashes that totally smashed up the bumpers. Bad. When me and Des did go, my kart was very difficult to control and even scary to me. I did I did to much of the leaning forward in the kart thing and got really really tired, thats when the Udon threatened to come back out!
After that, test drove the PDL and it was good fun. Drove Jon's kart and found the vibration is making it difficult to breath! Now we know it is not the helmet! And Jon's kart was even scarier. Understeer everywhere, it still need some setting up! But the engine really ROKs!
Anyway, after it was all over, I realised that I did not spin once on the track! Not ONCE! Yahoo! A few times when I went over the limit on the 390 and the Rok powered kart, I though thats it, but i managed to steer out of trouble. And after all this, when Des and Jon went to my place to watch F1 Bahrain, guess what, Massa did not spin! Now, are we related? Haha.
6th April is a little significant, cause we are going in for kart test drive! As mentioned, my group did not materialize due to last minute urgent matters. And Jon's group of 5 became 2, and 2 cars became 3! So we were joined by Ist, Cindy and Jasmine. Actually I did not know Des was going in till I saw him in the morning, and its the first time I dont see him driving. Haha.
Before we hit the track, went to Grandpa's and made the mistake of ordering the Black Pepper Udon Noodle. It was hot! And all of it threatened to come back out after one session with the 390cc. Back to that in a while, when we hit the track, there was already a bunch driving the 390cc and boy, one went up the brick wall, another overturned after hitting the tire wall after turn 3 and a few crashes that totally smashed up the bumpers. Bad. When me and Des did go, my kart was very difficult to control and even scary to me. I did I did to much of the leaning forward in the kart thing and got really really tired, thats when the Udon threatened to come back out!
After that, test drove the PDL and it was good fun. Drove Jon's kart and found the vibration is making it difficult to breath! Now we know it is not the helmet! And Jon's kart was even scarier. Understeer everywhere, it still need some setting up! But the engine really ROKs!
Anyway, after it was all over, I realised that I did not spin once on the track! Not ONCE! Yahoo! A few times when I went over the limit on the 390 and the Rok powered kart, I though thats it, but i managed to steer out of trouble. And after all this, when Des and Jon went to my place to watch F1 Bahrain, guess what, Massa did not spin! Now, are we related? Haha.
Monday, April 7, 2008
K[p] Planner & Weather Added
Wahaha...Many Thanks to Yinglin for helping to add the event planner as well as weather onto the blog. Now you know when is the next race for Jon or when is the next scheduled go-kart event.b
Sunday, March 30, 2008
K[p] First Long Weekend
Having my reservist and this is the very very fist time we get to book out on a Friday! Yes, same color but very different life. We get to stay in camp most of the time and book out on a Saturday late afternoon, or even Sunday morning! After so many siong in-camp, this is a good break.
Jon should be racing today in his new engine. Hope it ROKs. Maybe he will get some wet weather which he thoroughly hates....hee hee. Anyway, we should be in for some fun karting with a few first timers on the 6th April if they don't become wet blankets. But have a backup plan, if they do become wet blankets, should be watching the F1 race in Bahrain on telly then.
To answer JoNs question on why I do not like LH, well, its in the Heart. I don't see it in him. Very difficult to explain what Heart is, but just look at Kimi, Ayrton and Jenson. Look at what they have done for others too besides themselves. Of cos my driving cannot be compared to them, I spin all over the place! Hmmm...in this case, maybe can be compared to Massa...haha.
Jon should be racing today in his new engine. Hope it ROKs. Maybe he will get some wet weather which he thoroughly hates....hee hee. Anyway, we should be in for some fun karting with a few first timers on the 6th April if they don't become wet blankets. But have a backup plan, if they do become wet blankets, should be watching the F1 race in Bahrain on telly then.
To answer JoNs question on why I do not like LH, well, its in the Heart. I don't see it in him. Very difficult to explain what Heart is, but just look at Kimi, Ayrton and Jenson. Look at what they have done for others too besides themselves. Of cos my driving cannot be compared to them, I spin all over the place! Hmmm...in this case, maybe can be compared to Massa...haha.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Sepang F1 - HOT!
my journey to Sepang start out at about 4am on the Sat
1st, i had to drive to Jurong to get one of my colleague, Yane.
then to Telok Blangah to get Nic and his galfren.
and by the time we are ready to depart from WFF office,
CNA came and interview Yane, and me. just do it, and we can
all be on our way.
*ps. if anyone has the footage of our appearance on the news that
evening pls contact me! =P
since we did not have tics for the qualifying, we went to collect our
tics for the raceday. and Shop!! and i am very delighted to be able
to purchase my McLaren team Victory tee!
race day itself is HOT HOT HOT, and i have sunburnt skin to prove!
we had our lunch inside the grandstand area.
all this for a AFFORDABLE RM25....... and u have the privileges of
eating all these under a palm tree. how nice!
oh, once the F1 cars start their installation lap... passed right in
front of us the sound is soooo bloody loud!! in the end, had to fork
out 2xRM20 to get ear plugs! darn it!
the race was quite a bored. nothing like the incidents in Australia.
nonetheless, it was quite fun to see or TRY to see the car whizzed
us by at almost full speed!
1st, i had to drive to Jurong to get one of my colleague, Yane.
then to Telok Blangah to get Nic and his galfren.
and by the time we are ready to depart from WFF office,
CNA came and interview Yane, and me. just do it, and we can
all be on our way.
*ps. if anyone has the footage of our appearance on the news that
evening pls contact me! =P
since we did not have tics for the qualifying, we went to collect our
tics for the raceday. and Shop!! and i am very delighted to be able
to purchase my McLaren team Victory tee!
race day itself is HOT HOT HOT, and i have sunburnt skin to prove!
we had our lunch inside the grandstand area.
all this for a AFFORDABLE RM25....... and u have the privileges ofeating all these under a palm tree. how nice!
oh, once the F1 cars start their installation lap... passed right in
front of us the sound is soooo bloody loud!! in the end, had to fork
out 2xRM20 to get ear plugs! darn it!
the race was quite a bored. nothing like the incidents in Australia.
nonetheless, it was quite fun to see or TRY to see the car whizzed
us by at almost full speed!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
F1
if u ask me, i really do not think we will see any more spins
from Lewis Hamilton than it is from Kimi.
let's not forget that Lewis will be more adaptable to throttle
control than computerized traction control. as his years in
karting and GP2 will not be lost 'suddenly' after a year with
traction control.
now come the question, why KP do not like Lewis? i dunno.
maybe because Lewis drive (much) better than KP???? hahaha
but in all seriousness, this season will be the drivers competition
as much as the car design and computer prowess.
just look at Massa, his Ferrari's slower than Kimi right from the
winter testing. is his car different? or is it just skill? i think the
latter.
so.... with 2 F1 races back to back. I will have my own kart race on
30 march. hope the new engine will be up to scratch. and imptly,
i will be ready and prepared. losing track time in the last 2 races
really put me in the back foot in terms of physical and mental
readiness.
well, this is racing. and anything can happens. rain, crashes, last,
1st, pole or components failures... just hope the race will be just
good for me at the end of the month
and looking forward to my trip to Sepang too
=)
from Lewis Hamilton than it is from Kimi.
let's not forget that Lewis will be more adaptable to throttle
control than computerized traction control. as his years in
karting and GP2 will not be lost 'suddenly' after a year with
traction control.
now come the question, why KP do not like Lewis? i dunno.
maybe because Lewis drive (much) better than KP???? hahaha
but in all seriousness, this season will be the drivers competition
as much as the car design and computer prowess.
just look at Massa, his Ferrari's slower than Kimi right from the
winter testing. is his car different? or is it just skill? i think the
latter.
so.... with 2 F1 races back to back. I will have my own kart race on
30 march. hope the new engine will be up to scratch. and imptly,
i will be ready and prepared. losing track time in the last 2 races
really put me in the back foot in terms of physical and mental
readiness.
well, this is racing. and anything can happens. rain, crashes, last,
1st, pole or components failures... just hope the race will be just
good for me at the end of the month
and looking forward to my trip to Sepang too
=)
Saturday, March 15, 2008
K[p] - It REALLY rained in PJ
Oh Yes! It really rained in PJ on the 9th when me and JoN went in. Too bad thier Rats were not in working condition, so I took the fun kart which I have not taken in a very long while and absolutely hated it even though the track was soaking wet. Looked real comical in a yellow rain coat I bet.
But after that, took kart No17 out for a spin. This kart is attached with a 100cc IAME engine. Now, thats a I and not an L...haha. After two laps trying to warm up the tires on a wet track, I took it a few notch up and started spinning. Since this comes with a direct drive, the kart had to be pushed to start it up again. Have to really learn how to control a 100cc and above kart in the wet.
Looking forward to the start of F1 for the VERY first time! As this time, traction controls are OFF! Hopes LH starts to spin like crazy too...heehee.
But after that, took kart No17 out for a spin. This kart is attached with a 100cc IAME engine. Now, thats a I and not an L...haha. After two laps trying to warm up the tires on a wet track, I took it a few notch up and started spinning. Since this comes with a direct drive, the kart had to be pushed to start it up again. Have to really learn how to control a 100cc and above kart in the wet.
Looking forward to the start of F1 for the VERY first time! As this time, traction controls are OFF! Hopes LH starts to spin like crazy too...heehee.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
K[p] - It Rained in PJ
Supposed to go PJ on Saturday, but found out it was booked for a company from 10am to 4pm, which is practically the whole day! The guys at PJ wont have time to entertain us. So we postphoned it to Sunday, only to have someone escape from prison and caused a huge jam on the causeway! But I checked the webcam today and don't see much of a jam, probably everyone is staying away from it due to the huge jams reported since last Wednesday. But I pity the guys working in Singapore and staying in JB, they told me they reached home at 11+ close to midnight instead of the usual 9.30pm. And they have to wake up at 4am to catch the bus to work the next day!!!
Anyway, this morning I was at PJ and it started to rain! I was wishing for rain for the last 3 months! If you need to know, I would rather kart in the rain now using the rental karts. So I quickly got them to bring out a kart for me and was in glee......and then.....I woke up!!! Sigh.
Anyway, this morning I was at PJ and it started to rain! I was wishing for rain for the last 3 months! If you need to know, I would rather kart in the rain now using the rental karts. So I quickly got them to bring out a kart for me and was in glee......and then.....I woke up!!! Sigh.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
engine - the heart of a kart
Since the bearing was found damaged in late Dec 07, the problem has not been resolved, only heartaches followed.
Because i had a rather good race in Dec 07, before the problem, i had 'high goals' for myself, and not being able to race really frustrates me! More so, when Andy @ Espace gave rubbish bearings which 'melts' when the Biland revved.
Anyway, that's in the past. Now I am looking for a new engine. Have to if I want to race again.
Maxter = a recommendation from David. It can give 20,000 rpm for a 100cc. With a high flow carburettor and direct drive, it is going to be fast. BUT, this engine seems to be a bit dated, so I'm not too sure. Also getting an engine from David may gather a lashing from Louis, so I may have to tread carefully. Cost $1200
Vortex = from Roland. This is a world beater, he said. Supposedly it's very good. Not too sure about this as wll, and the cost is over 2 times more expensive than the Maxter. Will meet Roland soon to ask him about it.
So, what heart will i get for my kart? I dunno yet, in the end, cost most likely to be the deciding factor. Eg. startup cost, and overall maintenance cost.
Stay tuned... as i'm very determined to race in the next one on 30th March. A heart transplant is not too far away
cheers
Because i had a rather good race in Dec 07, before the problem, i had 'high goals' for myself, and not being able to race really frustrates me! More so, when Andy @ Espace gave rubbish bearings which 'melts' when the Biland revved.
Anyway, that's in the past. Now I am looking for a new engine. Have to if I want to race again.
Maxter = a recommendation from David. It can give 20,000 rpm for a 100cc. With a high flow carburettor and direct drive, it is going to be fast. BUT, this engine seems to be a bit dated, so I'm not too sure. Also getting an engine from David may gather a lashing from Louis, so I may have to tread carefully. Cost $1200
Vortex = from Roland. This is a world beater, he said. Supposedly it's very good. Not too sure about this as wll, and the cost is over 2 times more expensive than the Maxter. Will meet Roland soon to ask him about it.
So, what heart will i get for my kart? I dunno yet, in the end, cost most likely to be the deciding factor. Eg. startup cost, and overall maintenance cost.
Stay tuned... as i'm very determined to race in the next one on 30th March. A heart transplant is not too far away
cheers
Monday, February 25, 2008
K[p] Gran Turismo 5
Looks like the game will be delayed till late 2008 or even to 2009. But there is a Prologue version for you to wait till then. 40 cars in 5 racetracks are available. Just in case you think I am a console nut, I am not. I have not owned a console before until 2 months back when I bought Xbox 1 and is now happily drifting in Burnout. But I am a gamer, and i do follow what consoles have to offer for the last 15 years even though their graphics sux big time. But its definitely different now, what with HD games, the graphics is just muaaaaa. And I am anticipating the release of Gran Turismo 5. Hopefully by then, PS3 prices would be much more affordable.
Check out this link for driving simulator gameracer it is darn expensive though. But if you stay in Singapore or Malaysia, you can get it cheaper from australia. Combine that with a Logitec G25 wheel with handstiched leather, and its............., imagine I enquired the price for the wheel in April 2007 !!!
But for any sponsor out there, I still prefer a real kart though....HeeHee.
Check out this link for driving simulator gameracer it is darn expensive though. But if you stay in Singapore or Malaysia, you can get it cheaper from australia. Combine that with a Logitec G25 wheel with handstiched leather, and its.............
But for any sponsor out there, I still prefer a real kart though....HeeHee.
K[p] No Karts
Looks like JoN still to resolve his engine problem, so effectively, both of us do not have a kart now. Anyway, we are heading to PJ this coming saturday. So if anybody wants to join us, they are more than welcomed. Which reminds me, WHERE is everybody? Used to have a big group of us going in to kart but now it is mostly just Jon and me.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
K[p]
Wow, no updates on the karting front for some time.
We did not update the race in December. Due to it being disastrous, getting karts that cant move or cant turn. Looks like we would have more fun racing shopping karts!!!
Now, Jon is looking for bearings for his 4 stroke engine.
As for me, I am looking for a kart to enjoy in. Any sponsors out there? Drop me a mail!!! keke.
We did not update the race in December. Due to it being disastrous, getting karts that cant move or cant turn. Looks like we would have more fun racing shopping karts!!!
Now, Jon is looking for bearings for his 4 stroke engine.
As for me, I am looking for a kart to enjoy in. Any sponsors out there? Drop me a mail!!! keke.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
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