Electric Cart Racing

 

There's this large indoor electric cart-racing place called Speeders in Calgary. On Friday, I went there for a corporate event - what a great time it was!

The last time I was on a racetrack, would have been in the late 90's and that was gasoline-powered carts in an outside track. The track at this place was very twisty, and the carts were slower than the gasoline ones. Back then, it was more of a demolition derby. The carts were loud, and the sun was hot. Indoors? Lots of tire noise, cool air, and narrow raceways.

We were given 2 races, and during the first race I kind of hung behind the slowest driver to get a feel for the track. When the electric cart dipped down an incline, you could really feel the speed. These were tiny F-1 style cars with rubber wheels. The squeaks they made when you took turns sharply reminded me of a basketball court. And honestly, I wasn't ready for the speed of these things, there were quite fast on the narrow track!

At my first race, I was probably the slowest driver in the building. But on my 2nd attempt, I decided to let loose and just go for it. I wound up in 1st place amongst my colleagues, and #12 amongst all time drivers. 

I was shocked I could drive that fast. It was a combination of terror and excitement. I wound up spinning out on the 3rd lap, but fortunately I had enough good time built it wouldn't affect my over all lap score.

They had all the games you could expect at an indoor park, but I decided to leave at 9 and head back home.

Getting out of that cart after my 2nd race was tough - the pedals were pushed too far back, causing my legs to cramp up.

It was fun, and I'm glad I went.