PTT Speedway’s indoor circuit, which allows for safe go-karting throughout the country’s notorious rainy season, opened at RCA (Royal City Avenue) in 2004.
“If you ask people here why go-karting is so much fun, most will tell you that as well as offering the thrill of driving at speed on a challenging track, and the roar of the engines, it’s also exciting because the driver is sat so close to the ground and has to quickly solve problems as soon as they arise,” says Suphaporn Saprungreung, a public relations’ officer at PTT Speedway.
On the racetrack’s lowest floor, which is actually on the second floor, located above Tops’ supermarket, would-be racers first receive a briefing on safety and basic driving techniques before setting off on their racing adventure.
You can watch all the action from the mezzanine, which provides a great view of the chicanes. The operator tends to change the track format every two or three months so if you haven’t paid a visit for a while, it might be worth re-familiarizing yourself with the circuit before getting behind the wheel again.
“We adjust the shape and format of the track often in order to offer visitors plenty of variety and new experiences,” Suphaporn said.
She said the only downside to regular track alterations is that beginners may need to be extra careful if they are unfamiliar with the shape and set up of the circuit. Nevertheless, there are often up to five PTT Speedway instructors around at any one time in order to offer support and advice to less experienced drivers.
Keep it clean
PTT Speedway has up to 12 karts available at any one time and all of them are equipped with special, high-quality buffers and safety sensors, which can provide information on the performance of the driver. Drivers who fail to respect the safety regulations or hit other drivers on purpose can be brought to a standstill via a remote control system, so, try to remember this point – you have been warned!
Each kart has a four-stroke engine and is easy to operate, even by drivers with limited experience. The seat can easily be adjusted depending on your height, while performance data is displayed on a large electronic screen onboard. At the end of a session, each driver receives a printout detailing his or her performance.
Suphaporn said that since RCA is known as a night entertainment venue, PTT Speedway is careful to ensure that nobody gets behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol.
PTT Speedway says it’s one of the coolest go-karting tracks in Asia. Why not pay a visit for yourself and see if you agree?
PTT Speedway is open during 1pm-midnight on weekends, and 4 pm-midnight on Monday and Tuesday, and Thursday and Friday (the circuit is closed on Wednesdays).
For further information, call Tel: +66 (0)2 203 1205-7, or visit http://www.kartingstadium.com. - Translated into English and republished with the kind permission of Manager Online.
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The need for speed
100 cc karts, with a maximum speed of about 25 km/h, are suitable for children aged 8-10. It is an ideal ‘trainer’ before moving onto a more powerful vehicle. This kart costs 300 baht per race.
160 cc karts, with a maximum speed of about 40 km/h, are for regular drivers, including those visiting on tour groups, walk-in customers, as well as those who are visiting as part of a pre-arranged event. This kart costs 390 baht per race.
270 cc karts, with a maximum speed of about 60 km/h, are for fully experienced club members or customers. Time on the track can be purchased via promotional cards (available for anything from three to 100 races, and starting from 1,100 baht).
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An instructor’s insight
Rachain Pongsaisrigamvilai, one of PTT Speedway’s leading instructors, said that karting tests a man’s character. “That said, it’s also very enjoyable for women,” he said.
Rachain, who became an instructor three years ago, says karting isn’t always easy and requires good levels of skill, knowledge, and control.
Instructors show drivers how to brake, accelerate, and turn at high speed. But driving a kart is certainly somewhat different from driving other forms of vehicle.
He said newcomers first need to drive slowly, brake, then learn to deal with turns.
“Our job is to keep an eye on the drivers and offer advice, if required, since each driver tends to have their own unique style,” he said. “Some people slow down when they’re about to make a turn, while others hit the brakes more sharply. We advise drivers to just slow down so that it’s easier to accelerate away once you get past a bend.
After 5-10 minutes’ instruction, racers are ready to hit the road - on one condition - all must wear protective gear, including a helmet, for the sake of safety.
“Anyone driving here needs to wear a helmet, racing shoes, and other protective equipment to comply with basic safety standards.”
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