Go-Kart Hua Hin
Adrenaline by the Lap!
Have the kids had enough time at the beach? Do you need a break from the golf course? Well, there’s another course in town where you can find a different kind of enjoyment; one that comes packed with grins and adrenaline. The 750 metre course at Go-Kart Hua Hin not only provides a fantastic thrill for anyone, but it also challenges experienced karting enthusiasts alike. With safety being the primary concern of Go-Kart Hua Hin, you can rest assured, any fear you bring to the track will be left behind after a few moments behind the wheel.
I met with Neil Heron, owner and manager of Go-Kart Hua Hin. As we talked in the afternoon, he occasionally remarked about the karts zipping along behind him. It was evident that he takes great pride and care for both his customers as well as the machines they use. Without even a glance, he knew which kart was coming around, as well as who was driving. Along with the top-notch care that each kart receives, each driver has the safety and etiquette guidelines thoroughly explained. And no one goes without a helmet!
All of the karts available at Go-Kart Hua Hin are of a type called ‘closed-wheel’ karts. These go-karts have a steel bumper running around the outer perimeter of the kart for enhanced safety. With these bumpers in place, it becomes impossible for the kart to be flipped. Another safety feature allows the throttle to be adjusted, which limits the ultimate speed possible.
Go-Kart Hua Hin is capable of meeting all customers’ needs, any day of the year. Open from 10:30am – 7:00pm, 365 days a year, Go-Kart Hua Hin can also book events for groups earlier in the day as well. They have four different classes of vehicles available. The 6.5 horsepower is the perfect size and speed for the kids as well as first-time drivers. At the other end, there’s also a 13 horsepower kart for those with experience and a serious need for speed. These karts will go over 120 km per hour! After you’re done racing for the day, each driver gets a print-out of their own. It details the average lap speed and best lap time, as well as times for each lap completed.
They also have karts that are similar to what you might recall from when you learnt to drive. There are 6.5 and 9 horsepower karts that are not only two-seaters, but also come with dual controls. These karts are ideal to help younger drivers get more comfortable with controlling a kart or just safely enjoy flying around the track. The two-seater karts are also perfect to allow people with disabilities join in the fun as well.
Recently, two brothers, in their 50’s, brought their mother to the track for her 90th birthday. She was a bit apprehensive about going around so fast at first, but trusted her son to take care of her in one of the two-seaters, as both sons are avid kart drivers. After her first session she said she wasn’t happy and was quite disappointed. It wasn’t that she didn’t enjoy the karting experience; she was upset that her sons had waited until she turned 90 to take her karting the first time!
Go-Kart Hua Hin also holds its own version of a Full-Moon Party. Using the built in ROC lap timing system, groups of six go out on the track to complete a 10-lap qualifying circuit. The results of this round places each driver in an F1-style pole-position. Drivers then compete in an exciting 20-lap race. This event can also be scheduled any time during normal operating hours and is perfect for corporate team-building events.
Aside from the 30-lap racing format, there are two other race-packages available. You can get 10 minutes of racing time for between 400-500 Baht, depending on which kart you take. But the best deal is the 26 minutes of racing. These prices range from 900-1,000 Baht. What makes the latter choice so much more appealing is not just the price reduction, but you also use your race time in two separate sessions. After you’ve completed the first 13 minute circuit, you can catch your breath as you look over your race results. Sit back and enjoy a drink while developing an improved race-strategy for your next 13 minute session.
With Go-Kart Hua Hin open every day, including bank holidays, it’s also a perfect escape for those who can only enjoy so much of the upcoming Songkran festivities. At Go-Kart Hua Hin, you can stay dry as you fly through the holiday!
Also on location at Go-Kart Hu Hin is the Podium Café. You can enjoy light snacks, sodas, and beers during your time there. Go-Kart Hua Hin is also capable of hosting celebrations, corporate events, tournaments, and endurance racing. They have a policy of “Arrive and Drive,” which ensures customers won’t be waiting much at all before they’re behind the wheel of their own kart.
Go-Kart Hua Hin is located on the north side of town. Drive north on Petchakasem Road, toward Cha-Am. Go-Kart Hua Hin is located one km north of the PTT Petrol Station near Soi 6, or 400 metres after the Police Hut, and directly across from the entrance to the Hua Hin Airport. Coming from Cha-Am, you simply make the first U-turn after going through the airport-runway tunnel.
Tel: 081 817 3000 & 032 547 199
Web: www.gokarthuahin.com
