terrible crash

Friends know karting is my interest. As usual, I went karting with Mun Hoe today. We went there yesterday, but it was raining, so we return to the track this morning. We were informed that only Fun Kart and 100cc karts are available for rental. Due to the tortoise speed of the fun kart, so we decided to take on the 100cc challenge....again.

I had a crash before this when i first played 100cc karts. That leaves me phobia to the speed. I was so so so nervous before sitting on the driving seat. My heart was beating fast, hands were shaking.

I was still so afraid, dare not to hit the throttle hard. Until I realize Mun Hoe was driving away, I knew I had to overcome it. I hit the throttle to the full, and it feels good after few seconds. I knew I love the speed. The tyre grips well, the car is in control.

The first round ends, I could not catch up Mun Hoe. He is fast, half lap faster than me. The moment I stand up from the car, I felt dizzy, I cant stand properly. My hand has no energy to hold even my helmet. I was that tired just after a 10 minutes run.

After a short rest, we are back on track again. This time, after overcame the fear, I am on full throttle, sprinting with 80kmh. On the 2nd lap, the long small right turn after the downhill, where the kart is at the top speed, my kart suddenly lost control. I was pushing hard I admit, but I thought that I am able to save it. The moment I realize my kart lost control, I am already on the outside kurb, the slippery side. I hit the brake, lift the throttle, but it is still going straight. In less than a second, I'd arrived at the grass area, wet grass area. And I know, there is no more chance for me to save myself.

I closed my eyes, dare not to see what is happening. I hold the steering tight, that made me feel safer. I felt impact, I felt I was thrown in the air, I felt unbalanced, I felt another impact. Everything happened in just few seconds, but it seems to be so slow, I remembered it clearly. I thought, this time, I'm gonna get serious injury.

The moment I open my eyes, I see water drops. My visor is lifted up, those water were on my spec. I thought I was up side down. But lucky enough, I am not. I tried to stand up, move away from the kart, but then I bend down again. I felt pain on my legs. Ohhhh....my jeans was torn. And I see wound inside the torn jeans. The next thing came into my mind is, I'm gonna pay for the damage I did. oh my....

The track marshals told me that was a serious crash. They sent me back to the waiting area, then pushed the car back here. They called me upon, and told me, you will have to pay for the damaged rear axle. It is not repairable anymore. Lucky enough again, the marshals only require me to pay half of the price, RM150, because I am regular customers.

I asked them, what happened just now. Their answers shocked me. They say I enter the apex too tight, understeered, then lost control, slammed into the tyre barrier, the kart thrown half hang in the air, and drop down again. One of them told me, it is lucky that I hold the steering tight enough, or else, I will be flying~ phew...I will probably laying in the hospital already.

The kart I drove, and damaged.

The damaged, unrepairable rear axle.

Side bumper that slammed hard into the tyre barrier.

My injured leg inside my torn jeans.

This crash is a big lesson for me. It reminds me how important it is to take the correct racing line. It also reminds me that, I do not have such reflex , and my skill is not up to the level yet. This crash will not stop me from racing. But, it makes me realized something very important: to get proper racing gear, especially helmet, racing suit and ribs protector. Not giving up....yet!