Karting endurance challenge back with a bang after three-year absence

Janie Dufty
Special Correspondent
THE Pole Position Karts One Hour Endurance Challenge was back in full swing on October 7 after a three-year break.

Team entries filled up even before the popular rental kart business could advertise for teams. Twenty-four drivers in six teams drove round the 330m track for an hour to complete the endurance race.

Each team had to complete at least four pit stops, one of which had to be taken within a set 15-minute window to allow for refuelling. Very close racing characterised the first 10 laps, then there was a flurry of overtaking manoeuvres and pit stops seeing the top three teams gaining laps over the remaining teams.

Team Moonshine Runners made all possible efforts to keep in touch with the top three teams but ultimately they couldn’t find the pace. Just over half-way through, Chicks on Track and Team Zvimoto began to fall behind as their drivers tired. Spectators rose from the stands to watch the last five minutes of the race, loudly cheering on their favourite team.

Some drivers found it tough going as rental kart sessions are usually limited to five-minute slots. With one of the rules being that each driver had to drive for at least one ten minute session, fitness was always going to a factor.

“My arms won’t stop shaking and my hands have blisters!” exclaimed one driver, gently holding a frozen bottle of water to lessen the pain.

Teams Turbo, Go kart or Go Home and Valiant Racing maintained a blistering pace for the last minutes of the race. As the chequered flag fell, the winners were decided by just a few seconds. First over the line was Team Turbo, followed very closely by Team Go Kart or Go Home and Team Valiant Racing.  Moonshine Runners were fourth, Chicks on Track came in fifth and Team Zvimoto was the last team home.

The prestigious trophies were awarded by proprietor of the track and former national karting champion Kevin Dufty.

“All teams drove brilliantly and provided a great show for the spectators. This was our first endurance challenge for a while and judging by the popularity amongst drivers and spectators, I’m sure we will host another one soon,” Dufty said.

The event ended with a podium ceremony complete with spraying of non-alcoholic ”champagne”.

Pole Position Karts is located in Eastlea within Hellenic Sports Club. It is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

The venue also boasts a 12-hole mini-golf course, two paintball fields, a trampoline park and a climbing wall.