Let me preface this review with the disclaimer that I have never before driven any vehicle other than a bumper car, so I had no idea what to expect when father dearest suggested that we (he, my sister, mum and I) go go-karting as a family (read battle to the death).
Cambuslang Karting is an outdoor track, a little bit out of the way for most denizens of Glasgow. It's not too far from Cambuslang train station, so it can be reached easily enough by public transport, and the big canvas sign makes it easy to spot when you get there. The sessions are in 10 minute blocks, charging at £15 for the first 10 minutes and £10 for each additional 10 minutes. There are also big deals for a Grand Prix or Endurance event, apparently popular with stag parties and corporate events (I can see why!).
Following a quick flags and safety presentation, there was much hilarity in getting the right size of overalls - they go up proportionately, so to wear one that fit me across yon bust, I ended up a bit penguin-legged! A good hoik up, and a bit of folding jiggery pokery, and all was well. Balaclavas and helmets and gloves, oh my! All very formula 1! By the time I was all dressed, I felt ready to tear up the track.
At first, I was nervous... Then I was going at full speed around the track, cackling like a woman possessed, cursing those who tarried in my path! Mwahahaha! Sadly, my poor wee mammy was too nervous and kept getting stuck at the sides. She was too busy worrying about what everyone else was doing, and only managed two and a half laps the entire session. Bless. :) Father, sister and I, however, were having a race amidst another family of go-karters who obviously go often.
The staff print out your lap times at the end of each session, so you can see who was the fastest, and how much faster you had to be to beat someone the next time round. So much fun!!! I was a second slower than my dad, an experienced driver, so I was pleased with my epic performance.
It's a pricey hobby, just something you'd do once in a while, but when you start laughing maniacally as you belt up the track, you just know you'll be back for more. read more