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View Full Version : Regular Karting - Feeler / Thoughts / Etc.



christyles
02-01-2007, 04:14 PM
Ok, so I met with one of the owners of Grand Prix Kartways on the Downsview Air Base. They just opened a couple months ago.

He took me on a tour of the facility and I was able to put in some track time as well in one of their carts.

Feedback of Karts:
1) Electric powered in which the pit manager can control each car individually. (for example, if there is an idiot doing stupid things on the track, they can kill the power to his/her car remotely and put them down to Stage 3 (slow) or put it in dormant mode.
2) I find out them to be torquey (sp? :Idunno: ), nice acceleration at my 145lbs. Brakes were very sensitive, but I enjoyed driving them.
3) They're all equal in performance - specifically asked. And in fact.. if a heavier set person was in one, the PCM will automatically regulate to compensate for the additional weight bearing down on the power that needs to be putout so the cars run as equal as possible.
4) Because it's electric powered, no gas fumes, inhaling or smelling like at the end of the session.
5) Max. 10 cars at time. More can be run, but it gets too crowded.
6) Helmets are provided either Medium or Xlarge. Or you can bring your DOT approved helmet.

Feedback on Track:
1) Nice turns. I had fun, learning the lines at different speed stages settings. Stage 1 is 11kmh, faster than stage 2. But I can't remember how fast they run...:Idunno:

Here's my feedback of the venue/facility:
1) Lots of parking space for the cars, so no crowding, nice open area.
2) Very clean, well maintained, bright atmosphere.
3) Interesting things to see on site. They had a display cases of 1:18 die cast cars, they're in the midst of setting up an in-house performance shop for car, arcade games, billiard tables and slot race track as well.
4) Fully licensed bar and restaurant in-house. So, during breaks or after session, you can pretty much have a full meal, beers etc within the lounge area our in the outer area both of which overlook the track.

Because it's an all-in-one venue, both karting and food, we don't have to worry about trying to find a place to eat at afterwards. And there's plenty of seating for those who just want to hang out and spectate.

There are various packages and styles of sessions like Grand Prix format, LeMans/endurance formats or we can customize our own. Or alternate everytime we go, switch up the formats.

I think the best thing... is to organize another kart meet, as a trial, see if you guys like the place and make it regular. I've already negotiated, that if we can make it every other week, they will work out better pricing for us. (exclusively of course :rolleyes:;))But I can' t speak for every body in terms of if you like the place or not and attendance. So it's up you.

Grand Prix Kartways (http://gpkartways.com/index.html)

glenspeed
02-01-2007, 04:18 PM
I would be curious to see what it was like. I had to take a shower when I got home because of the fumes last time...

I would think the electric would be slower than gas, but you tell me

The place looks very nice.

What about prices? Can they arrange a group discount for us?

christyles
02-01-2007, 04:32 PM
I would be curious to see what it was like. I had to take a shower when I got home because of the fumes last time...

I would think the electric would be slower than gas, but you tell me

The place looks very nice.

What about prices? Can they arrange a group discount for us?
I've been to 401 Dixie Karts... and it seemed equal if not better IMO. But I was quite content with the electric... and more so cause I don't smell like gas or have black crap all over my face and in my nose. Not that I have a problem with getting dirty, but if this of equivalent entertainment with less mess, why not.

But I'm sure you guys have more karting experience under your belt than me, so we should setup a meet as a trial for this place... and we can talk about it after if we like it or not.

If we become regulars like once every 2 weeks, we'll get better than corporate/group pricing.

TFD and Metro Police have their nights as well and are regulars.

glenspeed
02-01-2007, 04:37 PM
well it's 10 mins from home and no fumes and looks like a really nice place.

let's go for it and try it once!

STALKER
02-01-2007, 04:43 PM
Im down, I had a good time last time. But we have to see just how fast they are. If they are any slower then the one's we just used, then it would be no fun. We were 13 ppl last time also, so running only 10 cars could also be a potential problem.

christyles
02-01-2007, 05:11 PM
Im down, I had a good time last time. But we have to see just how fast they are. If they are any slower then the one's we just used, then it would be no fun. We were 13 ppl last time also, so running only 10 cars could also be a potential problem.
well they can run more than 10. Assuming people aren't getting caught up and blocking the track.

You guys should decide.

christyles
02-01-2007, 05:13 PM
well it's 10 mins from home and no fumes and looks like a really nice place.

let's go for it and try it once!
And yes... central location evn though I'm coming from way out west.

BMWWW
02-01-2007, 05:48 PM
I would be interested in coming out to this location... a much closer drive for me.

Thanks for setting-her up!

STALKER
02-01-2007, 06:48 PM
well they can run more than 10. Assuming people aren't getting caught up and blocking the track.

You guys should decide.
blocking is half the fun, just as Glen. :}:

christyles
02-01-2007, 06:50 PM
blocking is half the fun, just as Glen. :}:
ooohhh... i don't care if you block... in the Philippines, we drove where ever the car fits... no such thing as lane ways. and those were cars not go karts.

Peggy, are you here permanently now?

colombiano
02-01-2007, 06:59 PM
electric carts..... never tried them but I am in to give them a go.

951kid
02-01-2007, 07:12 PM
i'm down. i think i can knock another .5 secs off my times!

ctgazer
02-01-2007, 07:33 PM
lets go woot

STALKER
02-01-2007, 08:00 PM
ooohhh... i don't care if you block... in the Philippines, we drove where ever the car fits... no such thing as lane ways. and those were cars not go karts.

Peggy, are you here permanently now?
nope, just till May or so.

glenspeed
02-01-2007, 08:27 PM
blocking is half the fun, just as Glen. :}:

like I said, I don't drive dirty... :1nono:

shimajer
02-01-2007, 10:19 PM
i m down too

Santiago
02-01-2007, 11:07 PM
From what I understand, electric motors have maximum torque at the start. Using fuel engine terminology, maximum torque is at 0 RPM so it is definitely good for acceleration. The downside is that they are typically a bit heavier as they have to carry a bank of batteries. When I last read about these types of karts they had the batteries in the pods so it does keep it centered and low to the ground.

Sounds like it could be fun. I don't like the stinkiness and fumes of the regular indoor karts.

Yorgi
02-01-2007, 11:14 PM
Can't hurt to try it. If the carts are fast this place will be perfect.

christyles
02-01-2007, 11:26 PM
From what I understand, electric motors have maximum torque at the start. Using fuel engine terminology, maximum torque is at 0 RPM so it is definitely good for acceleration. The downside is that they are typically a bit heavier as they have to carry a bank of batteries. When I last read about these types of karts they had the batteries in the pods so it does keep it centered and low to the ground.

Sounds like it could be fun. I don't like the stinkiness and fumes of the regular indoor karts.
That's correct. When I took off from the pits... i was like "whoah".

STALKER
02-02-2007, 08:13 AM
like I said, I don't drive dirty... :1nono:
Hold on, let me get my violin.

christyles
02-02-2007, 08:16 AM
Hold on, let me get my violin.
BAhaahahaahah :yak:

Slke46
02-02-2007, 08:45 AM
like I said, I don't drive dirty... :1nono:

lol... I'll bring the Klennex!!! :crying:

I'm in for sure, looks like a good event...

ctgazer
02-02-2007, 08:57 AM
where were you last time chris?

Santiago
02-02-2007, 09:31 AM
Glen, let me guess. The slower guys were resorting to dirty blocking or using the excuse of "you're a lighter guy so you're faster anyway".

:D

STALKER
02-02-2007, 03:36 PM
Glen, let me guess. The slower guys were resorting to dirty blocking or using the excuse of "you're a lighter guy so you're faster anyway".

:D
Im 230lbs, trust me, it makes a diff.

Jackal
02-02-2007, 06:07 PM
I'm in. Sounds like fun.

dw1
02-02-2007, 06:50 PM
Electric Karts ... sounds good to me ... ever get stuck behind someone who is leaking gas? Not nice ... :sick:

glenspeed
02-02-2007, 08:58 PM
Glen, let me guess. The slower guys were resorting to dirty blocking or using the excuse of "you're a lighter guy so you're faster anyway".

:D

lol. I wouldn't call myself light... :yak:

Yorgi
02-02-2007, 09:59 PM
A few guys weighed 90lbs less than Pej and I. Imagine the difference when you have only 6.5 HP. :crying:

STALKER
02-03-2007, 10:05 AM
A few guys weighed 90lbs less than Pej and I. Imagine the difference when you have only 6.5 HP. :crying:

Rick and I are lining up at position 1 and 2 next time. :thumbsup: :D

Jeff 330CI
02-03-2007, 08:23 PM
Count me in.

I would have made it to the last meet but I was heading out of the country for a bit.

STALKER
02-03-2007, 10:13 PM
So now that we have all this interest, lets set a date. I say this coming Tuesday.

Santiago
02-03-2007, 10:42 PM
just remember guys, "A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips." :yak:

STALKER
02-04-2007, 12:10 PM
So I ask again, when are we going??

colombiano
02-04-2007, 01:37 PM
Tuesday looks good for me.

glenspeed
02-04-2007, 07:02 PM
So I ask again, when are we going??

Tuesday is good. I say we try the electric karts at 8pm...

christyles
02-04-2007, 09:52 PM
Ok... I'm available on the 20th onwards... are you guys good for that evening? Let me know, and I'll start a new sign up thread.

STALKER
02-04-2007, 10:03 PM
Tuesday is good. I say we try the electric karts at 8pm...
Im down.

simsimah!
02-07-2007, 05:24 PM
Hey i'm interested (i've never been to a meet), but i've never ridden a kart before!

shimajer
02-07-2007, 05:28 PM
Hey i'm interested (i've never been to a meet), but i've never ridden a kart before!


here, sign up!

http://www.e46toronto.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=7560&page=3