One of the many things I love about Cape Town is that one is always discovering cool new things to do, see and experience. Last week I was invited by Cape Town Tourism to a race day at Killarney race track. It was a totally new experience for me and most enjoyable. I didn’t really know what to expect, but it was way more than I could have imagined.
On arrival we were presented with racing overalls, shoes and gloves. We all got changed before sitting down for a presentation on safety as well as tips on the track. It’s important to understand when to brake and turn, etc, to ensure maximum speed with minimum incidents! We paid attention during the presentation because we were a little nervous, after all, these are proper racing cars!
Then it was time to race. We had some photos taken with the cars, which had our names on! (I know I’m using a lot of exclamation marks, but really, they are necessary). Check out the gallery link below for more pics. The cars are Reynard race cars with a top speed of 240km/h. They look like small F1 cars. The first group was assisted into their cars (it’s difficult to get in, ok) and off we went for a lap with the instructor leading so we could familiarise ourselves with ‘the line’.
The first session we slowly got used to the track and the capabilities of the car. After about 7 laps we were waved in so the second group could have a go. The second session I was put at the front and I gunned it. By the time I got to the last few laps I was really starting to push the car and when I eventually pulled into the pit lane and got out the car, I was shaking with adrenaline.
The whole time there are snacks and cooldrinks available and they also have a rad setup of Playstation with a F1 game loaded and the proper race seat, steering wheel and pedals etc. This passes the time between racing sessions very effectively.
At the end of the racing, they present the lap times and the winners in various categories (eg most improved) get to stand on the winners podium and spray each other and us with champagne, completing a very close to real racing experience.
This is something really different and exciting to do. I would recommend it for corporates or batchelor’s parties or for anyone who is crazy about racing cars. It is also very appealing for tourists because you won’t get this experience anywhere else in the world at even double the price.
Fantastic Racing
Killarney Racetrack
Tel: 021 461 1414
http://www.fantasticracing.com/