The summer break has been exceedingly long this year. I skipped the championship because I wouldn’t have a competitive package ready in time, and another event, the first annual Flatrock race, fell through. What is usually a one-month summer hiatus has turned into an almost two-and-a-half-month second off-season.
So here it is, mid-September, and my next point race is still another month away. Fortunately, I have a couple of potential exhibition events to bridge the gap. But in the meantime, ‘I’m antsy and need something to scratch the itch.’ Which is why I decided to approach this whole racing thing backwards and start entering some kart races. Ironman races at the Music City Kartplex.
The decision was part necessity, part curiosity. Necessity, because seat time is seat time. Every lap behind the wheel keeps the mind sharp and the reflexes tuned. And curiosity, because karting has long been described as the purest form of motorsport, the rawest connection between driver and machine. With a lightweight chassis, low power, and high grip, karts reward precision and punish mistakes instantly.
Music City Kartplex
Billed as ‘The Southeast’s Newest High-Speed Karting Venue’, Music City Kartplex is a .5mi kart track located in Shelbyville, Tennessee. The facility spans 34 acres and hosts CRG rental carts as well as the Rhythm and Race Kart series for kart owners. From what I could tell, the complex appears to be a resurrection of the old Twin Fountains Raceway, with new asphalt, barriers, and top-notch buildings.
Driving Impressions
Before I get into the Ironman race itself, a few words about the track and the karts. In short, Music City Kartplex earns an A+. The track has been open for less than a year, and it is simply the smoothest kart track I have raced on, period. I tend to stop by karting facilities in my travels and have a large frame of reference. Music City stands out in a big way in this regard.
The karts also still feel new. Something that stood out later in the Ironman race.
The only drawback I found in the facility was the track length. At .5mi the laps are quick and technical, but left me wanting more. But track ownership is already on top of it, as there are plans to elevate Music City Kartplex to the likes of Atlanta Motorsports Park and Dallas Karting Complex with an extensive expansion. One that will bring a new .9mi track as pictured below.
Ironman Race
Back to what brought me here in the first place. The Ironman race. A one-hour race in the rental karts taking place on Friday evenings. With the facility only 2 hours away, sign me up. Depending on your perspective, an hour in a go-kart is either a ridiculous idea or a brilliant one. Personally, I love it. Karts are way more engaging than most racecars and way more physically demanding. Making them the perfect crossover during this downtime.
I am not going to pretend that kart tracks are difficult to learn, but I will say that I ran with a 30 lb handicap my first time out and managed second place with the fastest lap in the heavyweight class. I lost out to a lightweight driver that ballasted up to the heavyweight minimum. I wasn’t thrilled about that, but the handicap was entirely my own doing. Fortunately, I am on top of it now and slowly taking myself back to proper fighting weight for a big surprise next season.
About the karts I mentioned earlier. Over the course of an hour, I realized these are the easiest karts I have driven. The leg placement and fuel tank are such that I could brace my thighs against them, spreading the cornering load from my back to my legs as well. This resulted in significantly less core and back strain throughout the duration. Something that is not typical in the karting world.
Of course, I strapped on a GoPro. Be warned: it’s an hour of lapping a 40-second track. But it gives an excellent feel for the facility.
Is There More Karting in the Future?
By the end of the night, I was sweaty and grinning ear to ear. Karting isn’t a replacement for a weekend in the Thunder Roadster, but it was exactly the reset I needed. It sharpened my focus, reminded me of the fundamentals, and even gave me a push to get my fitness back in order for next season.
Sometimes, you don’t need the big stage to find the joy in racing. Just a rental kart, a smooth ribbon of asphalt, and sixty minutes to push yourself to the limit. Which has me thinking, with my proximity to both the Music City Kartplex and Atlanta Motorsports Park, is it time to purchase my own kart and do this racing thing backwards? Starting my karting journey in middle age in the 206 Master’s class?
We will see. Although you probably already know the answer to that.
