THE new fleet of imported Swiss Hutless Go Karts have hit the track at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Champ Karts.
The fleet of 25 karts replace the three-year-old existing fleet and come along with some engineering improvements.
The karts are powered by a nine horsepower Honda four-stroke engine and are able to reach speeds in excess of 60 kilometres per hour.
However, engineering modifications such as a wider and longer chassis help improve the handling of the karts and could allow for better lap times.
These karts could see some of the lap records achieved over the past several years tumble.
Local go kart ace Thomas Hickman has the outright lap record of 44.39 seconds but with these new karts, even Thomas might be feeling a little nervous.
“The replacement of the karts is part of our ongoing commitment to be a premier go kart site in Australia and to improve safety and maintain our high standards of customer satisfaction,” motor sport activity manager David Catchpole said.
Mr Catchpole represents recreational go karter’s interests and Safety Victoria on the board of the Australian Concessional Karting Association.
Along with recent modifications to the track, more tyre buffers, a remote kart control safety system and a safety light system, new operating procedures are also being implemented with designated family sessions being trialed.
This allows younger kids and tandem kart users to enjoy their time on track without the pressure of older drivers around them pushing their karts to the maximum.
To drive a kart, participants need to be at least 12 years old and 153 centimetres tall.
Tandem kart passengers must be between the ages of five and 12 and be with an adult aged 18 or older.
Sessions are run in 10 minute blocks, priced at $29 for one block, $53 for 20 minutes or $68 for half an hour.
Call Phillip Island Visitor Centre on 5952 9400 or email at info@phillipislancircuit.com.au for more information.
