I have been waiting for this race for a year. That is from the moment last year's race ended. I made the Group Activity booking at Kartdrome sometime in early July but I had to wait until the end of July to confirm it. As soon as my roster showed I've got the day off I got things going. Fadli, the charge d'affaires at the Malaysian embassy in Abu Dhabi agreed to sponsor trophies again, like last year. When I was back in KL I walked into a trophy shop and chose three pewter trophies. I know I'm sponsoring it but I want to win one of these trophies.
I even managed to organise a few practice sessions. The session on the night before the race was the most valuable - I actually had the chance to drive the kart that we were going to use for the race. What surprised me was how much more difficult it was to drive. It was a handful! The kart had a better chassis and engine but I couldn't believe how tight the brakes were. The tires were bad too. It was rock hard and I just couldn't get any temperature into it! For the first time ever I did two Arrive & Drive sessions on the same night. I needed to get to know this kart.
On race day I was excited. Laid out my kit and tried to take a nap but I couldn't. Especially after I got a call from Shahid saying his cousin Harmiz, the defending champion, is stills stuck in KL! I've just executed my first overtaking maneuver and moved up a spot. A simple dinner of pesto pasta and off I went to Kartdrome. As the drivers and supporters start to arrive the atmosphere started to build up. When Fadli arrived he showed us the crystal trophy for the Main Race. I want one of those too.
Everyone had arrived except the defending runner-up, Razmyn. I called him but he wouldn't answer his phone. Either he's driving or he's still in KL. Then I got the answer. I got an SMS from him saying his still stuck in KL. Just like Harmiz. I've just gained another spot!
So we start the briefing and the usual stuff are explained. When we head out we all step onto the podium first before getting into our karts. I thought this would be better since we're not yet sweaty and there's still hope in everybody's eyes.
When the qualifying got on I wasn't happy on how far back I was going to start. On the out lap I was going slowly to build up a gap from the pack in front. I even let the guys behind me pass. When I started my lap I thought I had it but by the middle of the lap I was already running into slower traffic. I slowed down again and tried on the second lap. Still the same! I knew I was faster than the majority but I just couldn't get a clean lap in. At the end of the five laps I knew I was near the top but not in pole. Not a single clean lap. My time was 1:17.541 which put me in 5th place. Pole position was 1:15.527. I probably could have come close, I had a good kart.
We line up for the Sprint Race. The UAE flag is waved an off we go. Around the first corner I was on tip toes. I managed to gain one position but it didn't last very long Around the third corner I lost two positions and I'm now in 6th. Around corners 4, 5 & 6 we were battling it out but I lost more positions. I got hit from the back and the sides and it was ugly. By the end of the first lap I was mid position. I had my work cut out. I picked up the pace and managed to pick up a few positions. I didn't keep count so I had no idea where I was. The only way to know is when we finish and get lined up for the Main Race.
When we lined up, I was third from the back. One trophy down, one more to go.
The Main Race is going to be tricky. Reverse grid is not ideal but heck a lot of fun. This time around the first few corners it's just going to be worse. And worse it was. Around the sixth corner I was on the inside line trying to overtake and I was tapped from behind by Shahid (he confessed later). I spun and was fortunate not to be hit by anyone else and managed to drive off. The problem is, I'm now in last position!
"Push!" That was the only thing in my mind. I have 14 laps and I'm not going to give up. This happened last year an I ended up 6th. This year the crystal only goes up to 5th! I have to push! And push I did. One by one, I pick them out. I was overtaking all the time. Sometimes, two at a time. I was on fire! I had a favourite spot that I was taking them and they all look surprised when I do it there. The only thing is I had no idea what position i was in! So i just kept pushing.
When it all ended I was very surprised to have ended up second! Arin was dominant. He was fastest in qualifying, he won the Sprint Race and he took the Main Race as well. I had Pak Payne and Fadli to give out the trophies and we had another photo session with everyone. I suppose Hamiz and Razmyn not attending was good news especially for me so I told those guys who were quick they're not welcome next year.
All in all a good night out. I got the trophies I wanted and I had great attendance. It's not a thankless job, organising the race; so I'll do it again next year.
cheh!!! :P
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