Strive for speed

     Racing consists of speed, excitement and superiority which accounts for its worldwide popularity.

     "Racing is appealing because it is a dynamic game. Interaction between you and other racers is the key to win this game," said Mr. Kevin Hon, the Vice President and General Counsel of a prominent insurance company as well as skilled racer with eight years of racing experience. He took part in the international race at Victoria Park in 1992.

     He suggested beginner car enthusiasts should start racing with karts.

     "Karts are easier to handle and relatively affordable. You can also learn fundamental skills," he explained.

     There is a trend to hire karts on the mainland recently. Mr. Danny Fung Kar Tim, a 26-year-old production manager of a publishing company, won the first runner-up of a kart competition held in Macau in January. He started to hire karts in Shenzhen four years ago.

     "When I was more financially stable later on, I started to fix my own racing kart, with the help of my friends and some technicians," said Danny.

     Basic cost for beginners is about HK$25,000 to $30,000, including the kart and full gear such as helmets, suits, boots and gloves.

     Steering gear, fuel system, engine, brakes, tyres, seats, pedals and body are the basic parts for a ready-to-race kart.

     "One way to equip a kart is to directly buy parts and assemble them in China. Another way is to buy parts in Hong Kong and then assemble in China ," Danny recommended.

     Compared to kart racing, car racing involves more requirements.

     "Many car racers find it difficult to equip cars. All car racers know that the quality of the equipment from the original car company is the best. Such equipment is specially designed for racing which can upgrade the speed of the car. However, the cost is extremely high and so some racers cannot afford the expense," said Mr. Mic Yeung, 34, who runs a family business. He has been a part-time car racer since he was 18.

     According to him, a racing car costs at least $150,000 before it can compete in a competition. For a professional racing car, the figure can go up to millions of dollars.

     "To participate in an overseas competition, there are other costs such as the application fee, which is almost $10,000, accommodation and transportation expenses," said Mr. Mic.

     A car racer needs to employ a technician team for car repairs and maintenance to take part in a competition. Since the cost of hiring a technician team is very high, usually several low-income racers share a team.

     Although this can help them financially, it also brings argument between them.

     "In a competition, each racer may have lots of accidents and need help from the technician team. Who should be helped first is a problem," Mic stated.

     In the past, the huge cost of buying cars hindered car racing enthusiasts to join the competition, but now some racing cars can be rented from car companies.

     Said Mic," This enables some enthusiasts to join the contests, even though they can't afford the cost of buying cars. And the sport is no longer confined to the affluent only."

     Although racers held on specially designed courses are safer, it's not completely free of risk. Thus, communication between racers and their families is very important so as to make the latter less worried.

     Said Kevin: "My family is more or less neutral to my preference and always respect my choice."

     However, fatal accidents happen from time to time.

     Said Mic: "Years ago, my friend died in a contest. The news shocked me for a while. Scared by this misery, I stopped driving fast for a few months. But after some time, I relapsed into speeding again."

     According to Mic, some fatal accidents happened because racers' heatbeats ceased suddenly and then the cars lost control.

     Danny said that injuries are inevitable in car racing.

     "The most unforgettable one is that my car was inverted and I was thrown out of my seat," said Danny with fear in his eyes.

     "I experienced the true meaning of the word 'frightened' when I was being thrown out from my car at 100/km. Fortunately, I landed on the grassland with minor injuries.

     "All sports bear certain risks. The crucial point in car racing is to be careful, to attend training courses and to practise," he added.

More about ...Racing for FUN!