Karting Saturday at Champs in Mill Creek

Seattle area folks, if you don't have other plans already, come on out at Noon on Saturday Feb 28 to Champs in Mill Creek for some indoor kart racing. Sorry for the short notice. The weather will be perfect for indoor activities, in other words, it's raining!

Where: Champs karting, Mill Creek, 18311 Bothell-Everett highway. Here is their website for location, directions, etc: www.champskarting.com

When: Noon, Saturday, Feb. 28.

Cost: 4 races for $50, or 10 races for $100. Races are about 5 minutes long. You have 6 months to use the races you purchase, so 10 for $100 is the best deal. There may also be a $5 or $10 membership fee if it's your first time at Champs.


Tips for first time drivers: Wear comfortable clothing and old shoes. Champs has racing suits to keep your clothes clean, but your shoes can get kind of dirty. They have helmets for you to use, or you can bring your own auto racing helmet.

These are electric karts with good acceleration and no exhaust fumes. The track surface is asphalt and completely indoors, so you stay dry and warm, and the cornering grip is great.

It is a little bit hard to find Champs the first time you go there. There is a tall, narrow Champs sign out by the street, but the building is back away from the street so you can't really see it when you drive by.

Children must be 12 years old and at least 56 inches tall to drive. Restrictions are similar to roller coasters: No heart problems, women must not be pregnant, etc.

Try to stay relaxed when driving. Brake lightly before turning, then accelerate through the turn for maximum speed down the straights.


Hope to see you there!


Note: This is not an FCA event. It is just an informal function, open to anyone. No trophies, just timing sheets and bragging rights.

 

We had four people for three "standard" races, and then five people for two "turbo" races. Excellent competition - the fastest times kept trading lap by lap between three drivers. The fastest "standard" lap was 20.12 seconds, the fastest "turbo" lap was 19.43 seconds.

The "turbo" power setting is pretty wild for such a short track, considering there are 8 turns in only 20 seconds. The turbo setting makes more sense for the South Seattle track which has longer straights where you can use the power. The next event will definitely have to be at the South Seattle track.

See you there!