KRA first training at Sautron

After the official presentation of the KRA drivers at Le Mans Auto Sport Academy, We travelled to Sautron, Nantes (West region of France) for a 2 days theory and practical training. It was just a ten minutes drive from the Sodi Kart factory in Nantes. We arrived early and the weather was cold and the track was wet.  Alvis was happy to see his kart awaiting for him and decided to take a photo with it.

 Alvis and his kart

The 11 - 15 drivers started the first day with theory lesson. It was a very comprehensive lesson on the characteristic and behavior of a kart. A driver must understand the function and working principle of the various important parts of a kart in order to use it to the optimum performance. The emphasis on a driver's ethic and awareness on and off track are not to be taken lightly. I was quite surprised by the in depth explanation at this level. Well done KRA!

 Drivers listening attentively

Every individual driver was given a custom seat and pedals fitting. Everything was adjusted to the comfort and preference of the driver without compromising too much on the basic measurement. Very professional and dedicated Sodi mechanics ensuring even the smallest detail was taken care of.

 Sodi Team Manager, Nicola (2nd from left), assessing on the pedals fitment

Race driver is not just about racing. It is also about having the various muscle strengths to race. The strength to be able to complete the race in the optimum performance throughout. The initial physical evaluation done at Auto Sport Academy and now the re-emphasis on the pre-karting warm up exercise.

 Warming up exercise

After a few sessions around the track, an instant preview on the various mistakes done by the drivers. A very good training aid to enable drivers to see their mistakes from a spectator view. It was then previewed again after the correction session and compared to the previous video. The drivers will be able to see the difference after making correction to the previous mistakes done.

Drivers previewing their mistakes

Racing is not about just keeping to your fastest racing line and race. It is also about the ability to out brake and overtake. Not just out braking and overtaking a low speed but also the ability to do it in high speed. Here is a short video on one of the overtaking exercises.

Kart Racing Academy by FFSA

It was a cool and beautiful Saturday morning when we arrived at Le Mans Auto Sport Academy for the official presentation of the Kart Racing Academy Drivers. 

The day started with a physical evaluation for the academy drivers. They were put to various stations to carry out exercises to assess their physical ability and reflexes. After which the drivers will work on the area of weakness.

After lunch, all drivers were gathered to lucky draw their chassis and engine.  It will be used for the rest of the training and races organised by KRA.

Immediately after the chassis and engine allocation, the drivers were issued with a academy racing suit and accessories.  They were then given a tour around Auto Sport Academy for an introduction of the creation of the F4 formula car.

 Snapshot with two F4 formula cars

The day ended with a group photo of the Kart Racing Academy management, instructors, mechanics and drivers.

 KRA drivers and parents

Up coming post will be on a 2 days theory and practical training. A short video will be included. So please return for more updates.

Wishing You A Happy New Year...!!! (Bonne Année à Tous...!!!)

Singapore Changi Karting Circuit

It's been two and a half years since the last trip to Singapore for holidays.  Alvis was so thrilled and excited to try out the new Changi Karting Circuit located at 7A Aviation Park Road.  This time round, instead of going to Malaysia for karting, Alvis decided to spend more time at this new track.

Singapore Changi Karting Circuit 

(Photo courtesy from Christopher Pon)

On our first visit, Alvis managed to try out the track on a rented 4-stroke mini kart.  Soon the speed of the mini kart couldn't keep up with the adrenaline in Alvis and he ended the session.  Alvis sounded to me that he wanted to try out the track with a 2-stroke cadet kart. We asked around and Paul Lee, Team Boss of Autoinc Racing helps us to fix an appointment with Element Motorsports to provide rental of a cadet kart with mechanic.

Photo courtesy from Christopher Pon

We arrived early at CKC on our next visit for a 3 hour practice session and Lester from Element Motorsports was almost done preparing the kart for Alvis.

Lester setting up the kart

Alvis was having a little problem with the rear tires.  It was so different compared to the one he used in France.  It was very grippy and he has difficulties in controlling the kart in the corners.  Nevertheless, he was having fun with the Yamaha.

Alvis attacking the corner

Due to the extra grip, Alvis has to change a bit on his driving in order to drive the kart to its maximum potential.  Though he was able to improve but wasn't satisfied with his physical ability to push it further.  He wasn't used to the hot with high humidity environment and thus, worn out pretty fast.

Alvis taking the apex

After a hot and humid two and a half hours of practice, Alvis terminated the session early.  He was totally shack out (very tired).  Although tired, he really enjoys it and was already looking forward to the next session.

Crossing the finishing line 

(Photo courtesy from Christopher Pon)

Alvis went through the next session without much complaint except some requests on the changes to the setup.  Overall, he improved compared to the last session but was far from satisfied.  He thinks he can get better with improvement to his physical strength.  He was determined to train up his physical toughness before the next practice.  Alvis was also keen to test the track with a ROK mini 60 engine that is used for Singapore Karting Championship.  

Alvis was delighted to know that Lester managed to get him the engine type that he requested for.  The moment he set foot on the paddle, he felt the increased in engine power and the physical training will not be enough for it.  True enough, he felt that his body was crying out for time out but he pushed a little further before ending the day with excitement.  

Alvis with his new rented mini 60

(Photo courtesy from Christopher Pon)

Just after ending the session, Alvis saw another cadet kart was about to start his practice.  We stayed a little longer to watch and Alvis told me, 'It would be nice to practice together'.

Knowing that the rented kart is now more powerful, Alvis increased the exercise to further build up his physical strength.  On the 4th session, he was able to take the kart better and was exploring every bit around the track to improve.  Alvis was so happy when he saw the same cadet kart from the last session was preparing for his practice.  In no time, Alvis was having fun 'racing' with him.  It was very professional of Shaun, Team Manager of Veritas Racing who came over with his driver, Alex, to say hello.  We chatted and came to know that Alex is leading in the Singapore Karting Championship cadet category.  Alex was very fast and Alvis was drifting a little each lap.  At the end of the day, Alvis could only barely keep up with him in terms of timing.

A snap shot to remember (Alex and Alvis)

Although we tried to arrange for Alex and Alvis to practice together again but was cancelled due to thunderstorm.  It has been a pleasure for Alvis to be able to 'race' with Alex.  We wish Alex all the best in his kart racing and continue with the winning.

Before ending his summer holidays in Singapore and return to France, Alvis decided to go for one more session.  We returned to the track on a beautiful and cooling Friday morning.  Alvis spent the first two hours practicing alone and I could see that he was trying to put the best of every corner together to get a better lap time.  At times, he will shake his head a little when he did not get a good entry or exit of a corner.

Alvis exiting a corner

(Photo courtesy from Christopher Pon)

It seems like every driver will have this moment that they would prefer to sit quietly alone. I was wondering what was on his mind? What was he thinking? How to be faster? It would be nice to have someone to race with?  Or just a moment of silent to enter into a blank dimension?

Alvis in his moment of...

(Photo courtesy from Christopher Pon)

After a long 'moment' (with his helmet on), He continues his practice.  I was taking his lap time then and my eye brown started to rise.  His timing was dropping with each lap and he was going faster and faster.  At one moment, I was drawn into it and felt like I was the one driving the kart.

 Alvis on his in lap 

(Photo courtesy from Christopher Pon)

 

 Alvis ended his karting session with a snap shot with Lester.

Alvis with his new improved lap time.

(Photo courtesy from Christine Tan)

50.29sec

(Alvis believes it is achievable in the 49s region)

We would like to thank Changi Karting Circuit management, staff and Jovin for their assistance.  Paul Lee, Team Boss of Autoinc Racing, for the advice on the track and potential of the kart.  Lester Ong, Element Motorsports for kart setup.   All relatives and friends who came to the track and uncle Chris for the photos. Without you guys, it would not be possible for Alvis to improve on every session.  Yuey Tan, for the referral of Mr Sasaki.  Lennie, Operation Manager for give us a ride to Tampines MRT station.  Shaun for giving us a lift to Changi Village and also his mechanics for giving up the front seats for us.  Nice chatting with you uncle Foo and anyone that we have missed out. Nevertheless, thank you for your present.  Till we meet again.

(Photo courtesy from Christopher Pon)