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RACE fans are putting the new state-of-the-art karting circuit through its paces after the facility was opened for action to the community.
A razzmatazz unveiling was originally planned during the postponed Formula One weekend but rather than keep the track under wraps a 'soft opening' is taking place and the feedback has been 'overwhelmingly positive', according to sources.
The sophisticated set-up is the largest track of its kind in the region and the only karting venue in the world able to hold internationally-recognised racing events at night thanks to its powerful floodlighting.
"This is just an amazing venue the whole of the kingdom can be truly proud of," an executive told GulfWeekly.
The Bahrain International Karting Circuit in Sakhir, believed to have cost in the region of BD2 million, has been designed to the highest international standards.
It has been approved by the sport's international body, The Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK) which is affiliated to the FŽdŽration Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the governing body of motor sports.
The track measuring 1,414m is not only longer than the previous Bahrain International Circuit Kart Zone but also includes more turns, curves and straights allowing for drivers of all ages to develop their racing abilities and perhaps take their new skills to the next level.
F1 stars such as Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Kimi Raikkonen and Michael Schumacher all started their racing careers within the path of karting.
In an earlier interview, the Bahrain International Circuit's chief executive officer, Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said: "Karting is absolutely the best way to get your first taste of real motor sport whether you want one day to turn professional or simply want to enjoy it as a hobby.
"In karts you learn about smoothness, control and striving for excellence which sets a strong example not only for racing but everyday driving too. Meanwhile, you are learning in the same environment that Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton did when they were youngsters."
THE Bahrain International Karting Circuit can be configured into 16 different layouts and can run two official Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK) events at the same time.
Traffic lights, like the ones used for Formula One, have been added to ensure the safety of all drivers.
The Kid's Track is 298m long, is designed to host karting activities for children between the ages of seven and 12. It has six turns and has CCTV cameras in operation.
Parents can watch the action from the terrace, on the monitors throughout the clubhouse, or even from the cafŽ and check the lap times on the trackside display screens.
The Club Track is geared for teens and adults alike combining both fast and slow corners along with changes of level and gradient.
It has 14 turns and is 1,176m long. This track is meant for advanced levels of kid's driver training, adults who attend for an 'arrive and drive' experience, group bookings, corporate events and kart owners practice sessions.
The CIK Track is a world class kart racing track. It is homologated for the highest level of international championships and combines a great mix of corners and level changes. The track has 14 turns, is 1,414m long and is available for 24-hour racing at local and international level.
Both the Club Track and the CIK Track come with starting lights and track safety lights.
All tracks are covered by floodlighting to the highest sports arena standards.
