Electric experience

Formula E, a single-seater motorsport championship for electric cars, has proven popular and successful around the globe; giving way to alternative modes for racing that not only benefits the environment but can also be enjoyed all-year-round.

Electric karts, which can produce around 22-horse power, have a huge amount of torque and work particularly well indoors where drivers can accelerate quickly through tight corners.

It is also sustainable and environmentally friendly unlike gasoline-powered karts, producing zero emissions and it’s not as noisy.

Different racing engineers, such as Rob Smedley, have turned to electric karts for many of those reasons. He even launched a karting series called Electroheads to rebuild the entry level of motor racing to make it cheaper, more accessible and competitive for youngsters.

According to Reuters, the former Ferrari race engineer for Brazilian Felipe Massa and ex-Williams Formula One team head of vehicle performance, joined past F1 engineers to create the entry-level electric karts.

The series proved successful and like petrol-fuelled karting, electric racing can be a stepping-stone for a career in motorsport. This style of karting is also gaining momentum in Bahrain.

TRAX, a new karting track in Sanabis is offering motorsport enthusiasts and aspiring racers a taste for speed and fun while keeping the drivers feeling cool throughout the sunny season.

The indoor facility opened at Bahrain Mall on July 20 featuring air-conditioning and three levels of track excitement.

“The difference is that we have an electric floor charge system and do not use batteries,” explained Jurgen Geier, the recreational facilities chief projects and development manager. “Therefore, we are able to drive without any down time for charging or performance loss, 24/7.

“Our main aim is to bring fun for the entire family by offering something new, exciting and expandable to someone’s hobby.

It is also a fantastic opportunity for those that wish to take on karting as a career. It is after all the foundation for more F1 racers such as Lewis Hamilton.  In addition, it is very affordable!”

The facility, which is open from 10am to 10pm on weekdays and 10am to midnight on weekends, also features an array of recreational activities for those that don’t want to kart. There is a glass and mirror maze called Mirror Madness, a roller rink and a Hero Park, which has a climbing wall and a large obstacle park on two levels.