Time to go karting
A new professional race track in Nicosia satisfies adrenalin junkies of all ages
I held on for dear life as I forced myself to step on the pedal, desperately trying to keep up with my male competitors. I felt I was abusing every muscle in my arms and my body shook as speed is rarely a girl’s strongest point. For the first few laps I slowed down at almost every turn despite the marshal’s and supervisor’s promises that karts do not flip over. Karting is categorised as an extreme sport, validating the adrenaline rush one experiences once the engines start running.
My previous experiences with karts have been on the rare occasion in Paphos or Ayia Napa with a mini kart, of which I never actually touched the steering wheel. However, if an article on the newest and most expensive kart track in Cyprus was ever going to be crafted, I would have to face the monster.
Daytona Raceway opened it’s doors to the public this summer, introducing a professional and alternative experience unlike any other in Cyprus. Gregory Katikkis, one of four owners explains why the track is a leader in its field. “First of all, there’s nothing like it, to date, in Cyprus. And this is due to the extensive design and professional attitude that’s gone into this project. Everything from the quality of the tarmac to the karts and the elevation of the ground are key reasons as to why this track is professionally registered. We definitely meet European standards.” It took Gregory and his three partners nearly five years to get the track up and running. Designers were even brought in from the UK.
Situated on the Tseri – Dhali road, the Daytona karting track is said to have cost a staggering £1.5 million. Is it true? “Well, you’re close,” said Gregory, “but there were many hidden costs we found along the way. We knew it would cost but just not that much.”
Nevertheless, upon entering the project, the grey flooring, bright red chairs and square tables leading to the 1,200 metre race track were a giveaway. “Although every last detail was carefully thought of and we did pay attention to the designing of the caf? area, conference room and general reception area, most of the money was spent on equipment.”
One of the main stays of Daytona’s professionalism is the lap timing system. At the end of every race, each driver gets an individual lap-time printout indicating the laps completed, your position, top average speed, best lap-time and overall performance. “They love it,” Gregory said, “whatever age! And it’s definitely a motive to come back and be better.” Each driver’s record is registered in the Daytona’s system acting as more than just a pastime. “Due to the unfortunate fact that some people see this place as an amusement park, with this system we know who we should be watching out for. I have actually banned someone from coming here due to reckless driving.”
Safety is an issue taken very seriously at the Daytona race track. A short briefing takes place prior to racing and drivers are warned of hazards. “Age is irrelevant. Everybody must go through a briefing and is told what to look out for but above all, we just want them to have fun,” he said. Helmets must be worn and even racing jumpsuits will be given to drivers as loose clothing and even sandals can cause an accident. When we were there one youngster got pulled up. Marios Charalambous, an 18-year old student was made to sit out of a second round with his friends due to reckless driving on his first attempt. “I was just having fun,” the youngster said, “but obviously I wasn’t driving all that much as my kart had to be constantly dragged out of the dirt surrounding the race track. I couldn’t keep on the track.”
Although speeding and karting may be seen as the ultimate adrenaline rush for men, I wasn’t surprised to see young girls eager to slip on the helmets. “It’s the first time we’ve been here but we love go-karts and we heard this is the best place to be so here we are,” said Yianna Pashiardi, 20. “We will have male competition but it doesn’t bother us,” she continued. It’s only common sense that the lighter you are, the quicker you can move on the go-karts and this is one of the main reasons why go-karting is so popular amongst the younger generation. “Boys are specially excited about karting because it is a safe environment for them to feel as though they are driving, racing, speeding and winning,” explained Tassos Petrides, karting enthusiast.
Indeed, go-kart races are on Gregory’s agenda. “We’ve got races booked all the way through to November ranging from eight-year olds, who by the way, are the best, and then the much older category.” However, professional go-kart drivers, who come to Daytona to practice, are among the lucky ones who get to experience the professional karts. “The professional go-karts are different. They’re more powerful and don’t have the barrier surrounding the normal go-karts, so obviously they are dangerous if you do not know how to handle them.” So, can anyone drive them then? “Absolutely not!” Gregory remarked. “If and when we notice on the system that you have a good driving record then yes, you get the opportunity to drive one.” However, there’s also another catch that gets enthusiasts wanting more and that’s the one and only banking turn available only at Daytona. “The banking turn is a dangerous turn on the race track. One that could easily tip over the kart and mostly one used by professionals. People hate it when we block it off but it’s just too dangerous. When we feel they’re ready to take it on, we’ll let them through,” he says.
The Daytona project has just taken off and apparently there’s still plenty to do before Gregory and his partners can sit back with pride. “One of our basic future plans is a driving school. We will have professionals teaching the basic rules of driving and even prepping up good, young drivers for races.” Although I didn’t feel I needed any lessons, I was effectively reminded of my lack of exercise, as my entire body was aching from the gruesome workout I had endured during the 15 minutes of racing. Highly recommended as a brilliant way to blow off some steam and get those flabby arms back in shape!
Daytona Raceway: 99 436683. Groups are welcome but book in advance to avoid disappointment
Racing in the blood
Starting at seven, a 14-year-old Cypriot boy is the current world champion for his age group
If you’re seven years old and happen to have a love for speed but cannot even reach the pedals of a car, you have to improvise. That’s exactly what Eftichios Ellinas did when his father first sat him behind the wheel of a go-kart. Since then, at the age of 14, he has gone on to become World Champion.
“My father was a fanatic and even won a few races, so I think it was only natural that I would be tempted by something like a go-kart but I really feel I had the need to speed in my blood anyway,” Eftichios said. At the racetrack, surrounded by young boys in jumpsuits and proud fathers tightening screws and getting their hands dirty, it was easy to imagine what Eftichios’ life was like. Most of the boys who get involved in go-karts so early in their lives have fathers who have had some sort of connection with the sport in the past. After all, it is an expensive hobby with parents forking out somewhere between £3,000 and £5,000 for one go-kart alone. Taking part in races, parts, gear, kits and overall services can require much more and sponsors are often needed.
However, it’s a tough game with many youngsters realising they’re either not cut out for it or simply losing interest as they grow older and often heavier. What could have turned out to be a waste of time and money was in fact the best thing that ever happened to Eftichios and his father when he won the Rok World Championshi
p in Italy last year. “It was my first time in a proper race abroad and to be honest with you, I didn’t think I would even finish tenth,” he said. With 34 other participants from 20 countries, all aged between 13 and 16, Eftichios was anxious and terrified, constantly convincing himself that he couldn’t win. “It just happened, you know,” he explains, clearly still feeling like a winner. “When I realised I was first and doing pretty well, I thought I could actually win.” He did.
Eftichios’ training consists of 20 hours a week working on his two go-karts – one is for racing and the other for training and both are worth a staggering £7,000. Rther incredibly, I thought, he has never been injured or hurt. “First of all, it’s very difficult to actually get hurt while racing a go-kart and second you are wearing protective gear. So what I like most about it is speeding and thankfully I can do exactly that without getting hurt.” When I ask what his mother thinks, he smiles and says: “You would think that this is something she’s used to because my father was involved in it too but it took her sometime to come to terms with it. Winning the title made her realise I was serious.”
So what does the future hold for Eftichios? He excitedly tells me about this year’s big race, the Road Tax Maxi Challenge in Portugal, which he has already begun preparing for. “It’s in November and I’m hoping I will do well again as I would definitely love another trophy.” But there are further plans as well, as Eftichios explains he is quite serious about the sport and would like to move on to the next level: Formula 3. “Of course, it’s something I would have to be trained for in Europe but it’s something I want to do. This isn’t just a hobby for me anymore. When I turn 16, I will be able to make that dream come true as well.”
