The collective roar of the kart engines fill the air like a rock concert as the excitement builds. The Grid Marshal has given the signal and the karts begin filtering onto the track. Hours of preparation, tuning, checking, re-checking and re-tuning come down to this moment. With a press of the accelerator, the karts take off like a shot around the track to warm up the tires and line up for the green flag. 400 lbs of kart and driver, one inch from the pavement, 60 MPH. This is a rush that few will experience, but should. There are few words to describe to sense of motion you have when taking Turn 1 at Camden at nearly full speed, your body pressed against the seat as the laws of physics try to thrust you from the kart. You ride that edge, faster and faster until the kart feels like it is going to fly off of the track. And then you go just a bit faster to find that extra edge, precious inches ahead of the driver who is mere inches from your kart.
This cycle of anticipation, excitement and competition has been repeating itself at G&J Kartway in Camden for half a century and begins anew this coming April. The members of the club are friendly and supportive of one another. It is one big family with a shared goal of having fun and competing to win. Life-long friendships are made and renewed each spring with each new season. They talk of members past and tell stories of those have gone on to the great race track in the sky. They welcome new members and offer what ever help they may need. Rivalries that have laid dormant for months are brought to life.
I, myself, do not own a kart. I don't race. I work the corners as a safety official. But, even in this position, the environment beckons me back each year. This will be my seventh season with the OVKA and I am looking forward to another exciting year at the track. Come on out and join me and everyone else. Check the schedule, pack a lunch and watch a few races.
Information about the OVKA, including rules and season schedule can be found at:
http://ovka.com/
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