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TAIWAN
FUN MAGAZINE, April 2003. VOL.3 ISSUE 4
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Karting
Mania in Taipei County
46,
AnHo Rd. Sec. 3, Hsintien, Taipei County
Hours: Midday-Midnight
www.gokarting.com.tw
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The clogged streets of Taipei may seem a far cry from the
racetracks of Indianapolis or Le Mans, but the thrill of the
race can be found just outside the city.
Eighteen months ago, Kart Formula Motorsport moved from
Neihu to Hsintien, where they now have a fiendishly
twisting, 1km-long track partially covered by what looks
like an aircraft hangar.
There is very little instruction, and once you get in
the car you can drive pretty much how you like, so long
as you don't deliberately smash into other cars. The
go-karts are powered by 270cc, four-horsepower Honda
engines, which can take you above 60kph. There are no
gears, just an accelerator and a brake, which may or
may not slow your car down.
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Chasing down, or being chased down by, another car is where
the real excitement lies. While the cars are very low-slung,
it is still possible to spin out on the corners, and there
are enough passing points to make any small mistake costly.
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Races last 10 minutes, but are judged on the fastest
lap times rather than the first car across the finish
line. A printout after each race allows you to compare
your times with those of your friends. Up to 20 cars
can take part.
The owners provide a full-face helmet and most--but
not all cars--have a seatbelt. Deliberate bumping is
not allowed, but accidental crashes are frequent.
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A single, 10-minute race costs NT$250 for an adult. But to
really get into the racing spirit, NT$1400 (NT$1600 at the
weekends) will buy you a full day's racing from midday to
midnight, with a races starting every 10 minutes. If you need
a break, there's a snack bar, shooting range and gym.
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