[s-cars] New East(SF)bay Indoor Karting Center

[William Noland]

Listers in the SF Bay Area -
I attended a pre-opening party at a new indoor karting center
(www.lemanskarting.com) in Fremont last week. The new owners are
marketing the place to car groups. Very nice affair w/ ribbon cutting by
Kevin Buckler of the Racers Group (GT class wins at Daytona and LeMans
and the Porsche Cup to boot). Drivers in attendance included Bob Orcutt
(Racers Group) and Johannes van Overbeek (former BMW GTR driver and
Speedvsion WC winner). Fastest time and new lap record were set by Dave
Bostrom -- father of motorcycle racers Ben and Eric and a 60s - 70's
flattrack racer himself.

Facility is pretty much complete and very nicely done. Karts are Bowman
270cc four strokes -- fairly gutsy little motor. Nice course with plenty
of passing spots and room for 3-4 carts through the corners. They plan
to run programs similar to Speedring in the Southbay -- lapping, arrive
and drive races, team enduros, etc. Driving suits, gloves, helmets, neck
brace all provided. Prices to be determined, but they discussed (car)
group discounts.

I plan to return and would be glad to arrange a group event. They'll be
in contact, as soon as the doors are open, which may be this week. Would
be a great way to spend a rainy El Nino day. Contact me off list, if
you're interested in getting together for a drive after the holidays.
Lots of work and big fun. There is a downloadable coupon for a free
lapping session on their website.

Bill Noland
Oakland, CA