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Great (last minute) gearhead Christmas gifts
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The need for speed... fulfilled!
So you have waited to the last minute and can’t think of anything for the gearhead in your life? Here’s something that works for almost any true speed freak. A trip to the local indoor kart track! I am not talking about amusement park go-karts with their tiny engines and parade-lap style of driving. Today’s indoor kart tracks provide real racing, but on a smaller scale and a significantly lower cost.
In the Washington, DC area, one such track is the Allsports Grand Prix in Northern Virginia. With programs and pricing from a few laps to full team racing, there is something for everyone. The karts are powered by 6.5 horsepower Honda engines and have racing slicks and rear brakes. The rear-only brakes force you into a discipline of brake or gas, never both at the same time. But with a tight course with one long straight you only really need the brakes at the end of the straight. Traction on the concrete surface is very good, but slick enough to let you hang the rear end out on corners should you like to try some drifting-style driving.
We have started a tradition in our family of an annual challenge race. We use Allsports Mini Grand Prix package, which provides 25 laps of practice/qualifying and a 40 lap race. Believe me, at the end of the 40 lap race you will appreciate real drivers who spend three hours or more behind the wheel at speed.
The folks at the track give a mini driving lesson and hints to the fast line around the track before the racing begins so everyone in your group has a chance to be fast. With the Mini Grand Prix there is even an awards ceremony for the podium finishers and trophies to complete the experience.
You won’t find someone re-gifting this present!
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