Despite entering the local scene over three decades ago, go-karting has only ever enjoyed a minimal following here, especially since there’s never been a permanent racetrack in Singapore to train on. Even Kart World, the go-to place for karting enthusiasts all over the city, had to close down last year when it neared the end of its lease. But things are set to change thanks to Singapore’s first permanent competition-length racetrack, the two-year old Kartright Speedway (511 Upper Jurong Rd., 6265-3303, www.kartright.com), fiercely promoting the sport with the second season of its AutoInc Singapore Karting Championship (SKC).

Inaugurated in 2010, the SKC is sanctioned by the Singapore Motor Sports Association (SMSA) and officiated by the Singapore GP, two very significant mandates from the local motoring industry. When it first started out, the championship drew over 70 competitors competing in five levels grouped according to age. Gearing up for its third round (Jul 16-17), the SKC 2011 now has hosted about 50 participants and this is before the qualifying rounds.

According to Yuey Tan, ambassador of the SKC 2011 and a podium finisher at the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Series, one of the SKC’s main objectives is to attract sponsors and expand the market. ”Motorsports is about 60-years-old now, and has opened doors to revenue around the world. Just look at the Singapore MotoGP and how successful it is. If we continue to promote the sport the way SKC is doing now, hopefully, we will be able to achieve a more inclusive motorsports industry where both the F1 and kart racing can thrive,” he said.

It’s not just the SKC 2011 that’s driving competitive go-karting in Singapore. Other championship events have also been drawing throngs of motoring enthusiasts. The OCBC Corporate Karting Challenge 2011 (next eliminating round occurs on Jul 2), a four-hour kart endurance race that tests wits and strategy, is now in full swing, with over 30 companies vying for a spot in the grand final. “The response has been good. This is our first time organizing this event and it definitely helps that we have Kartright Speedway to support us,” says Ben Lim, events coordinator at Kartright Speedway.

Want to be a part of the next big thing in local motorsports? Eric Ho, Round 1 champion at the SKC 2011’s Senior Master Class category tells us how he first started out.

How did you train when there wasn’t a permanent racetrack years ago?
Now, the Kartright Speedway is the natural and ideal place to go but back then, I was racing karts in the carpark. Besides driving lap after lap, I also figured out the kart set-up that worked best for me was at the carpark.

What other things do you do to prepare for a race?
Training is an endless pursuit for the physical and mental optimum.
I keep my meals light, simple, non-oily and non-spicy so that the only burning sensation I experience comes from the fired-up engine.
I also do sports. I can play tennis for two to three hours but give me 15 minutes of kart racing and I’d be asking for a break. It’s that vigorous!

What’s it like to be legitimately speeding?
Speeding without a chance of getting a ticket is wonderful. I feel so free from all constraints, especially when my machine and I “become one.” It feels great.

Do you worry that karting is somewhat environmentally hazardous?
No. Public buses can also be seen as an environmental hazard if that’s the case. What comes out of those few tiny exhaust pipes can’t change the world. Motor racing will soon be running on electricity, anyway, and I’m guessing that’d be way sooner than the other vehicles.

Have you ever gotten a summons for speeding?
Yes, but I’m not proud of it, ironically. The last time I was summonsed, I was going at 96km/h along AYE when the limit was 80 or 90 (km/h). And I still remember that was in 1996!

How do you help promote karting in Singapore?
Back in 2007, I organized practice sessions and fun races through online forums with other karting enthusiasts. I try to share my experience with others whenever I get the chance to, especially when I’m attending karting clinics or exhibitions. People need to understand that karting is a sport like any other, where mental and physical fitness are essential.

Famous last words?
Kart racing is finding cohesion, where aggression is unleashed yet controlled.