A very good friend of ours turned 65 at the weekend, he decided to have a go karting grand prix in celebration of earning his bus pass! We’ve normally gone to the San Bartolomé kart circuit in Lanzarote but not since it had changed hands so it was interesting to go up and see if it was the same.
We booked the event for one of the hottest afternoons of the year, the temperature was reaching 40 degrees and the island on orange alert. This kart track is set up on the hillside in San Bartolomé, fortunately they have a large shaded terrace including a bar stocked with cold drinks and stunning views.
We were met by owner John Spinks who gave the racing team a briefing and they were off!
At the start of each race Irene told the drivers which karts and what position they would be in on the starting grid so there was no fighting for the “fastest” kart as they’d all get a fair race. At the end of each heat Irene could be seen with her clipboard calculating a complicated points matrix to determine the overall winner.
The grand prix consists of 6 warm up laps, then 4 heats of 4 laps each with a break in between allowing the drivers to have a drink and rib each other about their driving and tactics. John said that Irene was incorruptible and her decision was final and that he would be scrutinising to award points for good driving or deduct them for bad tactical manoeuvres although the team did get in some friendly nudges in without penalties.
It was time for the semi final of 5 laps and then a final heat of 7 laps to determine the winner. Irene took a team photo which was presented to the winner and our birthday boy, the top three drivers were awarded their certificates and Robin popped open the bubbles to share.
The drivers were hot and sweaty but had enjoyed a fabulous afternoon, after a quick t-shirt change we went to the Gangas Café for their Sunday carvery meal.
Happy Birthday Mick, what are we doing for your 80th??
From the 1st November 2010 there will be a Grand Prix Racing League open to local residents, businesses, associations etc. For more details please read: Lanzarote Go Karting Grand Prix
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