By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Mar 2: The 2-day Miri Go-Kart Challenge 2019 kicked-off today with a feminine touch of sorts in racer Catherine Ting.
The 20-year-old Miri lass is among 26 racers vying for honours in the championship that is divided into four categories: (1) Novice (for starters), (2) Veterans (those aged 45 and above), (3) Non-Evo and (4) Senior.
Ting, who is competing in the Novice category, said she got hooked to Go-Kart racing after being introduced to the sport by her boyfriend.
“I’ve been in the sport for three years now. I find go-kart racing exciting,” said this student of a private college here when met at the track prior to the flag-off by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin at Miri Go Kart Permy Track.
Of the 26 participants, three are from Taiwan, six from neighbouring Brunei and the rest locals.
Event advisor Zainal Ibrahim revealed that the oldest racer is 68 years old and the youngest 17 years old.
The first Miri Go-Kart Challenge was held way back in 2006, but interest in it dwindled until it was revived last year.
The Miri Go-Kart Challenge 2019 will be competed over four rounds. The second round will be in July, third round in September and final round in November.
In his opening speech, Lee said, “Permy Go-Kart track is built according to the international standard. I hope today’s event can help promote motoring sports tourism here.”
Lee added that since Miri had an international track for go-kart racing, local sports enthusiasts should make full use of this facility.
“I hope other organisers of motoring sports will organise events at this track so that the track will be used every week,” he said.
Miri Go-Kart track is the first of its kind in the state. It sits on an 18.5 acres parcel of land and boasts a 1.3km track. — DayakDaily
