Connor and Colin or Connor?

In the beginning, we thought that Connor and Colin could alternate driving in the races. If Connor drives in Race #1, then Colin drives in Race #2 and so on. The two boys could not race on the same day because it would be too much to modify the kart and adjust the strategy to fit each boy's skills and personality. They could always practice on the same day since we could take our time and there is no pressure in getting things done in a short period of time. But as the race season neared, we realized that it would be too much for Tom to coach two boys of different ages and skills in one season. So we decided for Connor, since he is older and only has two years left before he moves up to the next class, to drive in all the races. (At first, we also thought that we would just randomly run the races but that has changed also. We will try to participate in all the points races even the ones held in Illinois.) It took a long time to break the news to Colin who was expecting to race this year and when we did break it to him, needless to say, he was disappointed but was a good sport about it. He would still be practicing and would be gaining and building up some good experience to prepare him for next year. For now, he'll be daddy's big helper in wheeling the starter and helping in other ways as daddy works on the go kart. He can also run all the laps he wants at practice! That's the exact same smile he wore on his face on the photograph below when we declared this last bit of information. :o)

First Race of the Season (Non-Points)

   Arrived at the track early and plenty of time before the Driver's Meeting at 9:30a.m. The campground was full of RVs and trailers. Kids in their racing suits were running all over the place while dads worked on the karts. Some  moms were cooking while others walked their dogs. The track sure was bustling with family activity.

   After the meeting, practice began. Connor's class, Animal Sportsman (among many other classes), practiced for 4 laps. About an hour later, they had another practice for 3 laps. Practices were pretty uneventful. It gave the drivers time to get used to the track condition. Another good hour passed before the 1st Heat started. Connor spun but quickly regained control of the kart. He finished second. There were 6 registered go kart drivers in his class but only 3 chose to run in today's race. After all, it's a non-points race. But Connor needed all the practice he could get on the track that's why he ran today. After another break, the 2nd Heat started where Connor led the first two laps but was passed by #31 who took the lead to the finish. Connor spun also but was able to get back to racing right away. He finished second again. Before the main features started, we had surprise visitors. The Flanagans, who live only a few miles away from the raceway, stopped by to watch Connor race! The Main Features then started at 3p.m. We were threatened by rain. A few drops did come down as soon as the second class was done racing. The Animal Sportsman was the fourth class to race. It was their final race for the day. They raced for 10 laps. Connor finished a solid second!

   It was a good first race for Connor and a fun family day for all of us. We only wished it was not as cold as it was.

Badger Raceway and Badger Kart Club

Badger Raceway

   Badger Raceway is a 6/10 mile paved road course located in Dousman, WI. It is owned and operated by the Badger Kart Club (http://badgerkartclub.com/). The Midwest Sprint Series, Route 66 Series and other go kart races are run here. The raceway has a concession stand and a play structure for the kids. There is also free camping for the club members. It is a very family-oriented atmosphere. Kids can start go karting at the age of 5 and it's a pretty good mix of boys and girls alike.

Karters Kafe

Badger Kart Club

   
We joined the club shortly after we bought the go kart. Since we are rookies in this field, we don't know anything and need all the help we can get. So far, everyone has been generous to lend a hand or just give a piece of advice. The club is all about families helping each other and for children having safe fun in go karting.

First Practice

First Practice

The old track.

   On March 31st, volunteers came to help clean up the track so it can be opened for the season. Tom and the boys went. Unfortunately, I had to work so I couldn't come. The drivers or their families who helped clean up the track get to practice on the track that day and the following day for free. (There is a fee for each driver and the pit crew every time they come to practice or race.) After the clean up, Tom and the boys went home and opted not to practice that day since I was not there. 
   We went to our first practice the next day. We arrived at the track around 10 a.m. Tom had to get some fuel (methanol) and borrow a starter. Connor and Colin took turns driving at the practice track, just across from the actual raceway. It's an older track that has not been used for races but for practices for those who are just starting and are not ready to go on the big track. It is also a much shorter track. Since this was the first time either boy got to drive the kart, we decided that they should warm up here before going on the big track. We stayed pretty much all day at this track with the boys taking turns on the kart and waiting for their turns on the track. 

2012 Badger Raceway Schedule

 

    This is the 2012 Badger Raceway Schedule. Connor will run the points race and the first race of the season, which is a non-points one. If anyone is interested in coming to watch any of the races, just click on the image and it should magnify so that you can read it. Or you can visit http://badgerkartclub.com/ and click on SCHEDULE.

The Go Kart

The Go Kart - Then 

   We did it! In February, we finally bought a go kart for Connor and Colin. Tom and I have been toying with the idea for a couple of years now and this year we've decided to give it a go. Brand new go karts are expensive so we searched and searched for used ones. We had a few leads and finally settled on this one, which is not a bad choice at all.

 Far from it. In fact, this go kart finished last season 3rd place in points. The driver moved up to the next level so he needed to have one with different specifications. In short, he outgrew this kart. Lucky for us because then it went up for sale. All the sponsor decals and the numbers had to be removed to make it our own.

   The boys were very excited. It took us several weeks to get all the things they needed (helmets, suits, shoes, chest protectors, etc...) in order for them to drive it. Tom also had to do a lot of work to it mechanically to conform to racing standards.

The Go-Kart - Now

   Today, Tom was able to remove the old decals and put in the new ones. The boys chose the number and the color scheme. It still looks pretty bare since we don't have any sponsors --yet. We're hoping to get one or two as the season progresses. We'll see... For right now, this will do. What matters is that it's all set and ready for the first race ( a non-points one) of the season tomorrow.