KF1 Karting Circuit is the go-to spot if you’re looking for a serious adrenaline rush. There aren’t many places where you get to reenact those racing scenes from the Fast & Furious films, but you can do all that and more here at Singapore’s largest go-karting circuit.
KF1 Karting Circuit certainly isn’t the new kid on the block. In fact, it’s been around for seven years, having been opened since 2014. Designed by renowned Formula 1 track designer Hermann Tilke, the 960m, CIK-certified track has 18 turns — 10 left and eight right. It’s simple enough for beginners, while still providing a challenge for more seasoned drivers.
While I’m sure most of us would like to have a go at the actual professional race karts, for safety reasons, only fun karts are available to the public. These speedy racers go at 30km/h and 50km/h, for those without and those with a driving license, respectively. Buckle up, it’s faster than you’d think!
Pro-tip: remember to wear covered shoes. Helmets are provided by KF1 Karting Circuit at no extra charge. Don’t worry about helmet sweat — disposable hair nets are also provided by the establishment because it ensures cleanliness. Nonetheless, if you’re an avid racer with your own personal karting gear, you’re more than welcome to bring it for use.
An instructional video will be played before you get onto the track, and staff will be around to guide you along the way. Take note of the various signals and drive safely — reckless driving will get you ejected from the track.
Navigating the kart may be a struggle for those with no prior driving experience, but don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it pretty quickly. Being a first-timer, I was unfortunately the slowest on the track, but that gave me more time to enjoy the track design and appreciate incoming MRT trains at Kranji Station (the MRT track runs above the karting circuit, adding to the uniqueness of KF1).
Each session is 10-minutes long, but trust me, it felt much longer. At the end of each session, an attendant will wave the iconic black-and-white checkered flag you see in most racing events, which is the signal to return to the pit stop.
Other than a few mishaps along the way (not to mention a few crashes here and there), it was a fun experience I wouldn’t mind doing again. This is coming from someone who is most commonly found in restaurants enjoying afternoon tea and libraries reading books, mind you!
Oh, and refrain from wearing white clothes to the go-karting track, unless you really don’t mind getting them dirty. This karting circuit runs rain or shine, and if you’re karting right after a downpour, expect the track to be a bit wet and dirty. From my personal experience, I stepped away from the kart A LOT dirtier than when I first sat down in it.
Be it a birthday party, a family bonding activity or just a fun get together with the boys (or girls!), KF1 Karting Circuit certainly won’t disappoint on the fun factor.
This article is in partnership with KF1 Karting Circuit.
