Bernie already explained the new layout of the track at Sykart on a previous post. I had a chance to go Tuesday night and just wanted to add my impression also. I included an unofficial track map that I made using a template from Sykart and MS Paint. It’s not perfect but it may be easier to visualize what I’m talking about.

The track feels larger, mainly due to the faster corners with wider entries and exits. It also feels much faster with a couple turns taken at full throttle (at least in the 6.5-hp karts, I haven’t yet used the 9-hp karts on the new layout.) My initial reaction is more of fun rather than technical and challenging. Every turn is 180 degrees, although with varying radii and entry/exit room, so it doesn’t have the variety of the old layout. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining at all. The feeling of speed through the turns adds an element that the old layout was missing. I’m definitely a novice when it comes to racing, but it will be interesting to see where passing opportunities will present themselves. Attempting to pass seems like it would compromise your line and hurt your lap times more now. So consistency may be even more valuable so other drivers can’t take advantage of mistakes. Of course, I’m sure all the fast drivers will still have no problem passing me.

Thanks to everyone at Sykart for taking the time to set up the new layout!

One last thought, how about naming all the corners instead of just going by numbers?  Especially since the course can be run in reverse, I don’t want to confuse myself too much!