NUS Motoring Club - The Log Book

Karting to NASCAR

nusmotoring — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:59:04 +0000

An American paper, The Salt Lake Tribune, did an article recently about how kart racing is a possible stepping-stone towards proper Formula series grand prix racing.

It is not a lie, because karting teaches the basic fundamentals of control, racing discipline and endurance, these of which are vital in any form of competition motorsports.

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Racers can cut teeth on karts

Updated:09/09/2009 05:59:01 PM MDT

Alex Noshirvan

Salt Lake Tribune

Tooele »Below the serene backdrop of the Oquirrh Mountains at Miller Motorsports Park bellows the thunderous sound of 250cc-engine karts, preparing to reach speeds in excess of 160 mph in preparation for the United States Kart Grand Prix Championships.

Three-hundred-fifty drivers from around the world gathered in Tooele last month to test themselves on the MMP, a 3.08-mile, 15-turn course that will leave your knuckles white and your heart pounding.

It was the first time the Miller Motorsports Park hosted the Kart Grand Prix, and track officials said they would not be surprised to see a course speed record broken during the three days of racing.

The previous track record was 121 mph, set by Simon Pagenaud in May. No results were available on the Miller Motorsports Web site or on the Kart Grand Prix Web site.

For many young drivers, the series provides a way to cut their teeth on a racing circuit and prepare themselves to move up into the higher profile racing leagues. The 250cc Superkarts often set faster lap times than much more expensive and technically advanced racing machines, which can be seen as paradoxical, because kart racing is viewed as a minor-league system compared with NASCAR, F-1 and Indy racing leagues.

The reason kart racing is generally looked upon as an introduction to the world of racing is that – relatively speaking – it is an easier and safer way for young drivers to learn how to race and is considered the first step in any serious racer’s career.

Current NASCAR drivers Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon and Juan Pablo Montoya all got their feet wet in racing by starting in Kart racing.

In fact, Stewart won a World Karting championship in 1987, a harbinger of what was to come once he got into NASCAR. He was the NACAR champion in 2002 and 2005.

Karts prepare the driver for high-speed wheel-to-wheel racing by helping develop quick reflexes, precision car control, and decision-making skills. In addition, karts bring an awareness of the various parameters that can be altered to try to improve the competitiveness of the car.

Learning lessons on tire pressure, gearing, seat position, and chassis stiffness are invaluable tools that will prepare a racer for other forms of motor racing later on down the road in his or her racing career.

Changi Motorsports Hub gets its bidders

nusmotoring — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:22:19 +0000

The development of the Changi Motorsports Hub is on the move, with 3 groups bidding to operate and maintain this new facility in the East.

We are optimistic that this facility will finally give Singaporean motorsport fans, participants and all drivers a good platform to enjoy the sport further.

An artist’s impression of the track

(Image from TTG Asia)

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3 bid for Motorsports Hub

by Leonard Lim

SINGAPORE Agro Agricultural, a consortium led by Turf City Management, was the first of three groups bidding to design, build and manage the Changi Motorsports Hub to present their proposals to the media on Monday.

Among its unique selling points is securing rights to stage MotoGP, motorcycling’s equivalent to Formula One, at the Hub.

The other two parties, Sports Services, which is linked to Haw Par Corporation, and SG Changi, a consortium of different partners, will be making their presentations later on Monday.

A panel of government agencies and consultants will select and announce the successful bidder around the first quarter of next year.

The hub, which is expected to be ready by the end of 2011, will boast a permanent track at least 3.5km long.

The privately-funded facility will be located next to the Singapore Airshow grounds. It will include a sheltered grandstand for at least 8,000 spectators,a driver training school and food and beverage facilities.

The cost of developing the Grade Two facility is expected to run into several hundred million dollars. It will have a tenure of 30 years, and will be able tohost any motorsports race, bar Formula One.

The successful bidder must stage at least three international races every year,which may include the A1 Grand Prix and motorcycling’s MotoGP.

Previously, the total motorsports and commercial GFA was set at 13,000 sq m,but SSC later upped the area to 67,000 sq m to make the project morecommercially viable.

The Changi Motorsports Hub is expected to contribute significantly to the government’s aim of developing a $2 billion-a-year sports industry by 2015 and having 20,000 people in sports-related jobs.

Changi Airport Race Crowns A ‘King Of The Tarmac’

nusmotoring — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:57:25 +0000

MEDIA RELEASE

Changi Airport Race Crowns A ‘King Of The Tarmac’

SINGAPORE, 5 September 2009 – At the first-ever jetliner-versus-car race in Asia held at Singapore Changi Airport today, a Porsche 911 GT3 Carrera Cup car was crowned the speed king of Changi Airport’s tarmac. In a close finish to the much-anticipated Changi Airport Race, the Porsche crossed the finishing line split seconds ahead of a Jett8 Airlines Boeing 747, despite starting slower. Video footage of the race will be available on-line at http://www.changiairport.com/race from 8.00 pm (Singapore time) today.

A jubilant Mr Yuey Tan, the Porsche driver, received the trophy from Guest-of-Honour, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and Transport. Commenting on his win, he said, “This marks my maiden win in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, and what a win this is. This is definitely one of the highlights of my motoring career so far – as a boy, I’ve always been fascinated by speed and to be able to triumph over the Boeing jetliner is a terrific experience for me. I hope to build on this success in the weeks to come. Kudos to Jett8’s Captain Peter for pushing me to the limits and also to the organiser, Changi Airport Group, and sponsors, Jett8 Airlines, Porsche and Stuttgart Auto, Valais water, Porsche Design, and McElrea Racing, without whom this historic race would not have been possible.”

The pilot helming the Boeing 747, Captain Peter Leo said, “Jett8 is very happy that Yuey won. After all, a racer is all about winning and becoming famous. We feel that we have won as well, as Jett8 demonstrated in this event that it could deliver – safely and reliably.”

Chief Executive Officer of Changi Airport Group, Mr Lee Seow Hiang said, “This has been indeed the race of a lifetime. The hundreds gathered at Changi Airport today enjoyed every second of the nail-biting race. And we expect many more to catch the action on-line. What an exciting start to the Changi GP Festival!”

Besides the race, ticket holders enjoyed other festivities at the airport. There were performances by local band, Timmys, F1 dance performances and instant photography services for fans to capture themselves against the backdrop of the event.

The Changi Airport Race was organised by Changi Airport Group to mark and celebrate the GP season in Singapore. The race launches the Changi GP Festival, with many race-related activities for passengers and airport visitors to enjoy and participate in. These include a pit-stop challenge, go-karting and racing consoles at the airport. The new Porsche 911 GT3 road car was also unveiled for the very first time in Asia Pacific this afternoon at Changi Airport Terminal 3. There will also be a special appearance by McLaren F1 driver Heikki Kovalainen on 23 September 2009.

Note : The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car driven by Yuey in the Race is the racecar version of the street legal Porsche 911 GT3 car and can only be driven on track.

2009 Basic Karting Course – It’s back!

nusmotoring — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:55:12 +0000

The Karting Introductory Course is back!

Have u always been wanting to try on Karting but never had the chance to do so? Or perhaps you have once karted and am awaiting the next opportunity to learn something more on Karting without having to pay exorbitant pricing or travel to neighbouring Malaysia for this purpose?

Come join NUS Motoring Club this coming Semester (August 09 – October 09) for the highly anticipated Karting Introductory Course. This is a wonderous opportunity for beginners and those who want to know more about Karting to come together for a comprehensive learning experience involving Karting!

The Karting Introductory Course shall be conducted in two stages, a theory stage through use of Presentation slides in the comfort of the Lecture Theatre followed by a Practical Session on the grounds in Jurong Kart World.

The Time schedule for the KIC on the 19th August 2009, Wed is as follows:

1600 – 1700hrs – Registration + Theory Session + Light Refreshments
1700 – 1730hrs – Awaiting Transportation (Mini Bus) to Jurong Kartworld
1730 – 1745hrs – Track Briefing for Participants
1745 – 1830hrs – 1st Practice Session
1830 – 1845hrs – Debrief session following Practice Run
1845 – 1930hrs – Time Trial (3 Runs)
1930 – 2000hrs – Prize Presentation and Debrief/ Dismissal

We will be only have 20 slots available, hence do sign up fast with us.

Cost of BKC

$35/- (inclusive of two-way transport to and from Kartworld + 1 year NUSMC Membership)

Registration now opens! Please download your Registration Forms @ www.nusmotoring.org now.

Details on payment are advised on the Registration Form.

You may access the link to the Form download at http://www.nusmotoring.org/events.html

Do keep a look out for our publicity prints around the Campus when School opens.

We certainly hope to see you guys and girls there!

National Day 2009

nusmotoring — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 15:07:46 +0000

The Club would like to wish Singapore a Happy 44th National Day.

As it’s a long weekend, I’m sure everyone will be having a good time.

Drive safe, be responsible. Don’t drink and drive.

Have fun guys and girls!

New Motorsports Hub to appear in Changi

nusmotoring — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:19:38 +0000

Something new to look forward to.

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The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) on Monday launched a Request For Proposal (RFP) offering local and international consortia a unique opportunity to build and manage the Changi Motorsports Hub (CMH).

-ST PHOTO: AZIZ HUSSIN

Set to become Asia’s first premier motorsports and entertainment centre, the CMH will rise from a 41-hectare sea-facing site near the Changi Airshow Grounds.

This is more than double the initial plot size of 20ha when the plan for the Hub was first announced in 2007.

The Hub, which is expected to be ready by the end of 2011, will feature a permanent racetrack of at least 3.5km, along with a permanent sheltered grandstand offering unblocked views of the entire track for at least 8,000 spectators.

It will house its own racing academy and will serve as a regional training and research and development centre for motorsports. It will host top international motorsports competitions – including FIA Grade 2 races – and Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Exhibition (MICE) events. Motorsports-related and general retail outlets, restaurants and other engaging lifestyle and entertainment offerings will also be available at the Hub.

The SSC hopes to attract potential consortia that comprise entities such as racetrack designers, architects, property developers, sports developers, events and entertainment organisers and retailers.

The RFP will be available from the SSC from 3pm on Monday. A $10,000 deposit is required for the RFP, which will be refunded upon submission of a conforming proposal. Proposals must be submitted by 4pm on Aug 27, 2009.

The CMH is a major project initiated by the Government that will contribute to the Government’s vision of a S$2 billion sports industry by 2015, along with the goal of employing 20,000 people in sports related jobs.

NUS Motorsports Carnival 2009

nusmotoring — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 23:15:00 +0000

Hey guys, our NUS Motorsports Carnival is back for 2009!

Come join us at the Central forum on 5th and 6th March 2009 (Thur & Fri) and witness how a motorshow can take place right under the hardworking people of the NUS Central Library!

Who says work and play do not mix? Well, drop by and we’ll show you that they can.

Feast your eyes with a variety of car displays that range from the practical, to the dream exotic machines that you’ve always dreamt about.

Not forgetting the usual Goodie Bags give-outs, limited to the first 500 people who visit this Carnival!

We’re having a lucky draw, and the winner will walk away with a free set of tyres, to be changed on the spot at the carnival by Tyrepac!

A series of promotional discounts and offers from our participating sponsors and vendors!

Our vendors include:

GenConcept Pte Ltd
NESTLE Singapore
Red Bull Singapore

Wearnes Automotive Pte Ltd (RENAULT)
TTS Eurocars Pte Ltd (FIAT)
Pinnacle Motors Pte Ltd
Roar Lubricant Pte Ltd
Tyrepac Pte Ltd
Binter & Co. Pte Ltd

Autoglym Singapore Pte Ltd
E-Rev Motor Sports
Innovasia Technology Pte Ltd
V-Kool Singapore

See you all there!

(There might be a few surprise supercars on display, so head on down to see for yourself!)

For media and press information, please kindly email info@nusmotoring.org

Here comes the Ariel Atom

nusmotoring — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:52:25 +0000

Too bad, we wont be able to see the original windscreen-less Atom on our roads.

Seasons Greetings

nusmotoring — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:44:11 +0000

The NUS Motoring Club would like to wish all our partners, friends and supporters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2009.

Keep in touch with us, and look out for more exciting motoring activities next year.

- The Club

NUS-Mitsubishi Challenge 2008

nusmotoring — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:17:49 +0000

Dear Members,

We’re back!

Presenting the ‘The NUS-Mitsubishi Challenge! An Amazing Race styled competition, and is derived from the Mitsubishi Challnge that was screened on local television earlier in the year.

Have a blast of a time on the 13th September 2008, in a group of four, as you navigate around Singapore and experience what it means to discover new haunts and experience the excitement of driving Mitsubishi vehicles like the Triton, Colt and i in driving skill challenges at our stations located islandwide.

You guys can expect to immerse themselves in a myriad of challenges, with the aim of chalking up the greatest number of points in order to emerge as the Grand Champion.

As described earlier, some of these tests will include vehicular challenges, which will involve participants making use of Mitsubishi vehicles to test their driving skills, as well as teamwork and intellect based games that are designed to stretch participants both physically and mentally.

At the end of the day, we will have a sumptuous buffet dinner at Orchidville where everyone can stock up on much needed feasting.

The Event is open to NUS students, staff as well as alumni members. Participants will be required to form teams of 4 people per car. Do look out for the registration details in August in order to sign up. The Registration Forms are made available through www.nusmotoring.org and those interested will just have to download the Forms, fill up the details and head down to the Registration Booth at the Central Forum from 20th – 22nd August to confirm their Team Registration. Thrills and spills aside, attractive prizes await the top 3 teams at the end of the competition. Stay tuned for more details ……..’

For more information, please email janine@nusmotoring.org to enquire.