For most reporters on deadline, it can be a race against the clock, but at a recent media preview at Fastrax Raceway in Crossgates Commons, it was a race against, well, other reporters.
Fastrax Raceway features go-karts that go beyond traditional speeds associated with open-air racing machines, and the media was invited to see just how fast that meant on Tuesday, Aug. 6. The new indoor facility features a 1/3-mile track with twists and turns and electric-powered vehicles that can travel up to 50 mph. Up to 10 people can race at the same time, and results are displayed live on a big screen hanging from the middle of the raceway. Spectators also have plenty of room to watch friends and family behind the wheel.
So what can you expect the first time you get behind the wheel, other than a massive adrenaline rush?
First-time racers register at a computer kiosk, which allows the raceway to get a name and email address, along with the participant’s racing name. You’ll also be asked to sign a wavier at this time. After that is a brief orientation, which largely focuses on understanding the five flags you might see being waved during the race.
You’ll likely see the blue flag with a diagonal orange strip most often. That means a faster driver is trying to pass a slower one. It’ll be pretty obvious during the race which person you are in that scenario. The slower driver is supposed to move to the outside so the other driver can pass on the inside.
Racers will need to wear closed-toe shoes and the raceway supplies a helmet and a “head sock” to go underneath it. The go-kart also has a three-point harness keeping you firmly in place.
Those of you with glasses could have a tough time getting them on with the helmets. Here’s a tip: Take off your glasses while putting the tight-fitting helmet on, and then try to squeeze them on through the face opening afterwards. I found this moderately painful, but not unmanageable or a deal-breaker by any means. Getting a helmet the next size up, say from “L” to “XL,” also helps, and it still fits firmly. If you have contacts, though, you should probably just wear them to the track and avoid this altogether.
Once you put the shield down on your helmet, the sound is muffled and your hands will begin to tighten on the steering wheel as you roll out onto the raceway.
At first, you’ll go very slowly until all the drivers are paced onto the course by an employee, for a smooth start to the race. Your vehicle will all of a sudden start to go faster, but you are still short of being able to go full throttle.
Because the go-karts are electric, staffers are actually able to control the cars remotely, and they are the ones that notch up your speed. Once you complete your final lap, the vehicle will automatically slow down to its initial slow pace as you make your way around the track again to pull off and line up the karts.
Racetrack staffers are also able to monitor a racer’s experience level through their account. The more races someone has under the belt, the faster their car is allowed to go each visit.
Your first time around the track, you will likely hold back a little because getting acclimated with the kart and the track does take at least one full 12-lap race. The people at the media event were cautious in their approach, taking turns slower and pushing the limits of their karts less.
For me, the second time around brought an increased comfort level, and I was able to let loose a little more. There are a couple of tight U-turns where you must slow down, and figuring out how fast you can take those turns requires practice.
For those who have played racing video games, Fastrax essentially feels like you are stepping into one of those games. That first-hand experience is every bit a thrill ride as your hands grip the steering wheel and you feel the wheels spinning underneath you.
The straightaway portions, while limited, are also great fun as you rev up the kart’s electric engine, and although you are driving rather fast the kart still feels secure and grounded. Not once did I feel like the kart was going to roll over during a turn at high speeds or lose control.
The cost for a 14-lap adult racer is $23, but you can also purchase a Fastpass membership for $50. Purchasing a membership includes two free races that can be redeemed at any time, one free race during the month of your birthday and a Fastrax Raceway T-shirt. Members also pay a reduced price of $18 for a 14-lap race.
There are also 10-lap junior racer admissions available for the same price, along with the same membership reduced pricing and perks. The junior racer karts are slower and only reach a max speed of 25 mph.
A junior racer must be at least 50 inches tall and an adult racer must be at least 58 inches tall. If you have your own Department of Transportation certified helmet you may bring it to use.
If you are planning to come with a group of eight or more people it is advised to call or visit the raceway ahead of time to accommodate everyone to race together. Fastrax Raceway can be reached at 869-3278 and is located in Crossgates Commons at 161 Washington Ave. Ext. in Albany.
You can also visit its website for information, along with details on party, corporate or fundraising events, at fastraxraceways.com.