CASEY GARRISON South Korea - Soldiers, civilians and family members gathered at the Casey 500 Go-Cart Track May 29 for the season reopening.
The 8th mile track is reset for the new season with more curves and wider lanes. It also features four new carts, which are two-seat carts for family riding fun. A total of 16 carts are available to those looking for go-cart racing thrills and excitement.
The reopening event featured a barbecue with hot dogs, hamburgers and soft drinks provided by Better Opportunities for Single and Unaccompanied Soldiers.
"We reset the track for this year," said Sally Hall, Casey Garrison Community Activity Center manager. "We upgraded to a better layout this year with more challenging curves and a longer straightaway."
Track sides are buttressed by old tires permanently wired together for improved safety, Hall said.
"We changed our operating procedures this year," she said.
The changes do not affect adults who want to give children a ride in the two-seat carts as long as they are 14 years old or older and are at least 58 inches tall. They can give younger and smaller children a ride around the track if the younger, smaller children meet new guidelines for height, which is 40 inches.
"I was surprised FMWR offered a go-cart track in Korea," said Tom Markert, who has been in the garrison for a year, and brought his entire family to the track. "It is great because it is a taste of home and it is something a lot of young guys and families can look forward to, being a little bit of home in Korea."
Children of the Markert family found some adventure during the opening.
"It is so much fun riding around the track," said Abby Markert, daughter. "I'm not old enough to drive by myself, so daddy drove me."
"I drove around the track for 5 minutes and it was a lot of fun," said Bonnie Markert, wife. The carts do not go very fast, but the handling can give the driver a taste of what it is like for race car drivers.
"It was a lot of fun going around the track, even for 10 minutes, because you feel you are burning down the track," Tom Markert said, "In the hairpin curve I could slide the rear wheels out and follow a line similar to a real race car." Markert said he recommends this activity for all families because at only $5 for 10 minutes the price is right and the barbecue is next to the track.
The track is open only on weekends from noon to 6 p.m. However, units can reserve the track for special events by calling: 010-8936-7794.
"We can reserve the track for units or groups so they may come out for three or four hours and run the carts and have a barbecue with it," Hall said.
Two new American recreation aids were hired to operate the track so maintenance schedules and operations are expected to run smoother than in the past.
"One reason for hiring the new staff was to make sure the new safety guidelines are implemented correctly," Hall said. "All of our carts are made by the same manufacturer and they all have the same safety equipment.
"Last year, our first year, BOSS laid out the track and built it. Now, in our second year, they are here to provide the food and refreshments to those wanting to have a good time."
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