The above is a panoramic of Jim Hall II's Kart Racing track in Oxnard, CA. Click on the following to view larger images of the track.
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On July 31, 1999 I had the opportunity to attend a "DAY 1A" course at Jim Hall II's Kart Racing School in Oxnard, CA with several coworkers. Laird (a coworker and veteran Kart Racer) organized the day by convincing 10 other coworkers to attend. This was the second group from my workplace to attend this school as previously 14 other coworkers had attended an identical class on June 19th.
Without getting into much detail, this class was a real blast! The class began at 1pm and ended at 5pm. The Karts themselves were 1999 models fitted with 16hp 2-stroke motors with a centrifugal clutch. The motors rev to approximately 16,000rpm with the clutch engaging at around 9,000rpm. A single disc brake fitted on the solid rear axle is responsible for stopping via a hydraulic caliper. The rider sits in a seat which is barely 3/4" off the pavement allowing for a low center of gravity. Cornering "g" forces can approach 1.6 g's. The cars can accelerate to 60mph in under 7 seconds and were outfitted with sticky racing slicks for tires.
The class of 14 people was divided into 3 groups to keep the number of cars on the track to approximately 4 or 5 at any one time. I was placed in group 3 and designated with the "yellow" car. We each were assigned a car based on our height and weight so that we would have a snug fitting seat.
The school is run very professionally . I was impressed with the care given to ensure a high degree of safety. Passing was not allowed except on a long straightaway and only if a blue flag was waved alerting the driver of the kart to be passed.
You can find out more about Kart Racing School by visiting Jim Hall II's website at:
Below is a picture archive of the day. All pictures were originally taken in 1600x1200dpi resolution but have been reduced both in size and quality for posting on this page. After the initial pictures were taken, the camera was put away in order to concentrate on the class.
 Preparing the Karts |
 Kart rear |
 Blue Kart |
 Bill getting suited up |
 Bill "putting on" his Kart |
 Bill ready to go! |
 The Pit Area |
 Greg ready to go! |
 Thumbs-up pose for the Polaroid |
 Greg learning how to brake |
 Bill testing his brake |
 The JHR officials outpost |
 Starting a Kart |
 Greg getting waived on to the track |
 Greg off in the distance |
 Bill getting ready to pass |
 Bill |
 Bill again |
 Check out that grin on Greg! |
 "This is just like GPL!" Dave thinks |
 Katie ready to show who's boss |
 Adam |
 Adam entering the track |
 Stefano, Mark, and Derek don their gear |
 Dave back in the pits |
 Stef putting on his gloves |
 Stef inspecting his Kart |
 Stef gives thumbs-up |
 Derek! |
 Derek & Stef |
 Craig getting fitted |
 Homeslice Craig ready to show us how its done! |