Fast track to fun

Standing in the changing room with my racing overalls on at Al Ain Raceway, my nerves started to dance boisterously in my stomach. There were eight of us racing: four people I didn't know and three of my friends.

I wondered if any of the others was karting for the first time like me. I knew I shouldn't care about how well I was going to do, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't mind finishing last. We were there just to have fun — or at least that's what we had told each other — but packing my clothes into the locker, I knew that everyone's true intention was to be the first to cross the line.

The facilities at Al Ain Raceway are top-notch. On arrival, all drivers sign in before they're given full racing gear. You'll need to bring your own appropriate shoes, though.

Separated into cadet, junior and senior, racers from eight years and above are accommodated in the Arrive and Drive. You'll get a top-of-the-range, race-tuned kart, which is fitted with an impressive information screen mounted on the steering wheel. With this, you'll receive up-to-the-minute race data such as race position and current lap time, as the screen is linked directly to the track's timing system.

At the end of each session, drivers are given print-outs with individual lap times and a performance graph. Hearing all this after I'd stepped out of the changing room intensified my nervousness. Thinking how professional the raceway is, I felt a small panic attack coming on: how fast are these karts and how complicated are they? Fortunately, and just in time (I was beginning to sweat), the friendly instructor put my mind at ease by explaining everything in a mandatory briefing on kart controls and circuit rules. Panic attack at bay and confidence up, I was about to get my kart.

A racing heart

Balaclava and helmet on, I saw the fleet of high-performance Intrepid rental karts lined up on the track. I was already hot and sweaty with all that gear on, so my racing heart didn't help. It was now pounding in my throat and all I could hear was the sound of my breath, as I sat waiting for the signal to turn green.

The first lap was to warm up the tyres and it was intense with everything but speed. I was > glad to find that I wasn't the only one cautiously crawling along the track. A couple of drivers took off with the rubber burning but as they're known petrol-heads, this was not surprising.

It's important to learn the track, because keeping the driving line is crucial to your time. We'd gone over a diagram of the circuit in the briefing room but that information was long gone from my mind.

It took a couple of laps to get to know the track intimately and which corners are the trickiest. But by that stage, my foot was flat on the accelerator and I was eagerly ramping over the bumps that had seemed horrifying just a few minutes before.

Time flies by and before you know it, the session is over. Once I'd pulled off into the pits, I immediately regretted having been such a granny about getting the hang of the kart and track. Having your lap times in front of you while racing is sure to increase your competitive edge, and at the end you'll be wishing you had another lap left to try and shave off that second.

No pain, no gain

The challenge is fantastic but it hurts. Stepping out of the kart, you'll find your arms are stiff and your back isn't happy with you either. But the lingering thrill of racing makes up for it and despite the pain, your smile will be firmly spread across your face as you limp to the locker room.

The raceway, in true racing spirit, is ready to reward drivers with the fastest lap time of the month. If your time is faster than the top spot on the leader board in the reception, you'll win a prize. Adding to the elative experience were the session results. I never received a prize — I finished third in the group. But considering that the drivers in first and second were experienced, I revelled at my position. What was all that pre-race fuss about? I'll put it down to my being a very competitive person.

At the starting line

• The Al Ain Raceway kart circuit features three distinctive configurations, providing an exhilarating challenge for driversof all abilities.
Tel: +971 3 768 6662;
W: www.alainraceway.com

• Yas Marina doesn't just boasta Formula One track, it has a drag strip and go-kart track as well. The racing circuit also has a race school for those looking to learn the basics or to fine-tune their skills.
Tel: 800 YAS (927)
W: www.yasmarinacircuit.com

• The Dubai Autodrome has a track and kartdrome, and offers driving packages.
Tel: +971 4 4 367 8700;
W: www.dubaiautodrome.com

• Also in Dubai is the track atthe Emirates Karting Centre in Jebel Ali.
Tel: +971 4 282 7111