Brand new track in Kranji a major boost to Singapore’s flagging motorsports scene.
Racing fans, petrolheads and thrill seekers rejoice! The eagerly-anticipated KF1 Karting Circuit has finally been launched. Singapore may not yet have a permanent race track for cars, but the opening of this circuit is at least of some consolation, following the dismal letdown that was the proposed Changi Motorsports Hub and the closure of the Changi Karting Circuit last November. The KF1 Circuit is Singapore’s second permanent karting facility after Jurong’s Kartright Speedway, and is the first to be built to hold International-level races.
The circuit, situated on the grounds of the Singapore Turf Club, was built at a cost of S$2 million, and was designed by renowned track architect Hermann Tilke, whose previous work includes the Yas Marina (Abu Dhabi), Circuit of the Americas (Texas) and Sepang (Malaysia) Formula One circuits.
The track’s layout can almost be described as having two distinct flavours: flowing high- and medium-speed corners at its western end allow drivers to settle into a nice rhythm while the eastern end’s hairpins and sharp, technical nature provide racers several prominent overtaking opportunities. For variety, the 960-metre long track can be run in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions, and in a unique world first, passes under the MRT train tracks no less than six times over the course of a lap. Facilities at the track include F1-style team garages in the paddock, an air-conditioned members’ lounge, Pro Shop and an upstairs viewing gallery that gives spectators a panoramic view of the entire circuit.
Unlike most other kart tracks, the KF1 Circuit also has a tangible link to F1. Its parent company, Arina International Holdings, has an extensive background with race infrastructure, and is the provider for the advanced lighting system used in the Singapore Grand Prix. As such the same lighting system is used here to allow for high-octane action even under the stars. The distinctive red and white Tecpro crash barriers are also similar to that used in F1, and have been proven to be a safer and more flexible option than traditional tyre barriers.
Arina’s Managing Director, Richard Tan, is an avid motorsports fan and has been organising the KF1 Corporate Karting Challenge since 2011: “We are immensely proud to launch the circuit. There has been an increasing interest in motorsports since F1 came to Singapore and we hope this circuit will be a place where motorsports enthusiasts can bond and get their adrenaline fix.”
The circuit opens its doors to the public for the first time today (12th November). For more information, head to the KF1 website at www.kf1karting.com. In the meantime, stay tuned for an upcoming feature where we tell you what it’s like to race on the new track!
