On 11 Sep 2009, 3 tracking enthusiasts (2 Suzuki Swift Sports and 1 Subaru WRX) and 1 blur beginner (Chevrolet Aveo SS) drove from Singapore to the racing track at Pasir Gudang, Johor, Malaysia. It did not bore well that it rained heavily before we set off (you would understand why soon enough...). The whole journey from Tuas Checkpoint to Johor Racing Circuit (http://www.johorcircuit.com.my/) took approximately about 1.5hrs. Do prepare about total RM 28 for toll. Fortunately for us, there were no other groups vying with us for the circuit when we reached. In fact, it was quite deserted. Cost was RM60 for one hour circuit plus we needed to sign an indemnity form.
I put on my borrowed helmet (from my colleague) and was ready to roar. The feeling was both apprehensive and excited! Finally we were off! I drove as if I were on Singapore expressway initially (ie 90km/hr lah... and saw my friends disappearing over the horizon), trying to get a hang on the circuit before it was show time. I rammed hard on the accelerator. Clumsily I managed to maneuver my car through the circuit with its straight stretches and corners. We stopped briefly and one of my new-made friends, Han Lin, gave me some tips which I tried to digest quickly, so I would not be left picking up the dust their cars kicked up again! I could smell burning "aroma" from my car too. A result of revving my engine and braking too much. Definitely not pleasant for a person who just got his car 4 months ago. During the course, I was so focused on controlling the speed of my car that I only took notice of the RPM of my car and forgot about the speed. Irony? So I got absolutely no idea what my top speed was. Another friend, Jason, told me his was about 160-185km/hr (take a look at his previous glorious result http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-2n5XdmGXE).
Anyway we were off again. I improved or at least I thought so until at Turn 3, I did not braked enough and as I rounded the corner, my car literally flew off the track and into the sand pits! Luckily that was all to it. No car overturning or crushed bonnet or more spectacular stunt. It took a while for me to calm down and started to notice my breathing again. I tried driving off and heard some weird sound similar to a flat tyre. In my mind, I was like Oh Shit! I got off the car to take a look. No such luck=)
I went to consult 2 tyres specialists and they said the only way is to spray it and still the effect may not be homogeneous for all. Not to mention that the cost of the colour of my rims is not cheap. Ok next. The stones were taken out easily by paying $10 for labour. The paint work shouldn't be too much of a problem. Just some money to solve it. I checked with a few workshops and my heart sank when they told me it would cost about $140-$150…Well, no choice cos the rust are starting to appear=/
So till the next tracking adventure! (I need to recover from the pain first=/)
PS: My dear sister, if you are reading this, pls do not tell mama=)
Back at the pits, I salvaged the damage done to my car. Small stones stuck to the gaps between the tyres and rims. Scratched rims (damn!!! I just got them about 2 months ago! sian...). White car becoming brown car on the right side partially. Engines probably "damaged" as well plus probably lotsa "internal injuries" which are not known to me now until they take their toll on the car as it ages... While I was driving back to Singapore, I kept on hearing strange noises coming from my car. Even the Singapore custom officer couldn’t help but stick his head out to see what the problem was… (The noises have since disappeared. Must be some stones stuck somewhere in my rims, tyres, below my car…) It wasn't until night time that the full physical damage was made 100% known to me after I washed it. Besides mentioned above, there are scratches to the white paint work at area between bottom corner of right rear door and the car main body. My pain "ached" as I looked at the damage but well... It was definitely an experience though!=)
I went to consult 2 tyres specialists and they said the only way is to spray it and still the effect may not be homogeneous for all. Not to mention that the cost of the colour of my rims is not cheap. Ok next. The stones were taken out easily by paying $10 for labour. The paint work shouldn't be too much of a problem. Just some money to solve it. I checked with a few workshops and my heart sank when they told me it would cost about $140-$150…Well, no choice cos the rust are starting to appear=/
So till the next tracking adventure! (I need to recover from the pain first=/)
PS: My dear sister, if you are reading this, pls do not tell mama=)
