Driven by adventure, Jamie Cross met his need for speed on the Southern Hemisphere's largest international karting track.
The 27-year-old was one of hundreds of petrol-heads checking out the thrill of New Zealand's newest race kart racing track at Mamaku's Off-Road NZ during an open day at the facility yesterday.
A former
stock car racer, Mr Cross told The Daily Post he was stoked with the new track.
He drifted around a few sharp corners sideways, keeping to the front of the pack throughout his laps.
"It's a pretty good track," he said. "I got up to some good speeds. It was a lot of fun. I will be coming back ... It's an awesome track."
Rotorua's Malcolm Morrick also enjoyed a spin around the track in a racing kart.
"I've been on a few tracks in South Africa but nothing as good as this one," he said. "It's something everyone should have a go at."
Off Road NZ owner Ian Tew said everyone who had taken to the track during the open day appeared to enjoy the experience.
"It's been just fantastic. Some of these guys can't believe how much fun karting is until they have given a go. It's easy."
Rotorua Karting Club captain Zane Willis said the track was long overdue - eight to nine years in the planning.
It is owned by the club and shared with Off Road NZ when not in use by the club.
The Rotorua club expects to host international kart racing rallies at the 1.2km track.
"We've waited a long time to get access to a track like this," Mr Willis said. "Everyone is chomping at the bit to host events here. It's such a smooth track."
Patron of the Rotorua Karting Club, Brian Williams, said karting was a sport that had helped produce some of the country's most successful racers including Greg Murphy and Scott Dixon.
The Rotorua track has cost $2.5 million so far to build and another $1 million is due to be spent finishing the track and facilities.
Mr Williams said the track was a great tourism adventure experience. "It's also a great sport for families," he said.
