KENT, Wash. — (Nov. 12, 2010) As a kid you knew playing in the rain, splashing through puddles and kicking water on your friends, was great fun. And contrary to what your mother may have said, did you know a lot can be learned while playing in the rain?
At PGP Motorsports Park all racing is rain or shine, so don’t let wet weather keep you at home when you could be having a ton of fun and learning something at the same time while racing B-Spec rental karts.
“It was a lot of fun. I’m the type that likes a challenge and the rain definitely added a level of difficulty,” said Ryan Donoghue of Seattle. “But it also leveled the playing field, putting me on par with others in our group who had never been in a kart before. That made it more competitive and more fun for everyone.”
Ryan, 27, celebrated his birthday at PGP with a group of family and friends (see photo at left), including girlfriend Rahda Higgins of Roy, Wash., and parents Dr. Coll Donoghue DDS and Shelia Donohue of Stanwood, Wash. Ryan, Rahda, and his parents have rented B-Spec karts at PGP several times in the past and have experienced some light rain, but the birthday trip was their first time on a completely wet track.
“We had a varied group based on skill levels, some had never driven a kart before,” Ryan said. “We watched the weather, saw a 50-50 shot for rain and decided to make the best of it.”
Although Ryan said the group was initially caught off guard by the wet conditions, they quickly adapted, found their rhythm and started having fun. The pace was slowed down, which gave first-time karters a chance to learn without losing sight of their more experienced friends, who in the meantime were learning more about kart control.
“I would say it’s much more challenging but also more rewarding, racing in wet conditions,” said Ryan. “It’s not as fast but it takes more skill to be precise, to get the kart to do what you want it to do when you’re racing. Racing in the rain is the best way to build up your skills. It requires so much more of you as a driver. ”
A substantial amount of time and money was spent during the construction of PGP to mitigate all water issues. More than two miles of drain pipe sits under the specifically formulated asphalt that includes additional polymers and hardeners that increase traction in the wet, meaning customers of all skill levels can expect great racing rain or shine year round. PGP also has a warming hut and rain suits for your use, and offers classes that will help you drive faster and better in wet conditions.
Ryan, who graduated with a degree in business management from Western Washington University, heard about PGP from his father, Coll. They had done some karting at indoor tracks, but were excited by the prospect of racing outdoors on PGP’s state-of-the-art, purpose built track. The Donoghue’s liked what they found at PGP, which was named a Best Destination in the KING 5 Evening Magazine Best of Western Washington Contest.
“Friends mention going karting at other places, but I always tell them ‘You’ve got to try this place,’” Ryan said of PGP. “It’s a whole better ballgame. Better track, faster karts, racing outside, the folks running the show, racing in the rain — it’s all great. A lot of the indoor places are so constricted but at PGP you have room to try different racing lines, to pass inside or outside. It’s just a lot more fun.”
Forget what your mother said and don’t bother to check the weather reports the next time you feel the need to speed along inches off the ground. Just head out to PGP Motorsports Park for fast fun t, rain or shine. You’re going to learn something, too.
On the Web: Visit www.pacificgp.com, become a fan of “Pacific Grand Prix” on Facebook or follow @pacificgp on Twitter.
About PGP Motorsports Park: PGP Motorsports Park is the Northwest’s premier multi-purpose racing facility and is located in close proximity to the greater Seattle metropolitan area. Named “Best Guys Weekend Destination” for 2010 in the KING 5 Evening Magazine Best of Western Washington contest, the track is easy to get to and inexpensive to utilize, making PGP a rare combination of top-level racing excitement and affordability. For more information on PGP events and services, visit www.pacificgp.com or call (253) 639-7223.
PGP Motorsports media contact: Paul Zalud, (206) 390-9858, paul@pacificgp.com
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