Get, set, go-kart: A racer takes the bend

Shillong, June 2: The only thing that comes close to a go-kart in Meghalaya is the three-wheeled push-cart that stays perilously close to the ground and is variably always laden with water jerrycans. The fun begins when the carts come rattling down the hilly roads with youngsters manoeuvring them like professional race drivers.

The euphoria of driving a flat-floored speedy vehicle and the abhorrence for stereotypical 9-to-5 jobs has prompted 25-year-old Eugene Niangti, who has grown up skateboarding the crude carts, to design the first go-karting centre and motocross track in the Northeast.

Niangti’s dream project — Speedway Park, spread over two acres of land — has come up at Laitor Rngi, 10 km off the Meghalaya capital. It is as good as some of the best centres in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.

“I have always wanted to do something different and bikes have been my passion. I got a lot of help from my family and friends to set up this adventure centre,” Niangti told newspersons after the inauguration of his park recently.

The Rs 4 lakh go-karting track, inspired by the Hirnandani Gardens in Mumbai, has four karts. Niangti has bought just one kart, while he used his “imaginative mind” to design the rest.

“I used generator engines to make three karts. They are as good as any professionally-designed karts,” he said.

Niangti also used his “self taught” skills to design the motocross track, religiously sticking to the standard specifications and guidelines. The go-karting tracks have the mandatory tyre barricades.

The park was opened for the public last Tuesday with tickets priced at Rs 60 to Rs 95 for the five to six laps in the go-karting track. “We will try to save some money for organising competitions,” Niangti said, watching the youngsters in colourful helmets attempting to outdo the other while negotiating the sharp spiral curves on the well-laid track.

Niangti’s brainchild has brought to life the sleepy village of Laitkor Rngi, spawning several tea and food kiosks close to the park.