A day at the races

I would have liked to have written about horse racing after choosing the title of this piece - but unfortunately the two horse racing tracks around Cologne and Düsseldorf are closed until April - so I'll have to wait till then to tell you about the Ascots' of the Rhine... Petrol-heads on the other hand will be very excited to hear about the carting opportunities in the area.  Anyone who drives up the A4 to Aachen will be aware of the Michael Schumacher Cart Centre. Germany's most famous F1 driver actually comes from around Kerpen and is known to pop into his carting hall from time to time.  But that's not really the best reason to go - the main reason is the adrenalin rush of the cart racing.  Even if you are a total amateur, you're guaranteed a fun filled afternoon/evening.  It's a great place for a work party, or a get together with friends, and if you think you're immune to the competitive spirit, think again: the heady mix of cart fuel, burnt rubber and testosterone will have you taking corners on two wheels to earn a place on the winners podium.  Most carting centres around the region offer a short training course, warm up laps and lots of advice for beginners, before the race begins.  You can either go along on your own, or with a friend for an individual experience – or as part of a group – which is a whole lot more fun.  Give it a try - and remember to save the celebratory/consolatory Kölsch till after the race.

Kart Center Cologne
Group price: €35 p.p. 8 carts, 50 min.
www.kartcenter-cologne.de

Le Mans Karting
Group price: €75 per team, 90 min
www.lemanskarting.de

Michael Schumacher Kart Center
Group price: €59 - 10-22 carts, 60 mins
www.ms-kartcenter.de

Go Kart
Group price: €23 p.p. 30 laps
www.gokart-online.de