Abs takes on Go Karting for Sportsround

What's Kart Racing

Kart racing or karting is a variant of open-wheel motor sport with simple, small four-wheeled vehicles called karts, go-karts, or gearbox/shifter karts depending on the design. They are usually raced on scaled-down circuits. Karting is commonly perceived as the stepping stone to the higher and more expensive ranks of motorsports.

Another week, another challenge! This week it was Go Karting, but with a bit of a difference.
I found myself teamed up with fellow Sportsround presenter Sonali.
I'd seen her in action out in Beijing at the Olympics and knew she would be fiercely competitive - perfect! However she wasn't to be my teammate, but my opponent.
Our coach for the day was a young talented driver called Callum. He had huge ambitions of following the likes of Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, who both started their careers on the Go Kart track.

Tough work
Sonali and I were going to have to race each other at the end of the day, so Callum was very helpful and took us through some of the basics. Braking, accelerating and finding the right 'racing line' - the quickest route around the course.
It was a lot to think about! The best thing we could do was to get out on the track and put what we'd learnt into practice.
The track was massive - even at top speed it took me a whole minute to do one lap.

Skidding
I definitely struggled in and out of the corners too, as my kart was skidding all over the shop.
The main reason for this was that I was carrying too much speed into the turns, so the back end of my cart was sliding out. It's a great sensation and I felt like a stunt man in some sort of action movie. However it is the slowest way to get around the course - and today was all about SPEED!!!
On the straight the karts were super fast. I'd say my top speed was about 25/30 miles per hour. It doesn't sound a lot, but because the kart is so low to the ground it feels like you're doing 100 miles per hour.
It was clear after our practice session that Sonali was having a few problems handling the corners as well, although she was a lot quicker on the straights, because she was a lot lighter than me.

Floodlights
Then Sonali told me that we would actually be racing under floodlights. I've got to say I was really excited about the sound of this and the extra challenge it would provide. It would be just like this year's Singapore Grand Prix!
In the daylight I was following the black rubber marks left on the track by other drivers' wheels. Under the floodlights, these were hardly visible. Still, having adjusted to our new set of conditions, we were ready to rumble.

Race on!
Sonali was on pole position and I started a bit further back, just off her left shoulder. The lights turned from red to green and we were off.
I was hot on Sonali's heels and trying to put as much pressure on her as possible. On hairpin number three she buckled and skidded off onto the grass, I saw my opportunity and hit the accelerator and whizzed past her on the inside.
Being one of the most competitive people in the world I decided to really go for it! I wanted to win big!
My corner taking was way better than in practice and I was absolutely flying around the track.
I ended up crossing the line a solid 43 seconds ahead of Sonali. I've got to say though; Sonali put in a brilliant final few laps. It was only the fact that she had skidded off onto the grass a couple of times that made it such a big gap.

Well chuffed!
Still I was chuffed with my efforts and I totally loved the whole experience. The extra tuition Callum gave me completely changed my style of driving as well as my approach to Go Karting.
After a lengthy victory lap, saluting the massive crowd (six or seven dirty, tired mechanics desperate for their beds, as it was almost 10:30pm!) I was presented with a trophy, which is now sitting pretty on my mantelpiece. I'm actually considering buying a trophy cabinet!

Soaring Gas Prices Change Global Personal Transport Market

Soaring crude oil prices have driven gasoline prices at the pumps to record levels, to over US$4 per gallon in August stateside, the world`s biggest car market. Coupled with the fallout from the sub-prime mortgage crisis in the U.S., record gasoline prices in North America and elsewhere are rattling the global auto market. Reports are that Americans are gradually forsaking gas-guzzling pickups and sport utility vehicles (SUV) for more gas-efficient options, with compacts and mid-sized cars rolling out showrooms only a few days after being trucked to dealerships. And hybrids as the Toyota Prius are fast becoming fixtures on highways, when only a decade ago gas-and electric engines were mostly science fiction.

American car sales for 2008 is expected to slow to a 15-year low; while American makes continue to lose market share to the Asian rivals, which are known for being more fuel efficient.

Toyota has recently toppled GM, formerly the biggest carmaker globally, in volume sold, as well as outdoing Ford to become the best selling car brand in the U.S. The Japanese car giant continues to strengthen its appeal by further leveraging the success of its Prius hybrid, applying the same technology to its high-end Lexus LS600H to expand its client base for hybrids.

Electric Bikes

Besides opting for more fuel-efficient cars, global consumers are also turning to two-wheeled electric bikes as a main transportation tool, which not only helps to save considerable fuel outlay, but also effectively meets stricter environmental protection standards worldwide.

SYM Corporation, a major motorcycle producer in Taiwan, added a new production line to its factory in Fujian Province on the southeastern coast of China in July to turn out electric bikes-aiming to sell several thousands units per month in the initial stage. The company is optimistic about the outlook of electric bikes both in the domestic and international markets. "Many big cities in China ban gas-powered scooters from entry, but not electric bikes for they don`t emit pollution," says the company.

SYM is also engaged in a cross-border cooperation project with Taiwan`s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to develop the RoboScooter, a foldable electric bike scheduled to be formally debut in the latter half of 2009.

Most Active in Taiwan

Meanwhile, the Ideal Group, a major bicycle producer in Taiwan, began partnering with Boston-headquartered Honeywell in March to jointly develop heavy-duty electric bikes. According to the group, the popularity of two-wheeled vehicles has expanded considerably-policemen patrol on electric bikes, factory workers deliver goods on electric bikes, and passengers with luggage also use them to travel through airports.

Being upbeat about the market outlook, the Ideal Group has engaged in more than 10 electric bike projects with various partners from either Taiwan or abroad. The CYCLEUROPE project involves a Swedish partner which is planning to present an electric bike as a gift to the King of Sweden in celebration of the country`s 100th anniversary later this year.

As the most active electric bike producer in Taiwan, the Ideal Group sees steady growth in orders for its electric bikes and may see a doubling of its annual sales of such green bikes this year.

The Ideal Group observes Europe and China as currently the world`s two largest markets of electric bikes, with orders from these two areas growing steadily over the past few years; while orders from European buyers during the first half of this year have surged partly thanks to the sharp appreciation of the euro.

Different Preferences

European buyers generally prefer bicycles with electric-power backup, which enables conventional pedaling on flat terrain but switching to motor drive as necessary. In contrast, buyers in China tend to order fully-electric bikes as a speedier alternative, with few Chinese wishing to pedal electric bikes.

The growing electric bike market is generating higher demand for batteries used on such vehicles. Welldone Company, a pioneer of battery energy for light electric vehicles (LEV) and scooters in Taiwan, tied up in late July with Japan`s Toshiba to jointly develop the world`s first lithium battery for electric bikes. The company has also worked on several other battery projects with Taiwan and foreign partners, aiming to build batteries for various electric bikes.

Bicycles Suggested

The popularity of traditional bicycles remain unchanged as it is still the greenest solution for personal mobility. Some EU (European Union) governments subsidize as incentive for people to purchase bicycles as their major daily commuter. Holland has long set up a pedal-and-park bike sharing system for urban commuters. The Parisian authorities have also purchased a thousand bicycles for free urban commuting in a similar setup: bikes are parked in popular spots city-wide so the public can easily share the vehicles.

Global warming and rising fuel prices are likely having positive impacts on global demand for bicycles-with Giant, Taiwan`s leading bicycle producer, reporting sizably more orders this year. "Our production lines are fully booked this year, even during the second quarter, traditionally a low season," says Giant, which predicts that annual sales in 2008 could jump at least 30%.

Few can argue that bicycles may be the greenest personal transport, which burns no fossil fuel except stored calories, hence emitting zero pollution. Such timeless eco-friendly merits enable the bicycle to literally change the transportation landscape-an increasing number of cities worldwide have built special bicycle paths.

Merida, another major bicycle producer in Taiwan, is also seeing rapid growth in orders this year. "The world is just beginning to be lapped by the bike-crazy wave," says a senior executive at the company. "The length of this wave will stretch for at least 10 years," he adds. The executive also believes that the rising demand for bicycles is also driven by the global pursuit for recreation. For many people, especially in areas within proximity to nature, bicycles are not only commuters but also a relaxing way to explore outdoors.

What's a "Dump Truck"

A dump truck or called production truck is a truck used for transporting loose material (such as sand, gravel, or dirt) for construction. A typical dump truck is equipped with a hydraulically operated open-box bed hinged at the rear, the front of which can be lifted up to allow the contents to be deposited on the ground behind the truck at the site of delivery. In the UK the term applies to off-road construction plant only, and the road vehicle is known as a tipper or tipper lorry.

A news for dump truck
September 20, 2008
AUGUSTA, Ga.---A dump truck driver swerved to miss a car that pulled out in front of the truck, and ended up flipping the truck onto its side. It happened on Rosier Road and Sutton Place.
The truck hit the curb, sending it over onto its side and spilling some of the gravel it was carrying. Fortunately, workers were on hand to clean up the mess.

Choosing The Best Mobility Scooter For Your Needs

A loss of mobility doesn't have to mean a loss of freedom. With the extensive range of mobility scooters available you can find one to get you around the house, to work or wherever you need to go.

Taking a look at the vast choices of mobility scooters available on the market today, you can be sure that there is one out there suitable to your needs. For example, some scooters are made to transport you over a variety of terrains, at speeds of up to 15 mph while others can make hairpin turns allowing you to maneuver the inside of your home. This is great news for someone who doesn’t suffer from paralysis but does suffer from a mobility related disability.

A Basic Primer on the Different Types of Scooters on the Market

There are travel scooters designed to be portable and lightweight. This is the type to buy if you are a traveler and need a scooter that you can fold-up or disassemble easily to load into the trunk of your car. Travel scooters also tend to be the least expensive for a basic model but additional features will equal a higher priced model.

For versatility, the regular 3 wheel scooter is great because you can use it pretty comfortably both indoors and outdoors. This machine generally has a good turning radius, which is especially important for maneuvering around furniture and objects inside the house. If the primary use for your scooter is outside, you should consider a 4 wheeled scooter, which is more stable.

Stability with 4 Wheels

The next scooter type, the 4 wheel, doesn’t have as excellent a turning radius of the travel scooter or the 3 wheel mobility scooter, but as mentioned above, it offers more stability. This larger machine scores higher marks in durability, too. If you need a stable scooter to navigate rugged terrain (and to use mostly outdoors), the 4 wheel scooter is your best choice. Another advantage is that these scooters tend to go the fastest and have the longest battery range. Some other features to consider if you plan to use the scooter outside to also have a master key lock, reflectors, a horn, a locking seat and an automatic circuit breaker to cut off all power so that the automatic braking system will bring the scooter to a stop in case of an electrical problem

Once you’ve determined the type of scooter that best meets your needs, it’s time to do some research on brands, models and a reliable dealer. Factors that will affect your decision will be the price, range, comfort and weight capacity. Of course, there are other factors that you may want to consider when deciding on a scooter, so be sure to list out everything that concerns you.

Getting Around

If you are using your scooter inside your house but have uneven surfaces, such as a transition between two rooms, you will need a small threshold ramp. Portable scooter ramps come in a number of different types to handle a variety of situations such as getting up sidewalks, curbs or a few steps.

What About Transporting Your Scooter

If you plan on traveling by vehicle with your mobility scooter (other than a travel scooter) you will need to use either a lift or carrier. The carrier usually resides outside your van, and it is designed to transport your scooter where you need to go. Lifts and carriers can weigh between 75 and 200 pounds so you should confirm that your vehicle can handle the weight of passengers, the scooter carrier and the scooter before installation.

Philly teen guilty of killing boy for dirt bike

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia teenager was convicted of first-degree murder Tuesday for killing a 16-year-old boy to steal his dirt bike.

The verdict against Eric Smith, 18, carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison with no parole. He is to be formally sentenced Oct. 24 for killing Luis Navarro last year.
"He's lucky — he deserves more than that because I will never see my son again," said the victim's father, also named Luis Navarro. "At least his family can go visit him, wherever he's at."
Navarro's parents had given him the $3,000 motorbike a week before the killing for his birthday, prosecutors said.
Assistant District Attorney Jennifer C. Selber said Smith bragged to friends that he had killed someone on the trails in Tacony Creek Park.
Defense lawyer Daniel A. Rendine told jurors that they couldn't be sure Smith killed Navarro because the evidence was statements given by Smith's friends. Rendine said detectives lied to those friends, telling each that Smith had tried to blame him.

Dump Truck

A dump truck or production truck is a truck used for transporting loose material (such as sand, gravel, or dirt) for construction. A typical dump truck is equipped with a hydraulically operated open-box bed hinged at the rear, the front of which can be lifted up to allow the contents to be deposited on the ground behind the truck at the site of delivery. In the UK the term applies to off-road construction plant only, and the road vehicle is known as a tipper or tipper lorry.

Dump trucks are one of the largest road vehicles and are obviously needed to carry dirt, debris etc from one place to another. They are essential for sanitation companies, landscape companies, construction businesses and so on. Since the dump trucks offer multiple functions, they are pricey. Hence, dump truck financing is often called for.

There are various types of dump trucks. Articulated dump trucks help in transporting stones, gravel and other building material from one location to another. They can carry loads and dump them in any place required. The articulated dump truck has some special features like strong design and ability to work on all terrains. Due to the specialized nature, they cost high and articulated dump truck financing is the best option to acquire them.

Off road dump truck is yet another type which is important in mining work. It can carry heavy loads like rocks and dump them wherever they are needed. They are rugged and strong and their tires are larger than a person. They are indispensable for pulling and dumping heavy dirt and rocks. They are extremely expensive and so the companies look for dump truck financing to get them.

Super dump truck helps in carrying heavy loads to the maximum of 32 tons. This truck has longer distance between its rear and front axles in order to spread out the total weight. It is bigger in size and is useful in various operations. However it is quite pricey and dump truck financing is one of the best options to avail it.

Mining truck is another type of dump truck which is highly useful in mining industry. It can haul heavy loads and dump them wherever required. It is strong and rugged and the size of its tire is bigger than that of a human being. Since it has strong design that carries any heavy loads, the cost of mining truck is more. Hence many businesses often find dump truck financing profitable.

Side dump truck performs the same function of carrying loose material and dumping them anywhere required. However it can dump the loads at the right or left side. It is highly useful in transporting sands, gravel and other heavy dirt materials. It has a strong design and helps in saving time in the process of unloading. Its high cost requires dump truck financing from any of the reliable financing companies.

Transfer dump trucks are useful in transferring loads. They have certain advanced features of maneuverability and extra payloads. Due to their specialized nature, they are extremely expensive. Hence many companies prefer dump truck financing to acquire them.

Since dump trucks do not play a direct role in generating revenues, many companies consider seeking the help of financing companies to acquire them. The reliable financing companies have experience in truck financing and so they can understand the need of dump trucks by companies. Hence they provide financial assistance without any tedious procedures. A simple application form is enough to get approval for the required amount. Normally the financing companies directly finance the vendor specified by the companies. The companies can then repay the amount in easy monthly installments.

Man hurt in ATV accident

It took several hours Sunday for East County Fire & Rescue personnel and two Camas Fire District paramedics to rescue a man badly injured in an all-terrain vehicle accident in far east Clark County.

A rescue team responded about 2:30 p.m. when a man in his 50s reportedly rolled his ATV on a narrow trail and tumbled about 150 feet down a steep cliff.

The incident occurred 10 to 11 miles by trail from the Jones Creek Campground, which lies a few miles east of Livingston Mountain. Rescue workers had to abandon vehicles and hike the last two miles to reach the victim.

The man, whose identity was unavailable, had suffered traumatic chest and torso injuries, said Nancy Hoober, East County Fire & Rescue spokeswoman.

Hindered by heavy rain showers and poor radio communication in the rugged terrain, rescuers rigged a Stokes-type basket stretcher and rope system to extract the man, whose condition had been stabilized.

Upon observers’ suggestion, the gurney was secured to an ATV and routed east to a more convenient road entering from Skamania County.

The man was transported by ambulance to Southwest Washington Medical Center.

The victim was safely removed by 6 p.m., Hoober said. Seven East County Fire & Rescue firefighter-EMTs joined the effort, she said.