Grand Prix Kartways with Gabe and Lewis

Another activity I did after returning from Alberta was going go-karting with Gabe and Lewis. Lewis has now returned home to Hong Kong, but while he was still here Peter was trying to think of things he might like to do, so Gabe made the suggestion.

On Friday, July 10th we went to Grand Prix Kartways in Downview Park. Gabe found out about while there for Doors Open Toronto one year. It's an indoor venue which is fine because the carts are electric powered not gas.

When we first got there we watched a few races before actually trying it out. It looked pretty neat, but it's a bit expensive if you pay full price.

We decided to go for the 2-race package. I believe it cost about $40 plus tax. One race might have cost about $25 plus tax. There's also an unlimited 6-hour package available. It's around $60 plus tax. Though, on Groupon, you can purchase the 6-hour package for $29.99.

After signing up and purchasing our race tickets we got a short introduction by the staff to the carts. Lewis was a bit nervous because he's never driven anything before (since he's only 14). After that we grabbed our helmets and hopped in our carts.

Each race has six racers. In our first race I started in 4th position while Lewis and Gabe started 5th and 6th. We were told not to bump into the other racers, but one girl who wasn't with our group didn't quite get the idea.

The organizers (who are able to stop all the cars remotely) stopped everyone a number of times in order to issue her multiple warnings. I was one of her victims which was pretty annoying. Eventually I left her in the dust ending up second. In this race I believe Lewis might have come third while Gabe came last.

In our second race I was lucky enough to start in pole position (1st). It thought I was a guaranteed lock to win and was able to hold the lead for 13 of 18 laps before getting bumped and passed by a more experienced racer (who I believe had a faster car).

In the end I came second nearly getting caught by Gabe who started in 3rd. He maintained his starting position, while Lewis dropped from 2nd to either 5th or 6th. I think Lewis and I had slower cars this race while Gabe's was a quicker one.

Anyway, it was really fun. I enjoyed it. If anyone is interested in going again I'd suggest buying a voucher from Groupon.

Canadian Air & Space Museum

This past Saturday I went to the Canadian Air & Space Museum with my dad. The professional engineering association he's with organized a tour for it's members and family or friends. It sounded quite interesting to me so I asked my father if we could go.

The museum is located at Downsview Park which is northwest of Highway 401 and Allen Road. It's at the old De Havilland Aircraft factory. Built in 1929, it's the oldest surviving aircraft factory in Canada and was the birthplace of many famous Canadian-designed planes. Now it's home to many artifacts and aircraft associated with aerospace technology and innovation of the Greater Toronto Area.

Upon arrival we were given some snacks and sat down for a brief introduction to the place. After the talk we broke into smaller groups and were given a very informative tour around the buildings. It was the first time I've ever been in a room with a bunch of relatively small planes, let alone get close enough to touch a few historical ones (though you're not supposed to do that). If you're like me your only experience with planes is at the airport on one of those large Boeings when you fly across overseas on vacation.

Needless to say I was quite fascinated. Among the interesting planes were the De Havilland Tiger Moth. It was a bi-plane used as a basic trainer across Canada during World War II. They were built in the very building that the museum is now in. They're also restoring an old AVRO Lancaster Mark X bomber that used to be displayed down near Ontario Place. Being exposed to the elements for many years and enduring squatters and vandals it was in pretty rough shape. They were used in World War II as well and were able to carry a payload of 18,000 lbs in bombs. This specific plane was built by Victory Aircraft (later AVRO Canada) in Malton back in 1945. Lastly there's a full sized model of the AVRO CF-105 Arrow. Back in 1958-1959, when it was first developed, it was considered the most advanced interceptor in the world. Sadly it never reached production. The project was scrapped back in 1959, some say because of political reasons.

Anyway, it wasn't a bad way to spend a few hours on a Saturday afternoon for me. I learned a few things and was able to get up close to some neat looking planes.