Have you ever wished to experience the thrill of driving on a race track? At Carmona Race Track, revving engines are part of the excitement. Go-karting in the Philippines dates back to the 1960s as a more accessible alternative to motorsports. The very first dedicated urban track, JRC-Ramrod Kartway, opened in 1979. Carmona Race Track followed in 1991, first hosting exclusive race events for go-karts and motorcycles until public rentals became available in 2020, making the thrill more accessible to a wider audience.

Track manager Rolly Buquid recalled how the track first came to life. “Ang pagkakatanda ko is Batangas (where it was first built), and then ‘yung may-ari is passionate sa race. [That’s why] nag-built siya ng race track dito, sa Clark, and sa Palawan,” he shared.

Spanning 1.380 kilometers, the track stretches across a wide space and riders of all ages, especially go-kart enthusiasts. Because the track is situated near residential areas, noise limits are strictly enforced—95 decibels on weekdays and up to 105 decibels on weekends.

Rental sessions start at ₱2,000. Each run lasts 15–20 minutes, though Buquid sometimes extends sessions for a fuller experience.

Beyond fun, Carmona Race Track plays a major role for go-karting and the growing popularity of motorsports in the country.

Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or simply looking for a brief, exciting activity with friends, the track offers the thrill of the wheel—an experience worth trying.

Originally published in Heraldo Filipino Volume 40, Issue 1.