TTAC Media Challenge: Calling Out Autoblog, Hooniverse, Car And Driver For A Good Cause

I may not have a Golden Disco Hoodie, but I have more experience than Jack Baruth does when it comes to karting. And I’m calling out any member of the media who wants to challenge me on a kart track. After all, I’m defending my title from last year (see above)

(N.B I did finish first here. “Scott” refers to a gentleman who crashed out and DNFd)

Before you unfairly write me off as an arrogant jackass, I should explain the backstory. Last year, a few of us decided to forgo abusing the open bar at the Hyundai Genesis launch to hit up a kart track. Hyundai will be launching the Veloster Turbo, Elantra GT and Elantra Coupe next week in San Diego, and it looks like the same crew will be re-united, along with a generally strong roster of atendees.

While plans for an evening of karting were a no brainer, I decided to up the ante. I’m branding this one the “TTAC Media Challenge” (since I thought of it) and raising the stakes. Anyone can enter, but the losers have to donate $25 to a charity of the winner’s choice. I’m choosing Gabrielle’s Ride in support of Cardiac Kids & The Pediatric Stroke Foundation at the Hospital For Sick Kids in Toronto. My friend Kyle, an avid cyclist, is participating in the event, and any donations can be made via his account at the link above. If anyone wins (unlikely) they can choose something else.

Attending the launch are journalists from Autoblog, Hooniverse, Automotive.com, Car and Driver, Jalopnik, The Smoking Tire and numerous other outlets. I encourage anyone interested and willing to come to San Diego to come out. More participants means more donations. I’ve chosen Miramar Speed Circuit since it’s close to our hotel, the karts look good and they seem to be able to accommodate groups.

P.S. I’ve already had numerous gripes about the driver’s weight when karting. I am 5’10 and around 180lbs. I was the same weight last year and managed to beat much smaller competitors, while 6’7″ Jared Gall came in second. On the outdoor tracks pictured above, I run in the Heavy class (180lbs and up), as the long straights really do provide an advantage for the lighter guys. On a short indoor track, it won’t matter.