[James Leong]

John,
I just cannot agree with you more that both the parents must dream the same dreams as their children and try to do it together. At the end of the day whether the driver makes it to F1 that's another story. But think of the time and bonding the father and son has, it will be forever remembered. Someone once asked me why my son Ben never took to karting? I have replied more than once that at that time when I was racing, there were only sufficient funds for one driver and I tried to pursue my dreams. I forgot that my son was just as important to me like my dreams. Now I try to spend as much time as I can with my children as well as my grand daughter as I realise that dreams are made together as a family.

I often see parents also pushing their children very hard to win in a race. They often do not realise that their children needs guidance and help and not in the way of faster engines or spending extra money to get things done. It should be development of the driver's skill and the rest will fall in place. I often said that if I have to live my life all over again, I would not make the same mistakes that I have done.

Well, John best wishes and good luck but I would really think you should serve in one way or another in karting. Its after all our lives.

James Leong

[demon7]

...I have replied more than once that at that time when I was racing, there were only sufficient funds for one driver and I tried to pursue my dreams. I forgot that my son was just as important to me like my dreams.

Now that is a heart felt comment, and put well from a very experienced and respectable man in the karting scene. It is very seldom that we see the heart felt glory and struggle of the roots that led up to what is now this sport. If we can somehow get this kind of appreciation and or realization out and dig ourselves to the reality of how hard this dream really is. That there are those we leave or left behind to pursue this dream rather than sharing it together. Then! I think we can achieve greater heights in this sport and thus feel like its less of a haven for the rich and rather a place for all people to gather and be a part of. This is something I long to see, would delightfully invest, and participate in. The opportunity to make this open for the entire community, so that people dont feel at all that there is no hope.
We have new comers who can likely afford a kart, and have no prior knowledge of caring or maintaining the kart, who learn harshly that people only want to "help" at an outrageous price. A limit has to be set and considered for those who want to survive in the game. We as a community should ideally find a viable solution to get this going if not for the growth in camaraderie, then for the love and respect of the sport. It may be not so profit bearing but hell what will happen when those who run this field properly, leave us and were left with those who just want to gain a monetary fund? This sport would potentially die if not get worse. I'd hate to see that.

[RocK]

Someone once asked me why my son Ben never took to karting? I have replied more than once that at that time when I was racing, there were only sufficient funds for one driver and I tried to pursue my dreams. I forgot that my son was just as important to me like my dreams.

Its never too late for your son to pick it up..

[James Leong]

Actually, I forgot to put in another reason why my son did not take up karting when he was young. Firstly, he was not really interested and secondly the most important issues were not having sufficient funds as well as a warning from my wife who said "He will race over my dead body!" So I cannot argue with that. At least my son is now involved with karting through his work for the company as well as his photography.

I can at least confirm my grand daughter will have a taste of karting once she reaches 5 years old. I hope she has the talent for it otherwise she can start on her ballet and piano.

James Leong

[JohnKing6]

as well as a warning from my wife who said "He will race over my dead body!" So I cannot argue with that.

James Leong

Senior management decision are always final

But, thanks for what you said James and of course karting will always be in my heart and I'm sure I'll find a way to stay involved, even in a small way. If nothing else, you need someone to spar with that's also old, wise (or stupid depending on your viewpoint) andmost importantly stubborn