May 5, 2005


Cambrian Go-Karts in driver’s seat

Go-kart enthusiasts embrace local hub

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

Cambrian Go-Kart proprietors Don and Donald Durbin spent years honing their expertise on local race tracks before opening their shop on Woodard Avenue.

Cambrian Go-Kart owners Don and Donald Durbin take time to smile behind the cash register.

Now four months since kick-off, the multi-faceted go-kart supply house has endured mild reception, on account of the public’s limited exposure to the sport.

Yet, if the wheels turn, as planned, go-kart fervor, which has accounted for a spectacular infatuation in Europe and amongst Formula One professionals training in the off-season, will spread throughout San Jose first, then throughout the United States.

“Go-karting is bigger than football overseas,” said Cambrian Kart owner Donald Durbin, a Leigh graduate and racing enthusiast who opened the shop with his retired father Don in November 2004.

“It’s a really great shop,” said customer and fellow racer Vernon Head. “The Durbins do a great job, offer good service, and always show up at the tracks to support people.”

But according to Head, Cambrian’s finest attribute is their location in the Silicon Valley.

“They are the best go-kart shop close to me in San Jose, which I know of,” he continued.

“Basically we are humble people; we don’t want to take the go-kart scene by storm, we just want to be there to help others get involved,” said Donald. “We were doing well racing by ourselves, but I’d like to turn around and help other people get into the sport, in everything from mechanics to racing.”

The starting line
The Durbin’s enthusiasm for racing grew from varied interest. Dad Don worked as an electrician, but when Donald turned 11, he shifted his attention to machinery, specifically embarking on a father/son go-karting project that would alter Donald’s future and shorten Don’s retirement.

The Durbins built a novice go-kart in their back yard, discovered, coincidentally, by family friend Joe White.

White’s background in drag racing drew more definite conclusions than the Durbin’s recreational mindset.

“Joe asked us what we thought we were doing,” said Don. “He suggested, in so many four letter colloquialisms, that we shouldn’t waste our time on recreation. He suggested we compete.”

Within the month, young Donald entered his first race.

“I finished dead last,” he laughed. “But I was hooked.”

The Durbins trained at Terry Ives’ driving school, where it was apparent to onlookers and coaches that Donald possessed unique talent—and courage.

“Donald drove straight into the hay balers,” recalled Don. “The coach looked over at me and said, ‘At least we know nothing is wrong with his right foot.’ Donald wasn’t scared.”

“I was only 12 years old,” said Donald. “I had never even driven a car, and I sure didn’t know to check and see if the tires were warmed up. As it turned out, they were frozen, so when I came around that corner, and hit the gas, my kart went straight off the track.”

As the Durbins attended more racing events, Donald’s skill level grew, paralleling his Rolodex. By high school, he had established a relationship with the owner at Cal-Kart, a shop on First Street that houses a sponsored racing team.

Durbin was a shooting star on the track and on the sales floor.

“He really has a nice way with people,” said Don Sr. “And obviously he knows his stuff.”

Racing roots
Having grown up in Cambrian Park, Donald’s dream was to open a go-kart shop near the home where he discovered his passion for racing go-karts.

“We know almost everybody that walks in,” he said. “And if we don’t know them, we are probably about to meet them because they live so close. This sport—and our store—are all about community. We never want to have to tell a customer ‘no,’ even though that’s not always cost effective.”

As a result, customers and race savants alike rave about the Durbins’ knowledge, as well as customer service skills.

It started as a dream. Donald Durbin proudly poses in front of his shop, Cambrian Go-Karts.

“There is no better person to run a go-kart shop than Donald,” said 2004 Champ Cars Rookie of the Year A.J. Allmendinger. “He knows so much about go-karts from racing to mechanical aspects. And it doesn’t hurt that he is a caring person. If a customer asks a question, you know he’ll figure out what you need and take care of you.”

Allmendinger grew up racing go-karts and motorbikes with Donald. However, several prestigious scholarships from notable race teams including Toyota Atlantic and most currently RuSPORT, landed Allmendinger in the professional ranks—permanently.

“We competed in everything,” said Donald. “A.J. was focused the whole time. He always knew that he wanted to drive professionally and that’s what he did.”

Many pros begin careers racing go-karts, according to the Durbins.

“It’s really one of the only ways for parents to get their kids into auto racing,” continued Donald. “If you look at a list of all the pro Champs guys and Formula One racers, they all have experience with go-karts. In fact, most of them train on one during the off-season.”

Cambrian Go-Karts
Cambrian Go-Kart carries virtually every accessory one would need to begin as a hobbyist go-karting enthusiast, in addition to their product lines catering to local racing pros.

Child packages begin around $1,500, while a high-end outfit, such as the Italian-made Birel chassis, will cost up to $10,000.

Generally go-kart motors run 125CC, and vary by gears, engine make and ignition.

“If I’m racing with the Birel and a TM engine, I may shift gears up to 100 times per lap,” said Donald.

Go-kart races span 10-30, 60 second laps, depending on the event.

While Donald’s expertise turns the track, dad Don brings machinery experience to the work table. A background in welding, coupled with lathe and mill skills, separates Cambrian Go-Kart’s capabilities from their competition.

Despite ordering many pieces via catalog, the Durbins can create non-uniform pieces from scratch.

“We set up shop, so there is no question we cannot answer,” said Donald.

“I guess I like the sensation of speed,” finished customer Head, attempting to capture the karting experience. “I like to be analytical, and thinking how can I do this better, how can I get more horsepower out of this motor? Donald has the answers, even as a young guy.”

“Donald’s fierce,” said Allmendinger. “He’s not just a guy selling you something because somebody else told him to. He’s great in a go-kart and has first hand knowledge of how the mechanics translate onto the race track.”

A growing reputation has landed Donald Durbin, representing Cambrian Go-Karts, in several upcoming demonstrations including one April 1 at Farnham Elementary School. Donald will join members of the San Jose Fire Department, the DARE police unit and paramedics.

For more information, please contact Don or Donald Durbin at (408) 377-KART.