Ryan Rebello admits he is yet to master the “black art” of go-kart racing.

But the 27-year-old driver heads into only his second season still happy he made the switch from motocross and powerboats to the track.

After the scheduled September 27 curtain-raiser was called off because of heavy rain, Rebello will push his No 3 kart to the limit in the new Shifter (stock) class on Sunday, relishing the chance to learn a little more about his new sport.

“The first time driving it’s a little shocking how fast you actually go but you adapt with time,” Rebello said.

“It’s a lot more than people would expect. It’s competitive — obviously you want to race to win. It does get frustrating but it’s all part of it and if you aren’t out to win then why are you racing?”

He added: “Last season was the first time I’ve ever raced a go-kart. I had always played on the little karts you get at Disney World — this is definitely not the same thing. It’s got four wheels but that’s about the only similarity.”

Having negotiated the motocross dirt track and the showpiece Around the Island Power Boat Race, Rebello is no stranger to trying to get the maximum speed from his machine.

However, he admits there are nuances to karting only learnt through experience.

“The first season was fraught with frustration between engine problems, fighting the go-kart and, especially being new to it, [the fact] go-karting is kind of like a black art. It’s a bit of black magic — a bit of science and art all in one to get a go-kart to run properly. It’s not as easy as you think.

“So to get a kart to handle — it takes a lot of time, practice and experience. The more experienced you are the easier it is — knowing what it can do, can’t do and what it’s going to do before it happens.

“The guys who have been doing it longer seem to prevail.”

Last season, Rebello finished third in points in his class, although he modestly points out that was helped by other guys missing race days.

A year on from getting behind the wheel he has already shaved up to three seconds off his lap times and says his competitive juices have been re-energised.

“With motocross, it’s extremely abusive on your body and powerboat racing is extremely abusive on your wallet,” he said.

“So I’m on to something now that’s a little bit more of a happy medium. The competition’s better too and the club seems a little bit more enthusiastic and organised about racing.

“Everyone is a little more on the same level skill-wise and financially. With powerboats there is definitely a big difference between the guys who invest a little bit of money and the guys who do it just for fun.”

He added: “I actually find it very similar to powerboat racing. You think go-karts, you’re on the road but there’s no suspension, it’s very bumpy, very aggressive. You have to hold on to the wheel, the kart’s jumping all over the place.

“Shifter is not the biggest class as it is probably the most expensive but it is the fastest and the most thrilling. Coming from motocross I had to step right into the maximum I could get out of a kart.”

There are five separate categories racing on Sunday — Shifter (modified), Shifter (stock), Senior TAG, Junior Cadet and Junior TAG.

Brandon Franks defends his Shifter title, David Barbosa puts his TAG crown on the line and in the expanding Junior Cadet class, reigning champion Jake Pereira is the driver to beat. Blake Horseman will be defending his TAG Junior title after his success last season, while Ashley Horseman, who won last year’s Modified Junior Clone, will be one to watch as she steps up to the Cadet division.

Racing starts at 12pm, admission is free, and there is a $5 charge for pit lane access.