But what isn’t so well-known is that karting is a sport that welcomes all ages, and there’s nothing to stop you competing week in, week out until they drag you off to a nursing home.
Most attention goes on the drivers in the Cadet and Junior classes, but there are dozens of circuits throughout the UK that regularly host club meetings. These welcome budding professionals and hardcore amateurs alike.
You can compete as often, or as seldom, as you wish. But if you’re a regular, you’ll obviously do better in your circuit’s regional championship - most tracks host their own series, ensuring you don’t have to travel far to get your regular karting ‘fix’.
Where do the events take place?
There are kart circuits as far apart as the Channel Islands and Scotland, so wherever you live there will be a track near you. Additionally, gearbox karts compete on full car-racing circuits such as Silverstone - and most are quicker than the cars!
How do the events work?
Each class usually runs two or three heats, with your results in each determining your grid positions for the finals. To win the final you need to beat all your class rivals from all the heats – it’s ‘cut and thrust’ racing at its best!
So how do I start?
As with any other form of motorsport, before you start, go to some race meetings GO FIND EVENTS to chat with the competitors. Most of them will be happy to talk, but choose your moment; the waiting area for a class final is not the place to start asking questions.
Next, you need to get your from the MSA Starting Karting pack , which contains loads of useful hints and tips for beginners.
Then, if you’re 18 or over, you’ll need to get a medical certificate. This involves a simple medical examination by your GP.
After that, you can complete your MSA assessment. This is run by the Association of Racing Kart Schools, and takes half a day, there are schools GO FIND SCHOOLS up and down the country and you just need to find the one nearest you.
Now you will be able to get your licence from the MSA.
Another way to start is by attending your local karting centre, operated by the National Karting Association. Just turn up, pay the fee and race your friends (or with them in endurance format), this is great introduction to the sport and is also a good idea for a corporate event, birthday treat or stag do. Then, if you like it enough, take it further by applying for your karting licence and taking part in some serious competition!
The Motor Sports Association has recently launched a nationwide campaign to give thousands of young people a taste of the excitement of kart racing for just £5. Let’s Go Karting will provide karts, equipment and instructors at locations throughout the UK so that you can experience the thrills of karting without having to purchase your own equipment. For a full list of participating venues and more details on the scheme, visit Lets Go Karting
There is also a British Schools Karting Championship which is a nation-wide arrive-and-drive karting championship for anyone aged 13 to 18 in full time education at either school or college.
But what can I compete in?
There are various categories of karts. From the 60cc Cadet karts, all the way up to the incredibly fast gearbox karts that compete in the MSA’s Long Circuit (Super Kart) Championship (and other club events), and which offer Formula 3 levels of performance. Probably the best place for all ages to start is the entry level Easykart Championships which cater for those aged five upwards. Costs are strictly regulated with karts priced at around £2000 and a similar budget required for a year's racing. The other MSA championships are the MSA Short Circuit Kart Championship, MSA British Junior Kart Championship and MSA British Cadet Kart Championship.