Racing at 120 km/h while mere centimetres above the track is not only thrilling for kart drivers, but also hones the skills which have seen many Kiwis go on to succeed in much larger, faster race cars in the world of international motorsport.

The way it was – in the early days the race track at Fagan’s Valley had a dirt surface.

The club has a hire kart for people to take a test-drive to find out if the sport is for them.

“What happens most often is that a club member will let a newcomer take a drive in their kart to see how they like it.”

While it’s competitive on the track, Jo says anyone new to the sport quickly finds a mentor who encourages and advises them as they come to grips with the sport.

Other venues
“As far as motor sports go, it’s not too expensive to begin with as about $2500 will get you a good racing kart with extra for the personal safety gear, including helmet and gloves.

However, as people progress and compete more widely, the cost of karts increases significantly.”

As well as competing at the local circuit, keen racers can travel to other venues throughout the country and even to competition overseas.

The club hosted the NZ Rotax Max Challenge and ProKart Series in June, which attracted drivers from around the country as well as Australia.

A total of 90 competitors competed in six categories, in the ProKart series, which attracts the country’s elite KZ2 drivers competing in either masters, restricted or open classes.

At Labour Weekend in October the club will host the North Island championships when 180 competitors are expected to take part.

The club holds monthly meetings except in January, and gates normally open 7.15am, with scrutineering and registrations 8am-9am. Drivers briefing is at 9.15am and racing starts 10.20am. On most race days each class has one practise or tuning runs and five heats.

Jo says the public are very welcome to come and watch the racing and find out all there is to know about the exciting motorsport that is karting.

To find out more and for instruction on how to reach the raceway, see the club’s website: www.bopkartclub.org.nz