adminwatch, engines to prepare and tune, and helping with organising the day and keeping records, there really is something for everyone in the family.
Several generations of various families regularly race karts around the three quarters of a kilometre track out at Donnybrook Raceway on the Arcturus Road in Harare.
The Savo family is a case in point. Bella, age 11, races her MiniRok kart at speeds of up to 80km an hour, and is easily distinguishable in her class as the only driver wearing a pink helmet. Her older brother, Ale, is the current leader in the Junior Max class and dad, Maurizio, races in the Masters class.
However, the family does not race head to head on the track as each class races separately for safety reasons.
Mum, Sharon, can be seen in the control tower most race days helping with the administration of the event.
The Paulsen/Townsend family is also involved in karting. Granddaughter Carlyn races in the Senior Max class, and grandfather Brian races in the Masters class. Previously he was successfully involved in other forms of motorsport in Zimbabwe back in the 70’s and 80’s; he now races his kart for fun, head to head with his granddaughter.
Another pairing who were recently on the podium in their respective classes were Muller Ferreira and his son, Ben (9).
Muller races in the Masters class, and claimed first position on the podium at the last race meeting. Ben, who has been racing for four years already, came third in the MiniRok class and was also standing on the podium for his class.
Rene, Ben’s mum, helps out in the control tower, keeping track of race positions and qualifying times. Ben’s uncle, aunt and baby cousin are regular spectators too.
Several karting teams are made up of a young driver, with dad acting as mechanic and team manager.
Paul Davie prepares his son Keegan’s kart each week, whether for a practice session or for a full on race meeting. He’s also there on the sidelines cheering on Keegan (9) and giving him advice about racing lines and overtaking manoeuvres
Mum Tara is race secretary, responsible for the administration of the whole race day, from registration of drivers to correlating points in both the national and club races. Keegan’s grandparents are keen supporters and rarely miss supporting their grandson on a race day.
Kevin Dufty is mechanic-cum-team manager for his son Zac (9). Keen on tinkering with the kart engine to get it finely tuned for each race meeting, Kevin spends many evenings preparing Zac’s kart. He’s also interested in preparing Zac psychologically for the races and can often be seen giving Zac a “pep” talk on the grid. Zac is also supported by his mum, aunty and grandmother who attend each race meeting as spectators.
Andrew Revolta fully supports his son Cameron’s interest in kart racing. Cameron (9) started driving karts a year ago and now he and his father are regulars in the pits, while his mum, Leigh, and older sister,Tamzyn, help out in the control tower.
Of course, you do not have to be part of a “karting dynasty” to enjoy the thrill of karting, nor do you have to be a father and son team! However, it really is a great way to forge close, inter-generational bonds while competing in one of the safest forms of motorsport.
For family members not so interested in the racing, there is a well-equipped, fenced playground for the youngsters and a full bar and catering is available on each race day in the thatched club house. The shady braai area can be used for family parties who want to cook up a feast and there are several spectator stands at strategic points around the track.
Karting is just as much fun as drags, drifting and spinning!
The next kart race day is on tomorrow at the Donnybrook Raceway on the Arcturus Road, with racing from 10:30am onwards.
It is being sponsored by HP Lubes who distribute the Castrol range of lubricants in Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter