adminis 18. However, this Sunday at Donnybrook Raceway on the Arcturus Road, about 10 children, from age seven to 11 will be racing at speeds of up to 80km per hour around a three quarters of a kilometre track for 12 laps in each race.
Bumper to bumper, they will race against each other, using lines and tactics that adults will recognise from watching Formula One races on television. They even wear similar safety kit to Formula One drivers — a full face helmet, driving gloves, a race suit and special boots with flexible soles that allow them to really “feel” the pedals and control their speed.
So what is it that appeals to these youngsters with a need for speed?
Cameron Revolta, Kurt Gilbert and Zac Dufty, all aged nine, agree that the best thing about karting is that it is great fun! They say that it gives you lots of different experiences, one of which is having to cope with nerves.
Zac says that the very best part of a race day is just as he leaves home, with his kart and kit all packed into his dad’s double cab pick-up.
“I’m nervous and excited. I can feel my nerves and my tummy rolling, but I can control the feeling. Later on, when I am sitting in my kart waiting for the flag to drop at the start of the race, my nerves are almost out of control and I feel a bit sick,” he explains.
Cameron says that at the beginning, karting can be a bit scary. “It’s noisy and fast,” he explains. “But you must keep trying because then it is brilliant — come and try!” Kurt adds, “It’s great fun and I know that I am safe because of my helmet and racesuit.”
All three boys are involved to a certain extent with the mechanics of their karts, although they say that their fathers do most of he work.
“I help clean the carburettor and the chassis,” says Cameron, whereas Zac helps ensure that his tyre pressures are exactly correct and enjoys polishing any chrome parts on his kart.
Kurt adds “I give my dad the tools that he needs and by keeping out the way!” All of the young drivers agree on one thing — it would be even more fun if there were more competitors. “Come along on Sunday and look around the pits and talk to the drivers,” they enthuse. “It’s very exciting! We would love to have more competitors and more spectators. Maybe even sponsors, to help improve the track. Our track is very bumpy,” say Zac. “When I raced in South Africa at the Zwartkops track near Pretoria in the school holidays, their track was much smoother. If a company could help to resurface the track, we could re-name the track after the company,” he says.
Kart racing starts at 10:30am tomorrow May at Donnybrook Raceway on the Arcturus Road.
Entry fee of US$10 per vehicle allows access to the pits and a chance to talk to drivers and mechanics. A full bar and catering is available and there is a shady club house or several spectator stands to watch the action from.
A fenced playground for younger members of the family and clean restrooms complete the facilities.
If your son or daughter would like to try karting, please contact Kevin Dufty on 0773 240496 or by e-mail on [email protected] or Andrew Revolta on 0773 505246 or by e-mail on [email protected]
Online Reporter