George Harding
Junior Blue Kart Racer
Ranked No.7 in the U.K for 2014/15
What is Karting?
Kart racing is a sport that has all the excitement and complexity of motor- racing. It is a challenging but fun sport requiring skill and training.
History
Kart racing was first introduced to this country by a group of US airmen driving home made karts fitted with lawn mower engines. It has developed significantly since the early days into an international motor sport discipline which has been the breeding ground for many Formula One stars including Jenson Button, the West Country driver who started his racing career at Clay Pigeon Kart Club which is where I race.
How to become a kart racer
Before any driver can become a Kart racer they must hold a kart licence issued by the Motor Sports Association. The driver must pass a test of competence and knowledge of the safety rules. The driver must also be a member of their local Kart club. I am a member of the Two Counties Kart Club, racing at Dunkeswell in Devon and Clay Pigeon in Dorset.
On the day of a race the Driver will attend scrutineering where the drivers kart is checked for safety. The clerk of the course will give a briefing, safety items relevant to the circuit and the days racing. The drivers then compete in heats where start positions will be decided for the final race. Points are awarded in the final which determine the overall championship position.
I race in the Junior Blue class on a two stroke, 100cc water cooled electric start engine which will reach speeds of 70 mph.
Why I chose Kart Racing
Throughout my childhood I have always loved cars. My parents have fuelled my interests starting with home made karts, taking me to Davidstow air field which always seemed to be very cold and windy!
Before committing to Karting I visited Dunkeswell Kart track watching others on the track, seeing the speeds and thrills of racing. I was hooked.
2013 was the start of my Kart racing and the year I raced on novice plates. The kart was given to me for my birthday present. Each time on the track I gradually became faster and faster, keeping up with the other more experienced racers. Learning to race competitively and understanding the mechanics has been a quite a steep learning curve for myself and Dad (the mechanic!).
2014 has been the year I earned my full competition licence. Fine tuning and driving techniques mean I am now chasing 10ths of a second, the difference from 1st to 5th position.
I am now ranked 7th in the UK and finished 6th in the championship.
2015 is the year I aim to be one of the top junior drivers.
George Harding