Kart racing is a sport that has all the excitement and intricacies of motor-racing. It is a challenging but fun sport requiring skill and training.

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 those 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 here at Clay Pigeon. It is also a hugely competitive sport entertaining many thousands of drivers throughout the world every weekend of the year.

Before any driver can start Kart racing he/she must hold a kart licence issued by the MSA, the Motor Sports Association, the sport’s governing body. A full ‘starter pack is available from the MSA including all you need to start a career in motor-sport or just to have fun at Club Level. Starter packs are also available through the Clay Pigeon Kart Club.

To obtain a licence the driver must first pass a test of competence, both in driving skills and knowledge of the safety rules, including the use of flag signals - an effective way for race officials to communicate with drivers during the race. Drivers also need to demonstrate knowledge of the role of officials and the general rules of the sport. All rules governing the sport are published, and updated, each year by the MSA.

Drivers may practice on many Kart circuits without a licence, but this will be needed when the decision is made to start racing.

To participate in a Kart race meeting, once the driver has received his/her licence, he/she must be a member of an MSA Kart Club- it is usual to join the club at which the driver will race most often. Club officials will be delighted to talk with you about membership

On the day of a race meeting, drivers and teams will typically arrive at about 7.30a.m. Drivers will report to the Club and sign on which involves signing an indemnity and acceptance of the Club regulations. Drivers will also collect a copy of the race order and grid positions for the day. He/she will then attend scrutineering where the driver’s kart is checked for safety.

The Clerk of the Course will give a briefing, which all drivers attend as a mandatory requirement. This provides drivers with essential safety items relevant to the circuit and for the day’s racing.

Each driver competes in heats where, in most cases, starting positions will be decided in advance of the race meeting. The finishing positions in these heats will determine starting positions for the finals, the main race of the day for which trophies are presented. Points are awarded for finishing positions in heats and/or finals. These points determine the overall championship positions for the year in each class of racing.

If you would like to know more about how to obtain Karts, engines or advice please contact us. At Clay Pigeon Kart Club we are always keen to support new drivers and welcome you at the circuit.

Why not come along to our next race meeting and talk to us?