Fancy racing around a karting track for FREE this coming Sunday? Well the lads in the Irish Karting Club are hosting an open day for anyone who may have an interest in the sport…
Karting is one of the cheapest motorsports in the country and it’s a great way for petrolheads to get out on track and unleash any pent-up speed that may have built up while driving around congested city streets.
That’s why the Irish Karting Club are holding an open day at Whiteriver Park (www.whiteriver.ie) in Co. Louth this coming Sunday, February 9, as they want people to know that the sport isn’t as difficult to get into as one might think. Test drives will be available from 12pm, but you’ll find more information on that below.
Drivers can start as young as 8 years of age in the Cadet class, which run a 60cc engine and can reach speeds of about 80kph, while junior drivers are from 12-16. So it’s a great way to spend some time with your kids while also enjoying a bit of competitive racing.
Anyone over 16 is a senior driver (so that’s more than likely you) and the Senior classes are divided by age, performance and budget. The fastest karts raced are called KZ2, but these have 6 gears and can do 180kph with a 0-100kph in about 2.5 seconds. Michael Schumacher used to use these to keep fit when he was racing Formula 1, so they’re certainly not designed for the everyday driver…
The karts that you’ll be testing on Sunday compete in the Super 4 and Rotax Max classes. The Super 4 class run a 4-stroke 250cc engine and this class tends to attract older drivers or drivers competing on a tighter budget, so it should give you a feel for what could potentially become your new weekend pastime.
The Motorsport Ireland national karting championship season runs from March to October every year and you can buy a second-hand kart from as little as €1500.
JOE will be out in Whiteriver this coming Sunday for a test drive in one of the karts and if you’d like to head along on your own, as a group of mates, or with the children in tow, then make sure to email [email protected] with the subject title “Open Day Test Drive”, before it’s too late. Places are limited and all test drives will be awarded on a first come first serve basis…
We can’t stress that enough, lads.
For more information check out www.irishkarting.com and www.motorsportireland.com or check out the Irish Karting Facebook page.
Pics via autosportpics.com
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