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Children can follow in tyre tracks of F1 champ Lewis


By Will Clark

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Littleferry at Golspie is the nearest motor racing track to Caithness.
Littleferry at Golspie is the nearest motor racing track to Caithness.

FORMULA One world champion Lewis Hamilton started going along to his local racing circuit as an eight-year-old, setting him on the path to becoming one of the world’s best known drivers.

The Littleferry track at Golspie might seem a million miles away from the glamorous venues in Monaco, Brazil and Japan.

But with a dozen karters from Caithness competing regularly in regional and national competitions, it could be their first step on the road to achieving major glory behind the wheel.

North of Scotland Kart Club has begun an initiative to find racing stars of the future by extending an open invitation to primary schools from across the north Highlands to get on track to a career in motor racing.

Club chairman Jay Mackay is leading the venture by visiting schools in west Caithness, with other club members visiting schools in east Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross.

As a result of successful promotions last year, the club is putting greater emphasis on finding racing stars of the future.

Mr Mackay said: “We want to introduce more kids to motor sport. Last year, three sessions were held with around 50 primary school kids and it attracted more youngsters to join the club.

“We are targeting those aged around eight and let them drive karts which are loaned specifically for their visit.

“It is good for kids to learn to drive at an early age as it teaches them about the importance of spacial awareness.”

Kart racing has five categories, starting at cadet level, when youngsters drive vehicles which reach top speeds of 30mph.

As they become older and more experienced, they advance through the ranks from junior, mini max, senior and the top level of gearbox, when drivers can reach speeds of up to 80mph.

Mr Mackay, from Halkirk, said karting is experiencing a popularity which it has not enjoyed since the 1990s.

He said: “The sport is enjoying a renaissance as we are seeing the number of people from the Highlands involved rise.

“In the late 90s, it was a big sport, but after that money got tight and membership declined.

“I think there are still a lot of people who have karts lying in their sheds doing nothing.

“But in the last two years, there has been a rise in members which we hope will continue.”

Drivers from Caithness are performing well on the national scene.

Seventeen-year-old Jamie Mackay, from Halkirk, was one of the top performers from the far north, finishing 10th in the 2015 Scottish Super Series senior rotax max category.

The average racing kart at cadet level costs between £500 and £600. But competing at senior and gearbox level can cost thousands of pounds.

While there is little prize money involved, Mr Mackay said the main aim of the drivers is to earn the recognition which could one day see them racing at the top level.

He said: “There is no major money in karting, but it is a stepping stone to compete at a higher level.

“Lewis Hamilton started off in kart racing and now he is the Formula One world champion.

“There have also been a lot of drivers from sprint racing who are now coming into karting.

“We want to see more people take up the sport and would invite everyone who is interested to find out for themselves.”

Littleferry is the nearest race track to Caithness and holds races on the last Sunday of every month plus other meetings throughout the year plus sprint weekends.


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