A new county league for karting racers will be launched next month after organisers recruited more than 40 drivers to take part.
On March 4, the first round of the Northampton Karting League (NKL) will be run at Northamptonshire’s Whilton Mill international kart circuit.
The Northampton Knights formed last year to compete in the Elite karting league, the national karting league set up by Bob Pope of the Teesside karting circuit in Middlesbrough.
A spokesman said: “It has always been the plan for the Knights to set up their own local league as a way to find new top quality new drivers to help them race for the title.
“After a trial race in October 2012 which attracted more than 40 competitors it was obvious there was enough interest to run a full league targeted at amateur and experienced drivers.
“For just £45, drivers will be able to take part in a five minute practice, two eight-lap heats and a 10-lap final. With double grids being likely due to numbers an A and B final format will be used to ensure everyone that wants a place on the grid gets one.
“After a winter of hard work and a lot of planning the league has now taken shape and the dates for the season have been finalised.”
The dates at Whilton Mill Nationa are Round 1 - March 4; Round 2 - April 1; Round 3 - May 6; Round 4 - June 3; Round 5 - July 1; Round 6 - August 5; Round 7 - September 2.
Drivers will be able to hone their skills in Whilton’s twin engine pro karts on both the national and international layouts of the Northamptonshire venue.
League co-ordinator and Knights captain, Luke Austin, said: “It’s great to see the league finally launch it’s been a winter of hard work putting the second karting league team together and getting this league sorted but it will be worth it when we see the 1st race start in both the NKL and the EKL this march. The league will be a good place for people to start their karting adventure and learn the tricks of the trade. We will also be holding training evenings in the future for people that wish to go that bit faster.”
All equipment will be provided for people wanting to take part. That includes kart, gloves, race suit and helmet
The spokesman added: “Elite Racewear have kindly donated a prize for the overall winner of the 2013 season. The prize is a fully custom karting suit to the winner’s design. Elite Racewear will also be proving a pair of gloves at every round for the driver they feel has tried the hardest during the evening. So there will be a chance for everyone to walk away with a prize.”
Any drivers wishing to compete are advised to visit the NKL section of the Northampton Knights website (www.eklnorthampton.co.uk) and then contact Whilton mill directly to book their place on the grid.
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