Karting returns to Nutts Corner

Hillsborough's Liam Fox the NI 250cc Superkart champion won last time out at Nutts Corner Circuit.

The opening race of the year supported by McGaughey Refrigeration Distribution in Lisburn recently saw a very strong turnout with good grids of Junior drivers showing that the sport is picking up in those classes. This bodes well for the future of the sport in general.

The senior classes, in particular World Formula, also produced superb racing and the mix of drivers in the top places shows that this will be another great season.

This particular series of races is tough with points from heats and double points from the finals all counting. Recent seasons have shown the importance in early season form, especially when it comes to the closing stages when dropped rounds get taken into account.

All the non gearbox classes will be competing from Junior Cadets to senior non gearbox machines but one of the highlights will be the incredibly fast Superkarts which will also compete for points in the NI Superkart Championships.

The 250cc machines are capable of 150mph with Formula One acceleration and the Superkart drivers on the day will be competing for points in the opening round of the Northern Ireland Superkart Championships.

The last meeting was also somewhat special when a set of special awards for some 50 years of contribution to the sport were made to Terry Wilkinson by the clubs, the North of Ireland Karting Association and the Campbell family.

The Ulster Karting Club re-vamped web site (www.ulsterkartingclub.co.uk) is also receiving strong interest where more information on the sport can be obtained and drivers can register for race meetings on-line. The club is an integral part of the North of Ireland Karting Association (NIKA) and their web site (www.nikarting.com) also includes details of the full season of races.