Sunday 20 May sees the first event in the 2012 Elite Karting League calendar. 26 teams from across the country are set to race at Bayford Meadows in Kent. The series is a completely new concept in the UK and is bringing together a wide variety of talented karters who are bidding to become the national team champions.The Elite Karting League has had a big uptake with the affordable competitive karting proving attractive to avid racers from around the country. Each event entry costs a driver less than £100 and teams stand to collect prize money of up to £1000 per event. Another big draw has been the weight equalization for drivers – a constant frustration for the majority of racing in the country where lighter drivers have a big advantage. Now every driver under 90kg drives with ballast to make up the difference.

The action packed event gives plenty of track time for drivers, with teams taking part in a one hour practice session, one of four heats, qualifying, a Race of Champions and two qualifying sessions for two endurance races of one to one and a half hours.Teams are town and city based, with entries including the Cambridge Cobras, Southampton Scorpions, Birmingham Wheels and Manchester Immortals. The teams are racing in identical karts with Biz Kart Evo chassis and equalised twin GX160 Honda engines.Bayford Meadows is the first of six events being held throughout the season which culminates on 11 November at Teesside Karting, Middlesbrough.It’s not too late to take part - aspiring karting stars wanting to know more can visit Facebook.com/thekartingleague.Kat Pope, Elite Karting League Coordinator:“We are really pleased with the number of teams and drivers that are competing this weekend. We are expecting a real mix of drivers which should be very interesting on track. I can imagine some of the drivers that are more experienced think they have a big advantage but with the weight equalization it’s not going to be so easy to drive away with the championship!”