Thanks to its significant growth in success and stature, Autosport International has promoted the Karting Area as a show within its own right, at the NEC 10-13 January 2008. A plethora of leading international karting companies have been quick to endorse the new Karting Show at Autosport International, promising to provide the best ever showcase for the karting industry.
Karting at Autosport International has long been a committed focus for organisers Haymarket Exhibitions, to represent the grassroots of the sport and help increase the profile of karting, both as a route to the higher echelons of motorsport and as a sport in itself. The Karting Show at Autosport International 2008 will continue to strive to offer the best possible opportunity for the sport to present itself, while attracting newcomers and celebrating future champions.
Nolan O’Connor, Group Marketing Manager at Haymarket Exhibitions, commented: “Karting has obviously been a growing part of Autosport International for a number of years to such an extent that we realised it needed to form its own dedicated show. The new branding and promotion will ensure the Karting Show stands out from the rest of the world’s biggest motorsport show. A new website will stand alongside the Autosport International site, where exhibitors will have the chance to keep visitors updated on show news and launches as we head towards January. A number of initiatives will also ensure the Karting Show is recognisably different from other show areas, giving karting the best possible profile and presentation platform to our 77,000 visitors.”
BRDC Stars of Tomorrow Series Director, Carolynn Hoy, has welcomed the Karting Area’s promotion to a full Karting Show and commented: “Over the years karting has grown to such an extent that it now thoroughly deserves its own show within Autosport International. This innovative and exciting plan is a real endorsement on how karting has come of age. The BRDC Stars of Tomorrow has supported Autosport International since the beginning and always believed it to be an important part of our Championship.
“The BRDC Stars of Tomorrow stand is not only where new competitors sign up, but is where the 2007 winners will be invited on to the Karting Stage to receive their trophies. The stand also reflects how the progression from karts to cars has been made with displays of cars from the Championship ‘Old Boys’. Over the years, the Stage has provided karters and the general public with a fantastic platform for informal interviews with many of our famous motorsport heroes. Alan Hyde's relaxed and friendly interviewing style has at times managed to winkle out gloriously irreverent comments and stories from his stage guests to the delight of the audience.
“With Lewis Hamilton as our Patron and sponsor of the Championship’s True Grit award, the series continually receives requests for information about starting karting. Newcomers are always welcome and information is available on how and where to start.”
The leading exhibitors already confirmed for the Karting Show at Autosport International 2008 include Biz Karts, The Fastline Group, Karting Magazine, Supersport International, the ABkC, Acceleration TV & Video, The Awning Company, Weatherweave and Oaklands Plastics. The Karting Show is also delighted to welcome Motorsport World as the indoor kart circuit operators for 2008.
