Karting for the Disabled Launches at the Karting Show

The Karting Show at Autosport International is privileged to be able to introduce the Karting for the Disabled initiative on Friday 11 January, at the NEC, Birmingham. BRDC Stars of Tomorrow will announce its partnership with Karting Endeavour, a group of drivers who do not wish their disability to interfere with their love of motorsport. 

With the help of the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA), the championship plans to use the BRDC Stars of Tomorrow Race Control Centre to transport karts to race meetings, three karts initially and 10 eventually, modified with hand controls. 

BRDC Stars of Tomorrow Championship Director, Carolynn Hoy, will be joined on the Karting Stage at 12pm by Kumar from Karting Endeavour, MIA Chief Executive Chris Aylett and Karting for the Disabled patron Martin Plowman, the former British, French and Asia Pacific Kart Champion. A demonstration on the Karting 4 U track in modified hand-controlled karts will follow, in Hall 4.

Carolynn Hoy commented: “We are looking forward to introducing the Karting for the Disabled partnership at the Karting Show and helping to get more karting enthusiasts out on the track, regardless of their disability. This project is something the competitors can understand and embrace and, even before the new season has started, I have been very surprised and pleased at the level of support and encouragement shown.

“In 2008 the BRDC Stars of Tomorrow Race Control Centre will once again be visiting Sainsbury's car parks nationally to promote the BRDC Stars of Tomorrow Championship, karting and Karting for the Disabled at various indoor karting centres. We hope that through working with Karting Endeavour we can encourage many more disabled drivers to experience karting and perhaps for a few to move onto MSA racing.”

Chris Aylett also highlights the importance of the initiative within the industry, adding: “The Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) is very pleased to be working with our friends at Karting Endeavour and BRDC Stars of Tomorrow to promote Karting for the Disabled throughout the UK. This is a long overdue initiative which we truly welcome. There is a significant business opportunity to be gained by welcoming this section of our community into motorsport – as well as the important social benefits it will bring as well.”

Having worked with racing legend Alex Zanardi after launching and racing for karting Team Zanardi in 2005, Martin Plowman has agreed to become patron of Karting for the Disabled. Plowman commented: “I'm proud to give my name to this worthy cause. Having been closely associated with Zanardi throughout my career, I'm proud to represent this fantastic new initiative on his behalf. Alex's story, along with those whom this charity will benefit, is one of courage, passion and determination to come back from personal set backs and still live life to the full. These karters are true racers who deserve the utmost respect.”

The Karting for the Disabled project has a fundraising target of £50,000 and £17,000 has already been raised following Carolynn’s remarkable efforts in completing a mammoth 1,000 kilometre bike ride from Llandow kart circuit in Wales to Larkhall circuit in Scotland.

Karting for the Disabled will be furthering its fundraising efforts in Racing 4 Charity’s Autosport International BP Ultimate 102 Unleaded Charity Kart Challenge on the Karting 4 U track, on Friday at 1.30pm. The Karting for the Disabled team will race in two hand-controlled karts and Plowman will be joined by project mentors, 250cc front runner Lee Shepherd and Kimbolton Senior Max racer Robin Milton. Lee and Robin were both injured in motorcycle accidents and, as accomplished karters in MSA classes, are keen to support the initiative. Completing the team will be BTCC’s Fiona Leggate and British GT and F3 driver Stuart Hall.

Anyone interested in supporting this worthy project should contact Carolynn Hoy for further information at starsoftomorrow@brdc.co.uk

Autosport International opens to the general public on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 January 2008.  Avoid the queues and book online at www.autosport-international.com or by phoning the ticket hotline on 0870 040 0396. Tickets are £28.00 per adult including entry to the 55-minute adrenalin-pumping Live Action Arena; children’s tickets, for those aged five to 15 years, are £18.50.

The elite Paddock Pass is available at £34.00 for adults and £24.50 for children. The Paddock Pass gives exclusive access to the Driver Signing Area; access to the Live Action Arena Paddock back stage; priority seating and fast-track entry to the Live Action Arena, and a show guide lanyard including pictures of celebrities and a detailed floor plan of the show. There are a limited number of Paddock Passes available, so book early to avoid disappointment.