Now in its 5^th year the Uni Karting Championship continues to grow. Last year teams from 15 universities across the country competed in this hire kart championship which provides fierce competition within a friendly atmosphere.

The championship must be unique within karting and even motorsport due to the diversity of its cometitors. This pitches relative novices with limited hire karting expierience, against many who are either aiming for, or have, motorsport carrears. Last year, for example, the championship boasted Ginnetta racer Phil Moreton, and fellow circuit racers Nick Henry and James Gleave. From the Karting scene TKM S1 star Martyn Bond competed along with numerous MSA club racers. Despite the mix of abilities on display the racing remains largely clean, and the intense rivalry between the universities does not cloud the emphasis on enjoyment. S1 take note!

Run over five rounds each spring, the championship incorparates both indoor and outdoor circuits, and consists of both Grand Prix and Endurance events. The mainstay (rounds 2,3 and 4) are 3 hour thunderkart enduros (Daytona International, Whilton Mill, and Llandow respectivly) with the championship finale a Grand Prix event at the excellent Shenington circuit.
Precluding this is the compulsory indoor round, this year at Go Karting for Fun in Gosport. Although this round is unpopular with many, it is recognised that in order to be accessible to all, it must be included.

Each university motorsports club selects either 1 or 2 teams of 4 to represent them, and sponsorship is sought from both buisnesses and the Athletic Unions to keep costs low. As previous years have shown, consistancy is rewarded, especially in the enduros. Teams with 4 good drivers will always overcome those with 1 or 2 aces that may be 0.5 seconds per lap quicker.

Favourites for this years championship include Nottingham and Loughbourgh, both of whom test and maintain 2 stroke karts. This allows members with limited expierience to improve quickly, and within a few months be on, or close to, the pace of their more expierienced MSA counterparts.

The 2001 championship is being run by 2000 victors Cardiff University Motorsports Club who can be contacted via their webpage: www.cardiff.ac.uk/suon/motorsport.

If you are at University/college and want to compete join its motorsport club. If none exists, create one

Written by Gareth Lewis
5^th December 2000

John Upham 

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