25th July 2015

JUNIOR SPROCKETS “GET STARTED IN KARTING” PROGRAM LAUNCHED

Karting Australia, in conjunction with SP Tools, has today announced a new initiative to get kids started in karting – ‘Junior Sprockets’.

The Junior Sprockets program will be an opportunity for potential new members between the ages of 6 and 14 years to get behind the wheel of a kart while gaining knowledge about the technical aspects of kart racing.

The involvement of SP Tools, major sponsor of the Holden Racing Team, will see the young attendees learn from V8 Supercars Champions Garth Tander and James Courtney along with leading karting instructor Troy Hunt.

“Karting is where all of the current V8 Supercar drivers started their careers, it’s a great sport,” said Courtney.

“I still remember my first time in a kart and I look forward to sharing in the experience of the Junior Sprockets participants. We hope that it is something they will remember for a lifetime.”

Hunt, who was an eight-time Australian Karting Champion during his career, has spent the last decade developing the skills of karting drivers all across the country and is excited about heading up the Junior Sprockets program.

“Kart racing is one of the most challenging sports for young people to get involved in and this program is all about breaking down the barriers for potential new members, and recently joined members,” said Hunt.

“It’s not just about them getting in a kart and having a go, it’s about helping them understand the kart and teaching them at the same time.

“I’m excited about being a part of this opportunity that will provide the platform for our sport to have a newcomers program just like many other major sports across the country do.”

With Junior Sprocket events set to be held in both Queensland and Melbourne in late September, Karting Australia’s Chief Executive Officer Kelvin O’Reilly believes the potential for the sport through the program is significant.

“The Junior Sprockets program has been designed to provide a structured approach to enable young drivers to experience the thrill of kart racing, while also educating them about the sport at the same time,” said O’Reilly.

“This year we will have two Junior Sprockets events, with the concept set to expand into more venues across the country in 2016.”

The 2015 Junior Sprockets events will be held in Ipswich on September 21 and Melbourne on September 28.

Registrations for the Junior Sprockets program are now open through karting.net.au.