Simon and Autumn's Journey into the World of Motor Sport! 

We arrived home that afternoon and Autumn was brimming with excitement as she regaled the whole afternoon's events to Mum who could see her daughter’s obvious excitement and sudden enthusiasm at what she had done. So, we decided as it worked out cheaper, to pre-book a block of sessions for her over the next few weekends.

Over the coming weeks, we were both able to watch our daughter at the track, it thrilled us both as we watched, sometimes through the gaps in our fingers, as she gained confidence, learned new skills, and gradually improved her lap times. Not only that, but she also started to make new friends which was great to see her sharing the excitement with people her own age, learning together with a bit of friendly competitiveness and rivalry.

Karting can be relatively inexpensive if you use your local track, their karts, and their safety equipment, after all, this is how most people will start out with this sport. As you have already read, this is exactly how Autumn and I started out, but it’s a good idea to also talk to the other parents at the track. Some of them, you will find, having been doing it for some time and they have all been through it, most of them are only too willing to help you out with what they have learned.

We have had some great advice and tips over the past year but also made some good friends. The same goes for the track team, they are the professionals after all, so it pays to get to know them. Ask them as much as you can as you will find that they are more than happy to help. As your daughter grows into the sport, they will advise on which equipment is best to buy, (helmets, gloves, coveralls) when the time comes, but also advise on how to move forward to the next level in the sport.

After a few months, Autumn was getting totally absorbed in the sport and so we started to invest in buying her own equipment, helmet, gloves, and coveralls came first but also things like a neck brace to help mitigate bumps and scrapes along the way. We also decided to investigate buying our own Kart and this is where you’ll need the help of the professionals I mentioned earlier.

The owner-driver world was looming, and this was to be the first big step up both in commitment and finance. Over the next couple of months, we started to book on to “Track Days”. This is where you get to use all your own kit and Kart, going round and round the track, learning about your Kart, and most importantly, what you can learn to make it go quicker! Track days are not a free for all, so don’t panic, they are categorised sessions based on age and ability so it’s a safe way to learn what you and your Kart are capable of!

We were both learning quickly by now, Autumn about driving skills and the track, me about how to repair and fix the Kart! So, after some encouragement from the track staff, we decided the time was right to apply for Autumns race licence which is a relatively straightforward process that involves practical driving ability tests at the track, driver assessment. Apply to Motorsport UK and take the ARK’s Test. Once passed, she is eligible to race in the relevant age category at the Novice level and after competing in 5 races without incident, an upgrade to Rookie level is possible and so on as you progress in your Karting career.

The journey so far for us has brought a wealth of knowledge and some great experiences, both of us gaining new skills. Yes, it’s true to say that it's still dominated by lads and their dads, but don’t let that put you off! It’s a great way for parents and their children to bond in a fabulous sport, meeting some great people and what’s great is that it's open to everyone! In essence: -

Find your local track and book a turn-up and drive session.

Some tracks do family sessions, so you can both go out together and enjoy.

Once you find you and your daughter enjoys, then most tracks do academy’s where you can join a club and enjoy racing using track kit.

If you fancy taking things further, then owner driver track day is the way forward, remembering to involve your club, so they can advise you on the best way forward.

All the parents and drivers in the Paddock have gone through the same process and most are only too willing to help and make you feel welcome.

From there the world is your oyster, biggest rules, safety, and enjoyment.

Good luck!

Simon and Autumn

Follow Autumn on her Insta account @autumnracegirl 

Please remember, we are not a professional race team, this site is to provide some help to others who share my dream, and live, sleep all things Go-Karting!