Go a la kart at Rowrah
By Chris Breen
WHAT'S the connection between Lewis Hamilton, Jensen Button, the rally-driving brothers Colin and Alister McRae and West Cumbria?
Answer = Rowrah.
Pardon?
You heard... yes, Rowrah where, in a former quarry, lies the home of the Cumbria Kart Racing Club, and where Hamilton and Button were regular competitors in events at the circuit which has been described as "one of West Cumbria's best kept secrets". Both drove there, many times, on the road to their successful F1careers.
PICTURED: James Wood, from Workington, head this trio through the bend in the Junior KTM class recent club meeting at the Rowrah circuit.
Button began karting at the age of eight and achieved early success, before progressing to car racing in the British Formula Ford Championship and eventually the F1 world championship. Fellow F1 champ, Hamilton progressed through the Cadet (1993-6), Junior Yamaha (1997), Junior Intercontinental A (1998-9), Intercontinental A (1999), Formula A (2000) and Formula Super A (2001) ranks in the space of seven seasons, becoming European Champion in 2000 with maximum points. His time as a Zip Kart Young Gun gave him the racing experience he needed to win.
The McCrae brothers, the late Colin and his brother Alister were regular visitors to the circuit and used to hire it to hone their driving skills for the rigours of rallying and in fact the kart Colin McRae owned and used is on view in corner of the new clubhouse, alongside a Ford F1 car which was raced by world champion, Jackie Stewart.
So you could spot champion of the future if you visit the big events and if you go along to the lesser ones you can get in for nothing.
The circuit began in 1963 and has gone from strength to strength and currently, unlike other forms of motorsport, karting is enjoying something of a renaissance, says club president and former rally driver, Malcolm Fell, from Barrow. It's a not for profit organisation which relies heavily on volunteers.
The track is much in demand at prime time. It is even used for cycling time trials, on Wednesday evenings, but Monday nights and selected weekends are reserved for the would-be racers.
From 4-30 to 8pm (when British Sumer Time is in use) the club runs its part of the national Let's Go Karting scheme which gives youngsters aged seven - 16 the chance to get behind the wheel and it will probably be an experience that they will never forget. They can also learn valuable skills and lessons that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.
They'll get all the necessary equipment; full safety briefing; and a 10 minute drive around the circuit which is 1,030 metres. Novices can use a shortened circuit if they wish. "The safety of children taking part is of paramount importance," said Malcolm. "The track is fully licensed by the governing body, the Motor Sports Association (MSA) and we have experienced instructors to coach the youngsters".
Cost? A mere £5 for children up to 12 and £10 for teenagers. There's a £20 deposit payable, refunded if there isn't any damage caused and you must book one week in advance.
The club has excellent facilities which include a fine clubhouse built over a number of years and finished in 2007 which has offices a cafe, toilets, changing rooms and showers for competitors and a panoramic view of the circuit from the track.
Oh, and it's kart and karting, NOT go-kart / go-karting.
To know more contact Malcolm Fell on 01229 463748 or mobile: 07802 667579.
Club website: http://www.cumbriakrc.co.uk/
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