Karting on the rise at Mosport
Thu Mar 27, 2008
CLARINGTON -- Unannounced and without fanfare, an alternative to racing on the streets was launched last year. From Entrance 2 at the renowned Mosport International Raceway, Mosport International Karting, in it's second year since inception, is bringing back new life to racing with the sport of karting. The Canadian Rookie Karting Championship, which is the Arrive and Drive program, introduces karting to families and individuals from the age of eight to 70. These karts are not indoor amusement rides, these open wheeled karts are capable of speeds broaching 100 km per hour. The fleet of karts provided by the facility consists of 35 Teen/Adult CRG chassis powered by 6.5 Honda engines, as well as 12 Cadet CRG chassis powered by 5.5 Honda engines that are ready to go from drop of the green flag this season. The season starts out with a practice date involving an in class session learning the kart as well as rules of racing, followed with the on track experience of open wheel racing. Two weeks later everything is all on track with practice, qualifying, a pre final race and a final race. The 12 date race schedule starts then, running from April into October. Championships are held early November with a banquet that follows. The season premiers on April 5-6 with an Intro to Karting Membership fees for the Arrive and Drive series is $99.99, with the purchase of a neck brace for $39.99 and Pit Pass Deposit of $100 you are ready to go. Drivers are not responsible for their damages should an incident occur, but the Race Director will let racers know at all mandatory driver meetings before all scheduled events, this is a no nonsense sport that requires respect for fellow drivers and a respect for the capability of the kart. Mosport International Karting also boasts a new National Team made up of veteran racers as well as up and coming members from their Arrive and Drive program. The ability to take members from rookie to pro is well within the capacity of this facility. Mosport International Raceway has been operating in the Durham region since the early 1960s and has hosted international races from Formula One in the past to the Grand Prix of Mosport featuring the American Lemans Series cars. With the arrival of Canadian Rookie Karting Championship and opportunity to become a part of the grassroots of racing by actually experiencing open wheel racing, the operators of the facility hope to bring back the sport of karting to the community that boasts having Canada's largest motorsports complex. For more information go to www.mosportinternationalkarting.com or call 905-983-9500.