ARKS partners BSKC

Strengthening the links between schools karting and MSA competition, the Association of Racing Kart Schools (ARKS) has become an official partner of the British Schools Karting Championship (BSKC). The partnership will see ARKS work closely with the BSKC to give the young drivers that are introduced to this exciting sport a clear route to further participation in kart racing. Ian Ward, Chairman of ARKS commented “ ARKS are delighted to partner BARC with promoting the BSKC. We in ARKS see this championship as the ideal starting point for young kart racers, and we will be working together to encourage them to progress towards taking their ARKS test, joining a kart club and starting to race at MSA events. Our schools with their experienced licenced instructors are the best place to start that journey. ”

Mark Turner, BSKC Championship Manager added “We are very proud that the BSKC can announce the partnership with ARKS. The BSKC is about introducing kids to competitive karting. Over the last six years we have seen over 5,000 students take part; with ARKS on board we are able to offer the students the best route to further participation in the most exciting sport in the world!” ARKS is the only kart school body recognised by the Motor Sports Association (MSA). The organisation is responsible for the novice kart driver test leading to the first competition licence, which is necessary to race in MSA karting events. The association’s recognised schools offer the best place to start active involvement in motor racing, from a kart experience day, through one to one tuition for novice and expert drivers. For information on the official kart schools visit www.arks.co.uk. The BSKC is a team based arrive & drive karting championship that offers competitive, cost-effective kart racing to UK schools. The knock out tournament includes practice sessions, local races, regional finals and a national final. By using the arrive & drive format schools don’t need any equipment to participate allowing teenagers of all abilities and backgrounds to take part. The Championship started in 2006 with 22 teams but has quickly grown. In 2011 over 1350 students competed; most of which were new to karting.

Registration for the 2012 BSKC opens in September with the racing starting in early January. For
more information on the BSKC, visit www.bskc.co.uk . You can also follow them Facebook and Twitter at @karting_bskc

First ARKS Scholarship award

19/1/10

Ten year old Kristian Brierley from Askam-in-Furness has been announced as the first recipient of the Kristian Brierley - ARKS ScholarAssociation of Kart Racing Schools (ARKS) scholarship for 2010.  The scholarship was introduced this year to compliment the MSA’s Let’s Go Karting initiative, which offered members of the public the opportunity to experience driving a competition kart for just £5. The ‘ARKS’ board asked the twenty ‘Let’s Go Karting’ centres across the country to nominate the names of drivers that they felt could benefit from the scholarship, which will provide further training and the use of a brand new kart for all of 2010.  From written applications, three drivers were invited to Bayford Meadows Kart Circuit during December for a final assessment.  Joining eventual winner Kristian Brierley - who was nominated by Cumbria Kart Club - were two 12 year olds; Will Clark, nominated by Shenington Kart Racing Club and Sam Scott-Wildman, nominated by Brighton’s Q Leisure.  All three young men underwent informal interviews followed by an intensive driving session which was overseen by the judging panel of Gerard Cox from Project One Racing, karting coach Scott Malvern, seat manufacturer Steve Tillet and Ian Ward of ARKS and of the venue Bayford Meadows.  The trio acquitted themselves superbly both on and off the circuit and the general consensus of the judges at the end of the day was that they would all be worthy winners of the prize on offer.  However, a decision had to be made and after much discussion the judging panel agreed that the raw driving ability and the commitment shown by Kristian with the support of his family mirARKS Scholarship Presentation to Kristian Brierleyrored the ARKS board’s vision for its first scholarship winner. Kristian will be a busy young man in 2010 starting with his appearance on the Karting Show stage on Saturday 16th January at the NEC to collect his prize of a Zip North supplied Comer Cadet, complete with a full package of trolley, wet weather tyres and all his racewear.  The pictures show Kristian being interviewed and receiving his prize from ARKS' Graham Smith, accompanied by the MSA Chief Executive Colin Hilton, and flanked by his family.

New Fee For ARKS Test

1/1/11 09:10
From 01/01/2011, the ARKS test fee will be £87 including VAT where applicable. This represents good value for receiving feedback on driving techniques, considering a novice driver will receive practical tuition and at least two sessions on a racing kart, but note that the use of the kart is not included. The test comprises both a written examination (or oral if necessary) through a multi-choice questionnaire, and a driving competency test. The fee does not include any hire fee for a kart, that would be extra, if you cannot use a kart of your own.  A prerequisite to taking the test is purchasing the Start Karting pack, including a video, from your ARKS School, or the MSA on telephone 01753 765000. It costs £47 postage may be extra. Anyone over 18, or with a medical condition, is required to have a medical examination with their GP before attending the test. The first licence costs £32 but is currently free for under 16's first licence.  For more information download the 'How to Start Kart Racing' brochure and see www.abkc.org.uk where a list of kart clubs can be found.

 

 

How to Start Racing Book

02/04/09 09:16
ARKS, in conjunction with the ABkC, launched the 2003 Edition of the very successful 'How to Start Kart Racing' book, the most comprehensive guide to starting kart racing. It costs £12 from schools, Karting Magazine, Amazon (UK), good bookshops or direct from the publishers, TFM, on 01952 510061 or by credit card from Gazelle Book Services on 01524 68765, (£14 including P&P).  Further editions will not be published and so the book may be out of print now.

50/50 Club & School Grant

02/01/09 09:10
In May 2007, ARKS launched their 50/50 Club and School Grant offer, making grants available to ARKS registered schools and clubs with active ARKS club examiners.  Organisations can write to the ARKS Admin Office, Stoneycroft, Godsons Lane, Napton, Southam CV47 8LX for an application form.  If approved funding could be up to 50% of the costs associated with a project to improve the profile and awareness of karting to the general public.

£25 Gift Voucher

20/12/08 09:11
In January 2009, ARKS launched a voucher scheme to accompany the MSA's Lets Go Karting (www.letsgokarting.net).  ARKS will give every participant in Lets Go Karting during 2009 a £25 voucher to use at a ARKS School (within 3 months of issue), until 31.12.09 when the scheme ended.  This scheme is now discontinued but a voucher for a free ARKS Test is given to drivers purchasing the Lets Go Karting JKH Honda Cadet karts through approved clubs.
voucherlaunch_gms_chilton
Graham Smith of ARKS is pictured with MSA Chief Executive Colin Hilton, launching the scheme in 2009

New Tyro Kart Class

02/01/07 09:15
From 1/1/2007 certain kart clubs may offer the new Kart Tyro class.  For this an MSA Clubman licence is required, which may be obtained by downloading a licence application form from www.msauk.org or it can be obtained on the day of the race.  Drivers will be observed during practice and if competent will be allowed to race.  Kart engines must not exceed 15bhp and drivers must be over 16 years of age.  An ARKS test is not required and only medical self-certification is needed, no medical test is required. And from 1.1.2008 this has been extended to junior drivers from 11 to 16, with karts not exceeding 10bhp.

02/01/05 09:16