KARTING IS THE STAIRWAY TO SUCCESS
MI Karting is governed by Motorsport Ireland, who is affiliated and governed by the FIA, the world governing body of motorsport. This (karting) element of the sport is managed by the MI Kart Commission. The commission consists of six members under the baton of its chairman, Kieran Coleman.
The commission sets the rules and regulations for the MI Karting Championship. The championship consists of eight rounds, all of which take place between March and September. All senior officials involved in the organisation of the events are licensed by Motorsport Ireland, fully trained and Garda vetted. To maintain equality within the competition, MI Karting implements rigorous technical examinations at each event to ensure all equipment is compliant. MI scrutineers are factory trained and licensed by Motorsport Ireland.
MI Karting adopts the latest technology to ensure an efficient checking procedure by using barcoded equipment that can monitor each kart to ensure they are using the correct components. MI Karting has also agreed with the manufacturers to check their engines and carburettors if required at any post-race checks. All these procedures ensure a level playing field for all competitors and result in very close racing in all classes.
Kart racing is a great character builder for the young competitor. A karter can be winning a race when a mechanical failure arises dropping the karter down the field or bringing instant retirement from the race. The karter has to accept that outcome and prepare for the next race within a very short time frame. This aspect of the sport teaches the young competitor the importance of accepting the situation, setting it aside and refocusing on the next race.
While kart racing is often perceived as an individual sport, this notion is misguided and is not an accurate perception. For a kart driver to compete successfully, he or she must have a mechanic to help prepare the kart and make sure it is set up to its optimum. The karter has to be able to communicate with his/ her mechanic and in addition, provide them with feedback in a post-race scenario. A kart racer has to develop good communication skills and develop the ability to work with his/her mechanic. Karting is an exciting part of motorsport, it’s the stairway to success.
MI KARTING IS SAFE
Motorsport Ireland has strict and thorough safety measures in place. All competitors must wear helmets approved for use in motorsport as well as approved race suits and racing boots. Younger drivers are also obliged to wear rib protectors. Each competitor goes through a pre-event scrutiny where all the above are checked for compliance. All race karts are also checked to ensure they are mechanically fit for competition. Each race also has a full medical team on site to deal with any accident that may occur. Safety is paramount and that is why all these regulations are not just in place, but also implemented.
MI KARTING IS INCLUSIVE
MI Kart racing is an all-inclusive sport catering for male and female competitors from six years and upwards. Indeed, karting is one of the few sports where male and female competitors can compete together on a level playing field.
MI Karting offers a unique opportunity for their competitors to compete at world level. The top three competitors in the Iame classes are guaranteed a seat at the World Kart Finals in Le Mans every year. MI Karting has been sending drivers to Le Mans since 2015, and in 2019, ten year old Alex O’Grady from Galway won the Cadet Final and became Ireland’s youngest world champion!
Remarkably, Alex only began driving karts in 2017 but has quickly forged his way to the top. His remarkable feat illustrates the unique opportunities available to MI karting competitors to reach the top echelon of the sport. MI Karting provides all our drivers with that stairway to the top of the sport on the world stage.
LICENCE REQUIREMENTS AND STARTING AGE
Your age will determine your licence in Karting. A Kart “Junior” licence will cover competitors from the age of 6 all the way up to 16. Their first licence will be free with each renewal costing €50, as long as they are a member of a Motorsport Ireland affiliated motor club. All “Junior” licences must be accompanied by a valid Competitors Entrants Licence. A doctor’s certificate is required for a first time licence and this is part of the licence form. Once over the age of 16, you must apply for a Kart “National A” licence and those with aspirations to compete abroad must built up finishes and upgrade to an International grade licence.
Apply for a Competition Licence
FURTHER INFORMATION ON MI KARTING
For the most up-to-date information on the Motorsport Ireland Karting Championship and how to get started, visit mikarting.org email [email protected] or [email protected].