insideKENT Magazine Issue 22 - January 2014 | Page 92

DAYSOUT BUCKMORE PARK HALF A CENTURY AGO BUCKMORE PARK KART CIRCUIT WAS BORN BY CAESAREAN SECTION AS PART OF AN ARMY EXERCISE. IT WAS BROUGHT INTO THE WORLD BY THE ROYAL ENGINEERS WHO SKILFULLY CUT THE TRACK OUT OF THE FOREST. WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IN THOSE EARLY DAYS THAT THE CIRCUIT WOULD PLAY HOST TO A PRINCESS, A PRINCE AND THE FUTURE KING, NOT TO MENTION SUCH LEGENDS AS JOHNNY HERBERT, JENSON BUTTON AND LEWIS HAMILTON WHO ALL HONED THEIR SKILLS AT THE CIRCUIT. Today, a variety of circuit layouts cater for everyone from as young as 4, to as young as 84 years. From televised National championships, the breeding ground for future Formula 1 stars, to birthday parties for a group of excited four year olds, Buckmore Park Karting has something for everyone. A variety of differently powered karts are supplied to suit the age of the driver and the circuit being used. Everything needed is provided; all the driver needs to supply is a pair of trainers and a big smile. For those wishing to take up karting as a sport, the circuit is home to the Sisley Kart School who provide lessons for all from 6-7 year old Bambinos, 8-16 year old Cadets as well as one-to-one tuition for adults keen to improve their skills. The circuit also runs a series of ‘Clubs’ for drivers who want to race competitively, but without having to own your own kart. Bambino Club offers competition for drivers aged 6-7 years. The Junior Club is run in three levels: rookie, intermediate and championship classes. Junior club caters for those aged 8-15. The adults are not left out either. A series of race formats are run each month. These too allow for different levels of experience. 1* novice events lead steadily up to 5* series for the most experienced. Then there is the Owner/Driver Club who host monthly race meetings for those with their own equipment. As you read this, it is the middle of winter, but even now the Buckmore team are busy adding to the already impressive facilities. The circuit is the busiest kart circuit in the country and while it enjoys having a full diary, it really hates people having to queue or be turned away. Over the winter months the circuit will be adding an extra circuit to cater for the huge arrive and drive market. This new 200m+ circuit will be open by March and will cater for ages 8+ at weekends and during school holidays. The circuit is also building a new viewing grandstand, and resurfacing areas of the paddock as well as the main straight in time for the return of Super One, the karting equivalent of F1, and a host of other national championships. It is no wonder that everyone beats a path to the circuit. You never know, it could be you spraying the Champagne in front of an adoring crowd very soon. All the stars of motorsport were once novices and had to start somewhere. Many of them chose Buckmore Park and so can you. The circuit offers simple turn up ‘n’ drive karting in four age groups. 4-7s can drive electrically powered karts on their very own Kids Mini GP Circuit. Those aged between 8-11 years have a variety of options on both the ‘new for 2014’ Paddock Circuit or on special days, the 300m Club circuit. 12-16s can use the Paddock Circuit or the 600m National Circuit on certain dates. Those aged 16+ are catered for, both on the Paddock Circuit, the National and indeed the full International circuit, though the latter must be booked in advance. Buckmore Park Kart Circuit Maidstone Road Chatham ME5 9QG 01634 661618 [email protected] www.buckmore.co.uk 92