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
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