After a long winter break the 2016 karting season gets underway next Saturday the 9th April at Kirkistown, with the opening round of MSA NI Regional Kart Championship. With a change of format & some new initiative the season ahead is already looking like it will be one of the best in recent years.
Bambinos – The event will see the first ever MSA recognised race for our youngest Bambino drivers. This is an exciting new class in Northern Ireland & will see some new faces in the paddock, which over time will feed through to the next classes on the ladder.
Mini Max – Our second new introduction for 2016 will be the pooled engines for the Mini Max class, which provides a level playing field for all drivers & has met with a positive response following the recent test day at Kirkistown.
IAME X30 Junior & Senior – The 2016 championship will support this new class, in which we have been guaranteed a place at the International Finals later in the year for the NI Champion in both Junior & Senior. In a change from last year places at this event can only be gained through National or regional championships & after a strong showing in 2015 we are delighted that our drivers will have the opportunity to show their talent at the highest level again. (Note: Places will be subject to minimum numbers to award a championship & all costs will be at the winners own expense)
Cadets – Over the past few years the both Honda & IAME Cadets have provided some of the best racing. With both classes racing together (on separate grids/prizes & points) & with a number of newcomers in both classes there is no reason why this season will be any different.
World Formula – Remains our entry level senior, with close competitive racing throughout the grid & this should be the case in 2016.
Rotax Max – Despite a number of front runners moving on to pastures new, a number of new & returning faces should see the class provide fast & competitive action that we have come to expect.
Additional Prizes – With the introduction of the pooled engines, JAG Rotax have kindly supplied a number of quality prizes for the opening round of the championship for both Mini Max & Rotax Max.
We also have voucher from the Hilton Hotel Templepatrick for an overnight stay, which will be awarded on a draw at drivers briefing for all signed on competitors.
Note – All drivers should be aware of tall the new regulations that will be in place from next Saturday, in particular Honda Cadet exhausts, IAME carbs & the CIK bumper for all classes excluding cadets.
Testing – Opening testing will be available at Kirkistown on Friday from XXpm to XX pm.
Why not make it a motorsport weekend in Ards, & come & enjoy the Circuit of Ireland Ards TT special stage in the town on Friday evening.
