When I have to explain to friends what I do for a living, I try to put karting in the best possible light. A school of life for young drivers, equipment that is as simple in its concept as it is incredibly complex in its implementation, short, intense races, an exciting spectacle provided you have certain keys to understanding it, a discipline that has evolved along with the technology, where the knowledge of experienced technicians remains essential, an essential or almost essential training course for future motorsport champions, a pleasure tinged with masochism for the anonymous majority of enthusiasts, a sport for enthusiasts at all levels… The neophyte audience is often won over by such a presentation: “It sounds great, I had no idea karting was so competitive, I’d love to try it… “
Invariably, a few questions, always the same ones, follow in the wake. “Why do we never hear about karting in the mainstream media? How much does the winner of a race or championship earn?” And the magic suddenly fades when it comes to talking about money. So, yes, karting can make you dream, but the reality is much harsher. Here again, it’s a reflection of life.
For a long time now, federations and private organisers have been looking for low-cost, popular promotional series. Some very interesting formulas have seen the light of day, and some have even met with considerable success, but without ever establishing themselves as a truly effective gateway to karting competition. Today, inexpensive karting is not popular, either with enthusiasts or manufacturers. Unlike motorcycling, karting cannot rely on a mass industry to promote accessible series. The karting market retains an artisanal feel despite the emergence of several major manufacturers with an industrial approach.
Enthusiasts who are not wealthy currently prefer to have fun in leisure karting rather than take the plunge into low-cost competition karting (everything is relative). As a result, the competition base is struggling to expand, despite the fact that the sport has become highly professional. Indeed, top-level international competition is doing well, as demonstrated by the large field and the increase in the number of races in Europe. At the same time, regional competition is suffering and national competitions are sometimes encountering difficulties.
In the 21st century, we need to be able to offer competition series that are as affordable as leisure karting, i.e. categories that are totally reliable, require little time and money and are still rewarding for the drivers. The kind of five-legged sheep whose existence is doubtful. A few people, within certain national or international federations, are not resigned to this and continue to search relentlessly for solutions to grow the sport they love. Let’s wish them luck.
Info Kartcom Selection / © Photo KSP