A message to anyone who is interested in competing in the 210 Challenge
We have been contacted by several potential racers lately, asking about what is the best way to go about getting or updating equipment to be able to race in the Challenge. Some of these were about to spend money on equipment that quite frankly was so out dated and would never be competitive. It is our aim to help and assist all “would be” racers in the Challenge to be as competitive as possible, and as quickly as possible.
Please, please, please if you are not sure, then contact us before you buy or spend money on upgrading. Even better, please come and see us at one of the Challenge rounds then you will get a first hand view of the equipment that is being used today. To find out when and where we are racing please see our race dates page. You will be made most welcome, and all the drivers will be only too happy to show you their karts and answer any questions you may have.
A modern and competitive 210 Kart need not cost you a fortune, but please don’t get spending your hard earned cash on outdated equipment.
Do you want to race in the longest established class in Karting?
Did you used to race Karts in the past, and would love to start again?
Well – there’s good news, the 210 Challenge is one of the most exciting classes in Karting – and here’s the best bit…
We have people racing from ages 18 to 60 something!!
We have Gentlemen AND Ladies racing
It really is – KARTING FOR ALL
Our members are friendly, and helpful and there is ALWAYS someone who is more than willing to offer help and assistance to newcomers. We are a friendly crowd, and you won’t be feeling “left out”.
We look forward to seeing you!
All you need to know about starting to race in the 210 Challenge
This page is designed to help anyone who is interested in racing in the 210 Challenge for the first time to get started. Presumably, you have bought your equipment, and now you are ready to go racing. So what do you do next? Follow these step by step instructions, and you will on the grid as quickly as possible, enjoying the close racing of the 210 Championships. We strongly recommend that before you start out racing, that you come and visit us at one of our meetings to see first hand what goes on. You will be made most welcome, and gain invaluable advice that will help you save time and money.
1. Firstly, in order to compete in race meetings, you MUST hold an Motorsport UK racing licence. In order to get this, you must first pass your ARKS test. ARKS tests are conducted at various locations around the country. For more detailed instructions on ARKS testing, visit the website – http://www.arks.co.uk/
2. After passing your ARKS test, you will need a medical from your G.P. The form for this is in the Motorsport UK licence application. After receiving your licence from the Motorsport UK, you must then join one of the UK’s kart clubs. Because the meeting entry fees are cheaper for club members, it makes sense to join one of the clubs that we visit most frequently (as you will save more money). For a list of clubs that we race at see the race dates page.
3. You then need to join the 210 Challenge in order to score Championship points etc. You can download a 210 Membership form by contacting the 210 Challenge Co-ordinator whose details can be found on the contacts page. Also, you will need a transponder for lap timing purposes – this is a compulsory requirement. If you don’t own one – ask the club beforehand as they usually have some for hire. Thats it – you’re ready to go racing. Note that all newcomers are eligible only to go Short Circuit Racing.
Please note that at each meeting prior to racing, all karts are scrutineered by the official Motorsport UK scrutineers. It is important that your equipment and clothing conforms to the “Blue Book” regulations. If it doesn’t – you won’t be allowed to race until any problem is rectified.
For the first 6 meetings you will compete as a novice, and start each heat at the back of the grid. At the end of each meeting, provided that you have competed safely, the Motorsport UK steward will sign your licence. Once you have obtained 6 such signatures, you will be competing with your grid position chosen by random. There is usually 3 heats and a final on race day, and broadly speaking, you could expect to start one of the heats towards the front of the grid, one in the middle, and one towards the back. Regardless of whether you are a novice
or not, your starting position for the final will be determined by your heat results.
Important Notes.
At some circuits, you will be able to take part in Saturday practice day only without an Motorsport UK licence. Please be aware that this varies from circuit to circuit. If you wish to take part in Saturday practice without holding a Motorsport UK licence, PLEASE CONTACT THE CIRCUIT PRIOR TO THE EVENT TO CHECK THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO DO SO.