Go Karting – Not Just For Men
Motor sports have always had the reputation of being male-dominated. But for the same reasons why men get into go karting, for the power, performance and speed, women are also embracing the sport. Not only does racing go karts provide an exciting past time for many women, they are now using karting as a starting point to advance up the ranks to higher levels of motor sports, all the way to the NASCAR circuit. Danica Patrick is a great example of a female driver who got her start racing karts.
The United Kingdom has set up an organization to help encourage and inspire females who want to participate in racing go karts. Organizers have set up races for aspiring female racers with six rounds in each race to be held on different tracks across the Southern UK. The same is being considered by private entities in the US.
Two categories have been determined by organizers. They are beginner and intermediate classes. The beginner category is best suited for women who are still new to the sport of karting. Gokarts are provided in these circuits so that women can get a feel for the sport without making an investment in their own kart. On the other hand, the intermediate category is for females who have a bit of experience. These ladies have their own gokarts and possess a greater degree of driving skill and experience.
Female karting clubs are being formed to bring women together in solidarity to encourage and train those who are enthusiastic about racing go karts. Clubs already established in Britain help women get into the racing scene starting with gokarts and progressing all the way up to Formula One. Joining a club brings a woman in contact with other women who are interested in racing karts.
A serious consideration when becoming a racer and competing in the sport of go karting is how to gain sponsorship. It does not matter whether you are a man or a woman; the financial demands of the sport make it almost impossible for an individual racer to easily afford the required equipment for racing. Sponsorship is a must in order to compete at higher levels as well. For a man or a woman, winning a first meeting is the key to getting your foot in the door. You have got to be able to sell yourself and your skills within that small window of opportunity.
Many options and opportunities for women exist inside the field of motor sports, if a woman is interested in pursuing them. The only requirements are learning the sport and practicing to master it. Girls and boys can start go karting as early as age five, and then continue honing and developing the skills necessary to advance higher and higher up the levels of motor sporting.