Global Karting League aims to cut the cost of aspiring racers’ karting careers by up to 96%, enabling a 1000-fold increase in participation.
It seeks to create 50 national ‘hubs’ worldwide, the first being already operational in the UK.
Youngsters aged 6-17, who may have tried indoor leisure karting, can take their first steps into motorsport with a training plan leading to rookie and then national championships.
Once more hubs are established, international championships will provide a final step on the ladder before graduation to single-seaters.
Run on an arrive-and-drive basis, each category uses identical 48-volt electric karts with drivetrain and battery designed in-house, leaving the price unchanged at each level.
Performance is similar to traditional forms of karting, with power outputs restricted at entry level.
“We believe the world’s fastest driver hasn’t raced – yet,” said Smedley.
“We want to simplify the grassroots of the sport; we want to make it more equal; we want to open up the participation [so] that we get more talent coming through from a more diverse cohort.
Source: Autosport