COVENTRY’s MotoFest will host its fourth live action arena with historic karting featuring for this year’s festival weekend.
The British Historic Karting Club (BHKC) will host the new karting circuit based at the car park on Gosford Road under the Whitefriars Ringway.
The BHKC will be demonstrating karts from the ‘Golden Era’ – 1959 to 1999 and these will be split into two divisions.
There will be Class 1 karts, equipped with direct drive, 100cc engines, no clutch or gearbox and just the single brake on the rear axle.
They are capable of reaching 70mph and famous drivers beginning their careers in Class 1 karts include Ayrton Senna, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.
The Class 4 karts, powered by a 250cc motorcycle engine, four-wheel braking and capable of over 100mph on longer circuits, will also feature as part of the dynamic displays.
These are the karts legendary British Formula 1 driver and former world champion Nigel Mansell drove early in his career and were also driven by BHKC patron Chris Hodgetts.
James Noble, MotoFest festival director, said: “This is true grassroots motorsport and an opportunity to experience what has been the traditional testing ground for up-and-coming racers and the launch pad for some of motorsport’s greatest drivers over the years.”
MikeTopp, secretary of the British Historic Kart Club, said: “We are really looking forward to bringing our classic racing karts to the streets of Coventry.
“Many people don’t appreciate the performance of these racers, so this is our chance to show them.”
MotoFest Coventry is a two-day festival dedicated to the city of Coventry’s motoring heritage, taking place on Saturday June 1 and Sunday June, 2.
Featuring a blend of racing demonstrations, static displays, live music and anything with a connection to Coventry, transport and the city’s motoring heritage.
