Junior Karting at Rye House Kart Raceway

The bank holiday weekend was sunny and far too good to waste by staying indoors. Andy, our Head of Brand and Partnerships, took the family to Rye House Kart Raceway, Hertfordshire, and a new young racing devotee was born.

Barney Ling is just 5 years old, but that’s old enough for the team at Rye House to say welcome on board. They accept youngsters for karting in several different age bands, the youngest just 4 and upwards, those between 8 and 15, and big kids of 16 and over. The outdoor karting track in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire is perfect for introducing kids (whatever their age) to the joys of driving a go kart in a safe and stimulating environment.

When you consider that this was where Lewis Hamilton, three times Formula One World Champion, first stepped into a racing machine and drove, it’s clear that Rye House Kart Raceway has a pretty impressive pedigree. The fact is, they really care about making sure everyone has a fantastic time, although they cannot guarantee anyone a world championship! To testify to the popularity, many numbers go back for more having caught the karting bug.

Lewis Hamilton on the podium after a win, being congratulated by Vladamir Putin — Lewis Hamilton on the podium having won, being congratulated by Vladamir Putin

Barney had his introduction to the kart with the friendly instructor and then received his kit – a helmet and full racing suit (it was a little large but we think you will agree he looked – and felt – pretty cool).

Canva image Barney and the track 1000 x 400 — Barney kitted up in all his safety gear, helmet in hand, ready to go kart

2 1000 x 400 — Barney sitting on his kart, trying it out for size

14 1000 x 400 — 2 karts at the race start – on your marks…

Unlimited numbers of spectators are welcome to come along, cheer and make use of the on-site cafe and club facilities. There’s a balcony, grand stand, paddock enclosure, adventure playground, crazy golf course and even a laser tag. Barney’s sister, mum, dad and granny all waited on the sidelines, some more nervously than others! Both mum and granny were besides themselves with nerves, whereas Barney himself couldn’t wait to get started and the racing commenced!

7 1000 x 400 — Ahem, Barney against the tyres. Clearly signalling a pit stop.

Of the ladies in the family, it wasn’t just mum and granny who were having kittens, young Molly aged 3 was desperate to join her older brother and she looked on transfixed as he passed her again and again going round on the track.

Molly watching her brother Barney race in a go kart

She may have been too young to race but Molly wasn’t left out. The staff let her try on a helmet of her own.

Finally Molly’s day was complete as she slid into a go kart of her own while dad took a picture she would treasure.

So remember, you saw them here first, the racers of the future. If you have got kids these school summer holidays who would love to race a go kart (and who wouldn’t), make their day with an experience at Hoddesdon!

IMAGES: RLD and Wikipedia x 2