On a beautiful spring evening, Mercedes F1 title contender George Russell officially launched Silverstone’s world-class new kart circuit along with Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft, Radio 1 DJ Melvin Odoom and a host of media, industry figures and special guests. Developed in collaboration with Motorsport UK and circuit design experts, with five different configurations, it’s a masterpiece.
The 1,377-metre international-standard kart track is situated at the heart of the hallowed home of the British Grand Prix, making entry level motorsport at a world-class venue available to anyone from age six. It was built close to the Silverstone Museum and includes sections of the pre-2010 Grand Prix configuration including Bridge corner and Brooklands. Kart Silverstone will operate year-round, offering competitive race meetings alongside arrive-and-drive sessions for families and children aged six plus to adults.
Russell spoke to the audience about his formative motorsport years in karting, and how important it is to keep karting accessible to all before taking to the track to test it out. The circuit was also tested out by several younger competitors including Girls Karting Academy Scholarship winners Ellena Santhosh and Mia Gualtieri and several British Kart Championship drivers.
Speaking to ITV news, Russell said: “I knew it was going to be a fast and flowing track similar to the F1 circuit and they’ve done a really amazing job, good overtaking opportunities. Karting is where it all starts for all of us in Formula 1, so it’s a real pleasure to be here.
“Karting totally changed my whole career, I had an older brother who used to race and I was born on the kart track and that’s where my love for racing all started. Here at Silverstone you can come, arrive and drive in one of these karts and give it a go and that’s great.”
Stuart Pringle, CEO of Silverstone, said: “Kart Silverstone is a major new addition that opens up the chance for everyone to race at the home of the British Grand Prix, making motorsport more accessible and creating an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
“It also represents the BRDC’s largest investment at the circuit since the Wing was built. It’s a bold step that puts karting at the centre of Silverstone and helps inspire the next generation of racing talent.”
Dan Parker, Head of Karting at Motorsport UK, said: “Silverstone’s world-class karting facility is an incredibly exciting addition to the sport, and we’re proud it will not only attract top-level championship events but also open the door for a new generation to enjoy karting as an accessible, family-friendly and competitive experience for all.”
The new facility features a rooftop viewing deck overlooking the circuit, plus a relaxed pizza restaurant, ‘Box Box’. Kart Silverstone is now open to the public, offering visitors the chance to experience the thrill of racing at the Home of British Motorsport from just £30 per session for ages six plus to adults and all abilities, from first-timers to experienced racers.
Ready to hit the track? Book now at www.kart.silverstone.co.uk
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