Motorsport UK has launched its Girls Karting Academy, a national programme to support and develop the next generation of young female karters.

In collaboration with TeamSport, a nationwide indoor karting operator with 37 tracks nationwide, the Girls Karting Academy will provide 8-12-year-old girls with the opportunity to learn and progress through Motorsport UK’s talent pathway, under its renowned Academy programme that created 19 champions in 2024 alone.

Throughout 2025, ten TeamSport venues will host introductory days during school holidays where girls will have the opportunity to enjoy karting and fun off-track activities to learn and experience the sport. These Girls Karting Academy sessions will enable girls to test themselves in TeamSport’s arrive and drive karts, offering them a progressive step into the sport. Participants will take part in fun activities, designed by Motorsport UK’s Academy coaches and experts in sports science. The sessions will be delivered by TeamSport Chief Instructors that are all Motorsport UK qualified, as they test the girls’ competency and skill levels both on and off the track.

The first sessions take place in April in Bristol, Crawley, Cambuslang, Coventry, Mitcham, Leeds, Nottingham, Southampton, Manchester Trafford and Newcastle, with sessions to follow in May and October.

Girls who demonstrate the right mindset and talent at the introductory days will subsequently be invited to take part in a more in-depth development programme, starting with five sessions over five consecutive weeks at the above TeamSport locations. Under Motorsport UK’s guidance, the sessions will nurture their talent and equip them with the skills and techniques needed to compete in junior levels of karting.

The exciting initiative will enable drivers to hone their skills, before being encouraged to participate in the annual British Indoor Kart Championship (BIKC). Girls who set a qualifying time (June to August) at any of TeamSport’s nationwide venues will have an opportunity to progress through to Local, Regional and National Finals with a prize of a fully-funded place in the Club100 Karting Championship on offer.

Hugh Chambers, Chief Executive Officer at Motorsport UK, comments, “It’s an exciting time for Motorsport UK, as we are seeing a rise in female participation from entry-level upwards, with drivers such as Abbi Pulling inspiring the next generation to compete and explore the opportunities available to them. This is the start of the journey that can take them all the way to the F1 Academy and beyond.

“The Motorsport UK Girls Karting Academy is designed to nurture young female talent in a custom-made environment and nurture their talent regardless of their experience in a kart. Thanks to our Motorsport UK qualified coaches at TeamSport, I am certain that we will see even more girls start their motorsport journey.”

Dan Parker, Head of Karting, Motorsport UK, adds, “We are delighted to launch the new Motorsport UK Girls Karting Academy, a dedicated programme designed to inspire and develop the next generation of female drivers. This initiative provides an accessible pathway for young girls to enter the sport, whether they are just starting out or looking to progress to competitive karting. With expert coaching, multiple entry points, and the opportunity to advance through the Motorsport UK talent pathway, we are committed to fostering talent and increasing female representation in motorsport.”

Dom Gaynor, CEO of TeamSport said, “We are especially committed to encouraging more girls to come and try and get involved with motorsport. Karting is an incredible sport that builds confidence, sharpens skills, and fuels ambition, yet to this day, female participation has been underrepresented. We want to change that by creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where girls feel inspired to get behind the wheel, have fun and develop their racing potential.

“TeamSport’s involvement in programmes like the Motorsport UK Girls Karting Academy is helping to break down barriers and create opportunities for more girls to try, enjoy, and progress in motorsport – from their first karting session to competing at the highest levels. The future of racing should be for everyone, and we’re excited to play a part in making that happen.”

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