The Association of British Kart Clubs is set to make major changes to its format and activities, to align with changes in the structure of karting introduced by the governing body, Motorsport UK.
ABkC has reached an agreement with Motorsport UK which sets out new lines of responsibility for both organisations which have been approved by the ABkC steering group ready for final decision at their annual meeting on 15th February.
The changes will see ABkC freed of responsibility for technical issues, classes and championships to allow it to put maximum effort into its official role as the official association for karting.
The ABkC was originally founded 30 years ago when the then governing body, RAC-MSA, decided to have less involvement in karting. ABkC took control of many issues in karting which it has been carrying out until recently.
With major changes at Motorsport UK two years ago including taking control of the British Kart Championships and appointment of a Karting Manager, it was clearly a time for change within ABkC.
Now the way forward is assured and will include new features such as only clubs which are members of the ABkC being allowed to host rounds of the British Kart Championship. Further important initiatives will be announced next month.
Association Chairman George Robinson explained: “We have made significant progress over the past few weeks and the ABkC now has a clear direction for the future. This will allow it to operate in close harmony with Motorsport UK for the well-being of the sport as a whole.”
George has announced his retirement from being ABkC Chairman but will continue as Chairman of the Motorsport UK Kart Committee and Kart Technical Advisory Group. Vice Chairman Nigel Edwards added: “This is a new beginning for us. We can move forwards with confidence and say thank you to George for his efforts.”
Hugh Chambers, CEO of Motorsport UK, stated: “The ABkC has played a pivotal role in the UK karting scene over many years, but the time was right to review its role and future mission. Motorsport UK endorses the new direction, that of a body to represent the interests of kart clubs across the country.
“With the newly formed Motorsport UK Karting Council, and the well established Kart Committees, we have forums for all stakeholders in the community, but the ABkC is solely focussed on the specific challenges faced by kart clubs. The club structure is vital to the health of karting and we are pleased to see an organisation designed to develop strategic thinking and tactical plans, that in conjunction with the sport’s governing body, will ensure their success”.