Start Karting
From 6 years old to 85mph
There is an owner driver kart class for everyone at Grampian Kart Club.
Karting is the most accessible route into motorsports whether you’re looking to chase a career in the sport or a competitive past-time. The sport offers exceptional performance to cost from equipment that can fit in a modest sized trailer or van and home garage set-up.
At Grampian Kart Club we primarily cater for owner driver karting. This is where members of the kart club own, maintain and transport their own karts to use the facilities.
Getting started
Karting is the purest form of motorsport. But it’s not just about the speed and competition – it’s a community of motorsport enthusiasts.
The driving and racing are just one part of the owner karting experience. Maintaining your kart, experimenting with different setups and getting hands-on with the mechanical side are all part of the fun.
One of the biggest benefits of owner karting at GKC is the flexibility. You can come and practice as often as you like outside of race events at no extra cost.
This guide is designed to give you a basic understanding of what owner karting involves, along with the key equipment you’ll need to get started.
If you can, we highly recommend coming along to a race weekend and chat with our members trackside.
kart classes
These are the most popular kart classes at GKC and across most of Scotland.
Buying a kart can range from £100s-£1,000s – it really depends on what you plan to do.
6-8 years
Bambino
Approx Speed: 40-45mph
The first step on the ladder for young children. Powered by the Comer C50 2 stroke, these miniature karts can do either time trials or racing.
8-12 years
Cadets
Approx Speed: 55mph
This class is primarily made up of the 4 stroke Honda GX200 variation however there is a 2 stroke option from the Rotax Max family of engines.
11-14 years
Mini max
Approx Speed: 60mph
The intermediate class uses the popular Rotax Max 125cc engine in its Junior format with restrictors. This class uses a full size adult chassis typically with pedal extensions.
12-16 years
Junior rotax max
Approx Speed: 65mph
The final step on the junior ladder using the Junior Rotax Max engine. This class uses a full size chassis with pedal extensions where required.
16 years+
Senior rotax max
Approx Speed: 70mph
Using the same 125cc Rotax Max base as the other classes with the addition of an exhaust valve to provide more power.
16 years+
Kz2
(gearbox)
Approx Speed: 85mph
The premier class of short circuit karting. These karts have a 6 speed sequential gearbox, 50hp and front brakes.
Safety gear
At a minimum you must wear a correctly fitting crash helmet, race suit, gloves and ankle covering boots.
There is a lot of choice when it comes to racewear. We’d recommend ensuring that you buy equipment suitable for your plans.
Crash Helmet
To work correctly a crash helmet must be correctly fitting and in good condition. At a minimum you may use a full faced ACU Gold approved motorcycle helmet to practice and race in the Boyndie Drome Open Challenge. To compete at Motorsport UK level events you must comply with their rules which require a Motorsport Special Application approved helmet such as SNELL SA2020.
Race Suit
A Motorsport UK race suit must be CIK-homologated to either the 2001-1 or 2013-1 standard (level 1 or 2), or the newer FIA 8877-2022 standard (grade 1 or 2). The homologation date is not an expiry date – if the suits homologation is still listed in the Motorsport UK book and it’s in good condition you can continue to use it.
Gloves & Boots
Gloves must completely cover the hands with no open back. Boots must cover and provide ankle support.
Rib Protector & Neck Braces
Whilst not compulsory it’s highly recommended to wear a rib protector and most karters do. Karts regularly corner at over 2G with their sticky slick tyres putting a lot of strain on your ribs. Neck braces are also optional and down to driver preference.
Using your kart
Once you have got all the gear all you have to do is join the club and that’s you ready to hit the track.
What makes karting at GKC so affordable and accessible is the near limitless track time. Once you are a paid up member you will be given the code allowing you access to use the circuit any day of the week outside of events marked on the calendar.
Outside of events the clubhouse facilities will not be open but there is access to a toilet. You may also camp and pay a fee to use the electric hook-ups for an annual off-peak charge.
Going racing
At GKC we offer two types of racing. The entry level we call the Boyndie Drome Open Challenge (BDOC). These events are run at a slightly more relaxed rule set and regulated by the club. No racing licence is required to compete – however we do observe drivers to be safe. We’d recommend getting a few practice days under your belt before committing to a race day if you’re completely new to karting.
The next level up is Motorsport UK permitted events. These events require a relevant Motorsport UK race licence which is achieved by completing an ARKS test. Our club has an ARKS examiner for anyone looking to pursue this. Events such as the Scottish Super Series and Scottish Championships are run under Motorsport UK permits – this means all officials at the event are Motorsport UK officials. The club has no say on how the event is officiated or regulated.
East of Scotland kart club
Crail, Fife
Based between St Andrews and Anstruther Crail typically races the 1st weekend of the month.
North of Scotland Kart Club
Golspie, Highlands
The most Northern race circuit in the UK – based in the picturesque setting of Golspie. Typically races the 4th weekend of the month.
West of scotland kart club
Larkhall, Glasgow
South of Glasgow, Larkhall usually races the 3rd weeknd of the month.
Let's go karting
LGK are sessions we run to allow people considering purchasing a kart to get more information face to face and try a kart before committing to buying their own gear.
These sessions are typically run as a small group for an hour with a brief introducion to owner karting and 5-10mins in an age appropriate kart. There is a fee for these sessions of £25 per driver.
These sessions are for drivers or families seriously considering purchasing a kart. Unfortuantley we don’t have the resources to offer arrive and drive style karting – we would recommend looking at Fast Lane Karting in Aberdeen, Aviemore Karting, Smart Kart Raceway Elgin or Inverness Kart Raceway.
Next session
We don’t currently have a date in the calendar for 2026 but if you complete the form below we will be in touch in due course.
