Grants give kart club the go

People who think go karting is just for young thrill seekers may be surprised to know it’s a sport that just about anyone with a ‘need for speed’ can enjoy.

If the members of the Ipswich Kart Club have their say, more speedsters will soon be whizzing around the track in their go karts.

As part of a drive to build more active communities, workshops are being held across the state to help people, like club president Ashley Waardenberg, bring in new members.

“The Ipswich Kart Club is the premier karting club in South East Queensland but there’s always room for new drivers,” Ashley says.

“We have around 600 members who range from children to seniors and aspiring race car drivers.

“As with all motor sports, costs for participation can vary but an average entry fee to the sport ranges from around $3000 to $5000.

“This takes into account the costs of buying a go kart coupled with club membership and licence fees, and then there’s running costs such as fuel.

“As a not-for-profit club, our main source of funding is through membership fees
and hosting racing events.

“That’s why we realised the benefit of attending a Building Active Communities Grants writing workshop at Ipswich in September.

“The workshop covered the range of sports grants available, how to write an application and advice on the submission process.

“We are now planning to apply for a community organisation grant to engage in a membership recruitment drive, improve our facilities and expand our programs to help with the development
of younger drivers.

“Kart racing is far more professional than most people realise and has given rise to many professional V8 super car drivers in Australia.”

Established in 1958, the club provides kart racing facilities within the Ipswich Motorsport Precinct at Willowbank.

With most Queensland sports clubs run by volunteers, free workshops help give clubs the edge they need to succeed.

Through the Queensland Government’s Building Active Communities Workshop program, clubs across Queensland are being helped to get Queenslanders fit, healthy and active.

Workshops include on field topics, coaching principles, sports nutrition, sports psychology, sports strapping and athlete recovery.

Off field topics range from events management to club committees, finances, succession planning, member and volunteer recruitment, technology, sports summits and marketing and sponsorship.

For more information or to register for a workshop call 1300 656 191.