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UNITED KINGDOM’S ‘NATIONAL KARTING ASSOCIATION’

The principal role of the NATIONAL KARTING ASSOCIATION (NKA) based in the United Kingdom (UK) is to help, promote, and protect operators of both indoor and outdoor Karting circuits.

The NKA has many years of experience in dealing with the problems and challenges of operating Karting circuits. Membership of the NKA provides immediate access to this experience and to a wide range of other services and facilities associated with running a Karting circuit safely and successfully.

The History of Karting in the UK
Karting was first introduced to the UK by American servicemen after the Second World War. Over the next 30 or so years the sport gradually established itself as the favored starting point for single-seat racing drivers to learn their craft.

However, although less expensive than many other forms of motorsport, Karting was still generally inaccessible to the majority, and the few circuits that did exist offered generally poor facilities and required the visitors to supply all their own equipment. Karting was thriving amongst the favored few, but was simply out of reach for most of the population with neither the funds, knowledge nor inclination to break into the seemingly closed ranks of the Karting clubs.

All this changed in the mid 1980's as Bob Pope and Martin Howell formed Playscape and revolutionized the sport by supplying karts for hire at an indoor circuit built in a disused bus garage in London. By the mid 1990's Karting was the UK's fastest growing sport, and kart circuits had sprung up in or near every major town in the country. Not all were of a desirable standard, but as the market matured great strides were made by responsible operators to improve both equipment and facilities. Instrumental in this quest for improvement was the National Karting Association which, through its annual inspection scheme, ensures that every member meets stringent quality targets.

The local indoor track is now well established as the entry point for the vast majority of people, offering the future F1 World Champions an easy, safe and economical first step onto the ladder. Those drivers with obvious talent are able to progress to the larger outdoor tracks through MSA classes and on their way to the F1 dream.

The NKA can appoint advisors to assist large companies or organizations to structure national events. The advantages for event organizers in using an NKA registered circuit are...

Circuits are inspected regularly.
Corporate events from some of our NKA member circuits.
All circuits comply with national safety guidelines.
Assistance is available for planning and structuring the events.
Safety is paramount and consistent at all events whether you are organizing 1 event or 101 events nationally.

The NKA can also provide advice on the type of event best suited to your organization, tailoring the structure of the event to your exact requirements. We are also able to obtain through our specialist insurance brokers, quotations and/or advice on additional insurance cover, providing peace of mind for event organizers.

Professional karting as a corporate and sporting activity has shown tremendous growth in the last 15 years. From just one indoor circuit operating in the UK in 1986, there are now over 200 professional circuits in both the UK and Europe. Millions of people are now enjoying this leisure past-time.

Several attempts have been made in the past to set up associations to support this growing industry, but with limited success. Most have depended on high fees and subscriptions being paid by members with little return.

The NKA is giving you the opportunity to join an association which charges minimal fees with maximum return. Their income is achieved through offering consultancies in all aspects of circuit operation, product manufacturing and commission on sales and advertising.

By joining, you will become a member of the fastest growing karting association, which in consultation with the Health & Safety Executive has drawn up the guidelines for safe operation of karting circuits. Fluent and experienced in all aspects of circuit management, safety issues and legal advice, they are only a phone call away.

The National Karting Association is also a member of the Motor Activities Training Council (MATC) and as such, when becoming an NKA member, you also automatically become a member of the MATC.

The NATIONAL KARTING ASSOCIATION MISSION STATEMENT

The NATIONAL KARTING ASSOCIATION (NKA) has been set up to help promote and protect operators of both indoor and outdoor circuits, offering Kart racing as a corporate, sporting activity, and to liaise with statutory bodies to ensure the growth and prosperity of both the operators and suppliers. We aim to achieve this through:-

Combining the experience of all operators in an effort to educate and communicate with the local authorities, statutory and legislative bodies.

To offer advice and support in all aspects of operation, with special regard to:
a - Safety
b - Training
c - Environmental Issues

To liaise with marketing and public relation companies, to promote national and international awareness of the operators facilities and products.

To provide consultants to support members in financial, legal and environmental issues.

To encourage, through unification of rules and regulations throughout the UK and Europe, higher standards of training and safety awareness for both Clients and operators.

MEMBERSHIP
The membership fee is £395.00 per year for a full member for one circuit and £295.00 for associate members and additional circuits. Membership includes the official NKA Guidelines for safe operation of indoor and outdoor circuits - revised January 2000. You will also receive a full inspection for each circuit registered. You have the option to pay the full amount straight away or you can pay by direct debit over 12 months. Whichever method of payment you choose, you will be sent your Guidelines and Membership Certificate once your payment is received.

If you would like to become an NKA member please go to the website and click on ‘Membership” which will take you to an on-line application form. Once they receive your details a membership application pack will be sent to you.

The following services are available to the NKA members for an additional fee. If you have any questions concerning these services please Contact the NKA.

Circuit Presentation:
For a small fee one of our experienced consultants will visit your circuit and carry out a presentation audit.

Inspection:
An independent inspection of your venue for safety purposes to satisfy the Health and Safety Executive incorporating all aspects of circuit operation.

Staff Training:
Our experienced consultants visit your circuit and run staff training days.

Circuit Management:
Mastering the fine line between profitability and loss in your karting business.

The NKA Member Details Page contains full details on all the existing National Karting Association members. Each circuit registered has their company information placed on this page including their full contact details and a live link to their own websites

For your nearest National Karting Association track consult our NKA Members list on their web site: www.nationalkarting.co.uk

National Karting Association
Devonia, Long Road West,
DEDHAM, Colchester.
Essex. CO7 6ES.
Telephone / Fax: +44-01-206-322-726
E-mail: enquiry@nationalkarting.co.uk

END

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