F1 Academy Discover Your Drive Karting UK

The first talent identification programme to launch under F1 Academy Discover Your Drive, F1 Academy Discover your Drive Karting UK is a national programme to find and nurture the next generation of young female karters.

Recent statistics show that around 45,000 young girls visit TeamSport UK venues every year, but only a small percentage ever progress to competition. The programme will address this, acting as a gateway to motorsport for young girls, making them more aware of the opportunities available to them and removing the barriers that often inhibit girls to compete.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

F1 Academy Discover your Drive Karting UK is operated by Motorsport UK, the governing body for four wheeled motorsport in the UK, and TeamSport UK, who operate 35 karting venues across the country.

The programme leverages TeamSport UK’s expert karting instructors to identify girls aged 8-12 who show promise and offer them a series of development sessions to nurture their talent, arming them with the skills and techniques needed to compete in junior levels of indoor karting.

In 2023, this pilot programme was rolled out at six venues across the UK and saw participants supported through the qualifying stages of the British Indoor Karting Championships – an entry level for many British drivers – after completing the series of development sessions. This saw a 265% increase in females participating in the British Indoor Karting Championships and the programme will scale up to 35 venues across the UK this year.

GET INVOLVED

In February 2024, F1 Academy has teamed up with TeamSport locations across the UK to host Discover Your Drive Days. Girls aged 8-12 years will get the chance to experience three on-track karting sessions, alongside engaging with off-track training and activities, all led by TeamSport Chief Instructors.

No previous experience of karting or motorsport is needed to participate with the goal to help girls feel confident in a kart and want to continue beyond the day.

Girls that show potential talent will be invited to join the Discover Your Drive Race Academy, with five coached sessions to equip the girls with the skill and techniques necessary to compete in a junior level of karting.

TeamSport Discover Your Drive Day dates and locations:

• Early-bird price of £30.00 if you sign up before February 2nd, £40.00 thereafter.

To find out more information on the Disover Your Drive Days or the latest programme, visit the TeamSport website.