Go-karts are on track - From the Western Advocate

PLANS for a specialised go-kart track in Bathurst are moving along well, with Bathurst Regional Council indicating strong support for the project.

Councillors have been given an update on plans for the track during a confidential meeting, and have asked organisers from the newly-formed Bathurst Kart Club to provide more details about the project.

But general manager David Sherley indicated that was just a matter of process and that council could see real benefits from the track.

“We’re just asking them to give us a more detailed business plan,” Mr Sherley said.

“We just need to know how they are intending to finance the project and details of their long-term financial plan showing the viability of the operation.”

He would not say whether council had offered land to the go kart club, but the Western Advocate understands a track is likely to be built at Alec Lamberton Park on the Oberon Road.

The field was previously the home ground of the Bathurst ’75 soccer club but they relinquished it as part of deal with council to

write-off outstanding water debts.

It is expected a go-kart track could cost up to $300,000 to build, but Bathurst Kart Club president Mark Dunbar previously told the Western Advocate there was a great future for the sport locally.

“Getting a track up and running in Bathurst has been a long time coming and we’re closer than ever to making it happen.

“At present, Bathurst karters have to travel to Lithgow, Orange and further afield to compete.”

Mr Dunbar said members hoped that by securing a track in Bathurst, they could better nurture local talent.

“One day, we might have one of our Bathurst juniors racing in the 1000 at the Mount,” he said.

“That’s who we’re doing this for – the young ones.

“I’m sure if we can get a track in Bathurst, it will be well supported.”