In line with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) declaring October as a global celebration of the invaluable contributions of volunteers and officials, Karting Australia – the delegated authority for karting in Australia – will shine a spotlight over the coming weeks on some of the dedicated individuals who play such a vital role in our sport.
After being bugged by his young son to start karting several years ago, Cody McDonald had very little idea that the sport would turn into such a passion for him.
“The young bloke loved racing, so I got into it. That was the original, but now I just love it,” said MacDonald.
MacDonald started off by doing maintenance while his young child found their passion on the race track, before he progressed to an official, and is now the Albury-Wodonga Kart Club’s Vice President.
Originally helping out the club where he could while his 10-year-old belted around track, McDonald found himself to be helpful and handy in helping with repairs and overall club maintenance to keep it running where needed to operate – and it was then that it became obvious how integral volunteers were in the sport of karting.
Having officiated in a variety of levels of the sport from Club Events through to the SP Tools Australian Kart Championship, MacDonald noted that club events are more to teach people and create fun, whilst AKC brought a much more serious tone to the sport of Karting; professionalism and regulations being his highlighted difference to club days.
When asked what advice he’d offer people who are thinking about volunteering in Karting, MacDonald was encouraging.
“For anyone who wants to be a part of a great team I say give it (officiating) a go basically, without officials, we can’t do what everyone in our loves,” said McDonald.
“You not only get the enjoyment of being a part of a great Club and Events, but also meet some fantastic people along the way and make some fantastic memories.”
Starting your journey in becoming a Karting Australia Volunteer or Official is only a few clicks away through the Volunteer’s page on www.karting.net.au
