HIGH HOPES: Members of the newly-formed Bathurst Kart Club are pleased that plans are underway to build a go-kart track in Bathurst. Photo: CHRIS SEABROOK
PLANS to establish a go-kart track in Bathurst have shifted up a gear with the formation of the Bathurst Kart Club.
Motor racing enthusiasts threw their support behind the project at a recent meeting, electing an executive committee and canvassing for more members.
The progress has come after representatives of the former Mount Panorama Kart Racing Track steering committee met with Bathurst Regional Council earlier this year.
With around 70 members so far, the club is now focusing its attention on finding a permanent home for its track.
While he couldn’t confirm where the track would be located, newly-elected club president Mark Dunbar said members were working to develop an action plan for the project.
“There are a lot of people in Bathurst that love their motorsport, and we’re hoping the community will get behind us,” Mr Dunbar said.
“We’ve got a business plan ready to go, which looks at things like costs and fundraising.
“The next step for us is to work with council to find somewhere to build the track.
“We’ve already had some very positive, very productive meetings with council. There are a couple of sites we’re looking at, but nothing’s confirmed yet.
“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.
“There’s an enormous amount of talent here in our junior ranks,” he said.
“We had one of our younger members travelling to Adelaide over the Easter weekend to compete in the Australian titles.
“One day, we might have one of our Bathurst juniors racing in the 1000 at the Mount. 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.”
Mr Dunbar emphasised the track – which he estimated would cost around $250,000 to $300,000 to construct – would bring benefits to a wide cross-section of the community.
“At any normal club meet, you get around 100 to 150 karts,” he said.
“If we can build this track to international standards like we’re planning, it will attract people from across Australia. A lot of businesses will benefit when you think about the flow-on effects, like people needing accommodation and food, and people buying fuel.”
He said the track could be used for youth driver development as well as school sport and corporate days.
The executive committee, including Rick Noyen (vice president), Darren Hamilton (secretary), and Paul and Jason Newman (treasurers), has set its sights on tripling membership by Christmas.
But that’s not all they hope to achieve by the end of the year.
“We hope to have a site and work on the track underway by Christmas,” Mr Dunbar said.
“A lot of effort has already gone into getting this far, and there’s a long way to go.
“It’s going to be hard work, but we’re looking forward to working with council to get this up and running for the community.”
