Karters to race in Dockyard

It’s going to be a big time event.

Karters will be speeding around the Clocktower Mall for two days in November in what promises to be the signature race of the season for the sport.

Scott ‘Skitchy’ Barnes, president of the Bermuda Karting Association, told the Bermuda Sun “So much money and time have gone into doing this, we decided to make it two days. It’s costing the club close to $30,000. We pushed to have this over two days to make it worthwhile.”

He said racing will take place from 9am to 6pm on Saturday, November 9 and from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, November 10. There will be an hour break on noon on both days and a five-minute break before each hour to let traffic pass by.

Qualifying

Saturday morning will see drivers in a practice session as they do loops around the Clocktower Mall. After the lunch break, there will be a timed qualifying session before two heat races.

Sunday will again see the drivers in morning practice before the lunch break at noon. There will be several heat races before the main trophy race to end the two-day karting spectacular. 

Barnes was excited about the course, which will see drivers do five left turns with the main straightaway in front of the Mall. 

“It’s not a big track, but it’s pretty tight. It’s an exhibition race and, hopefully, it will be a stepping stone into get back to race in Hamilton.”

Barnes will be racing in the shifter and Tag classes for the race.

“It’s definitely exciting but it’s a lot of work.”

The karting president said there will be a mandatory sign-up meeting on Tuesday at 7pm at Spanish Point Boat Club for all people interested in taking part in the Dockyard races.

Barnes said he’s expecting 25 to 30 drivers to compete. “If we have any more than that, that would be great, but it’s already sparked some interest. A couple of guys that used to race will be out for this.”

He added sponsors have stepped forward to provide $20,000 worth of funding to help pulls this off.

“We couldn’t have done this without main sponsors Island Construction, Keen Limited and BISL. Other sponsors have stepped forward too like Bonefish, Joe Vieira Trucking, BEST Shipping, Dynamic Excavating and Trucking and Vitamin Sea Fisheries.”