In this discipline, the mental aspect is essential, while the physical aspect remains an indispensable support, but perhaps not the main one. The problem is that a driver's training is spread over several years, often starting at an early age when the development of the individual is only just beginning.

The example of France

We can speak with authority about what has been put in place in France in this area thanks to the training initiatives developed by the Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA). Despite some dissatisfaction, the federal effort is intense in this area and its effectiveness is not debatable. At a national level, the involvement of a federation is essential to develop and nurture future generations.

The development of leisure karting in the 90s brought a large number of occasional participants to the sport. To improve results, many of these newcomers have sought training. In addition to the training courses offered by many circuits, the FFSA quickly sought to harmonise this sector by accrediting it through the Ecoles Françaises de Karting (French Karting Schools), which are open to children aged six and over. As a result, the content and validation procedures are the same throughout the country, while a diploma course has also been created for supervising staff, with a state diploma and a state certificate. The FFSA has also supplied karts to the schools. For the past three years, federal authorities have been working to ease the transition to competition by including parents in this crucial phase. Although difficult to quantify precisely, the results are nonetheless very positive.

The FFSA Academy federal training centre based in Le Mans is continuing this effort in competition, thanks in particular to the French Junior Championship launched in 2017 based on a concept similar to that of the FIA Karting Academy Trophy, but with an advanced and individualised educational component. The FFSA programme then continues in single-seaters with the French F4 Championship.

The United Kingdom has a large number of organised Racing Schools, grouped together in an association, the ARKS, while the youth categories are highly developed on the basis of different engines. A choice is therefore possible depending on the level and resources of the young drivers, and the legendary British passion for motor sport can be expressed at a very early age in karting.

In 2024, electric power will make its appearance under the federal banner of Motorsport UK through the Bambino category from the age of six, thanks to the formula developed by MightE electric. Cadet categories could follow in the years to come, but electricity is not yet certain to supplant combustion engines, which have not had their last word in competition.

Whether through federal initiatives, with particularly competent professionals in their schools, or with conscientious coaches, learning to compete should be part of every karting career, to help drivers have more fun, achieve better results, and rationalise the cost of the sport.

About KartCom

Kartcom is the communication department of the French company KSP Reportages.

A tool for large-scale communication!

In 2004, KSP Reportages was one of the first to offer the production of karting press releases to its customers. Numerous well-known players in the kart and automotive industry rely on KSP Reportages for the production and distribution of their press releases to a mailing list of more than 30,000 targeted and verified contacts worldwide.

Kartcom has recognised expertise and solid experience in the production of press kits and presentations, as well as brochures, advertising materials and collector books.

Launched in 2007, the Kartcom website quickly became an essential tool in the international karting world. Users to benefit from a unique database of drivers, circuits, competitions and much more, which can be consulted free of charge. Published on www.kartcom.com along with news photos by KSP Photo Agency, the articles from KSP Reportages provide simple and accessible communication elements contributing to social network feeds and websites, while benefiting from the archiving and development as well as the influence of Kartcom.