Whether you're taking your very first laps or dreaming of becoming a racing driver, the Teesside Academy is designed to help you take the next step.

Our structured coaching programme gives drivers of all ages the opportunity to learn, improve and progress at their own pace with guidance from experienced instructors, race drivers and race team mechanics.

Starting in our hire karts, we'll assess your current ability, build strong driving foundations and help you develop the skills needed to become a faster, safer and more confident driver. As you progress, opportunities become available to move into faster karts, race kart tuition and competitive motorsport.

There is no pressure to race. Some drivers simply want to improve their karting skills and enjoy the sport, while others have ambitions of competing in championships across the UK and Europe. Whatever your goals, we'll help create a pathway that suits your age, experience and budget.

Our Academy Membership scheme offers discounted lessons, performance tracking, progression opportunities and access to experienced coaching staff who are passionate about helping the next generation of drivers.

From your first assessment lesson through to race weekends in the UK, France, Spain and Belgium, the Teesside Academy is here to support your karting journey every step of the way.

New for Summer 2026

Our Academy Membership is designed for anyone taking part in hire kart lessons who wants to learn properly, improve safely, and understand the next steps into karting.

Academy Membership costs £40 per year and gives members reduced lesson prices, starting with a discounted assessment lesson.

First Assessment Lesson

Your first Academy assessment lesson is reduced from £75 to £45.

This session is designed to help us understand your current level and decide the best next steps for you.

The lesson includes:

• 10 minutes chatting with your instructor
• 10 minutes observed driving
• 10 minutes feedback and discussion
• 10 minutes instructed driving

At the end of the session, your instructor will give you a score and explain what they recommend next.

This session may include up to three other drivers on track, all working at a similar level.

Foundation Lessons

Most beginners will start with our Foundation Lesson Plan.

Each one-hour lesson includes:

• 10 minutes with the instructor looking at the track map and setting the plan
• Three 10-minute driving sessions on track
• Feedback and guidance between each session

You will be shown to the correct kart for your size and age, and your instructor will guide you through each stage.

Lap times will be provided so you can see your improvement. This is only available on Academy sessions.

Progression Lessons

As your driving improves, and you show that you can listen to instruction, drive safely, and build your confidence and control, you may be invited to move up to the progression stage.

These lessons are delivered by our senior instructors, who are racing drivers and race team mechanics. They will help you develop your skills further and, when ready, move into faster karts.

Eventually, drivers may be able to take part in lessons using race karts.

Your Karting Journey

As you move through the Academy levels, there are different progression options depending on your age, plans, experience and budget.

We will help you create a pathway that suits you.

For some drivers, this may mean improving confidence in hire karts. For others, it may lead towards race kart testing, championships, or joining the Teesside Academy Race Team.

Drivers who move into race karts may have opportunities to race at Teesside and other venues, including events in France, Spain and Belgium.

Young drivers may also be offered work experience opportunities at the circuit, which can be valuable for anyone considering a future motorsport career.

For Parents

Parents can be as hands-on or hands-off as they like.

We can provide everything needed, or we can help teach you how to run, maintain and set up a kart yourself.

Most of all, we want to help more people get into karting in a safe, enjoyable and supportive way.

Whether you are just starting out or already thinking about racing, the Teesside Academy is here to help.