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How to Get Started in Karting -Arrive & Drive to National Racing

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting into motorsport, karting is the best place to start — and there’s no better venue to begin your journey than Teesside Motorsports.
Our facility is one of the largest and most versatile karting circuits in the UK, home to Arrive & Drive, Teesside Academy training, Club-level racing, and national endurance championships.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a driver looking to take the next step into competitive racing, we’ll guide you from your first laps to your first podium.

Step 1 – Try Karting with Arrive & Drive

Our Arrive & Drive sessions are where most drivers begin.
You don’t need any experience, equipment, or membership — just book online, turn up, and we’ll provide everything you need: helmet, suit, gloves, and a professionally maintained race kart.

Arrive & Drive gives you a real taste of karting at full speed on a proper race circuit.
Sessions run all year round for both adults and juniors, with different kart classes depending on age and experience.

Book your first Arrive & Drive session →

Step 2 – Learn the Skills with Teesside Academy

Once you’ve caught the racing bug, the next step is driver development.
Through the Teesside Academy, we provide structured coaching and training for drivers of all ages.

Our Academy sessions focus on:

  • Kart control, racing lines, and braking technique
  • Track awareness and overtaking skills
  • Race etiquette and safety standards
  • Preparation for club-level competition

These sessions are led by experienced instructors, many of whom race or coach at national level.
They’re perfect for building confidence, learning the fundamentals of race craft, and preparing to enter your first event.

Step 3 – Racing at Teesside

When you’re ready to race against others, you can join our Teesside Club Championship.
This series runs throughout the year and caters for a range of classes — from cadets and juniors to seniors and endurance teams.

We offer both:

  • Sprint racing – individual drivers competing in multiple heats and finals
  • Endurance racing – teams of two or more sharing a kart over longer race durations

The club series provides a fun, friendly environment where you’ll develop consistency, speed, and strategy — while racing wheel-to-wheel on one of the UK’s most famous karting circuits.

View the latest championship calendar →

Step 4 – Go National

As your skills progress, you can take your racing to the next level through our extensive connections within the karting world.
We have strong partnerships with MS Karts UK (Lucas Racing), the official UK importer of MS Karts, and work closely with MS Karting Team JDR, a front-running team in national-level competition.

This means that through Teesside Motorsports, you can access everything you need to go from club-level racing to the national grid — including:

  • Kart supply and technical support
  • Driver coaching and race management
  • Setup guidance and data analysis
  • Pathways to British championships and beyond

Our instructors and technical partners are committed to helping new drivers develop sustainably — ensuring every step up the ladder is supported by expert advice and the right equipment.

Step 5 – Join the Community

Karting at Teesside isn’t just about racing — it’s about belonging.
Our paddock is a welcoming, family-focused environment that encourages learning, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

From our Teesside Academy graduates to experienced club racers and visiting national teams, everyone shares the same passion for motorsport.
There’s no better place to start your journey.

Why Start at Teesside Motorsports?

  • One of the UK’s largest and most technical kart circuits
  • Home to British 24 Hour, Teesside Club Championship & Academy
  • Full track hire and private tuition available
  • Links to MS Karts UK, Lucas Racing & JDR
  • Dedicated staff with decades of combined motorsport experience
  • Open 7 days a week for karting, testing, and training

Start Your Karting Journey Today

Whether it’s your first lap or your next championship, Teesside Motorsports is here to help you every step of the way.
From Arrive & Drive and Academy training to Club and National racing, this is where racing journeys begin.

📲 Book your first session today or contact us to find out how we can help you race all the way to the top.

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Winter Series Championship – Entries Now Open

This winter the action doesn’t stop… it gets faster.

 
Join us across four rounds at Rowrah, Teesside, Three Sisters & GYG and fight for the Winter Series crown.
 
✅ Saturday practice sessions: 10.00-14.00
✅ Saturday qualifying
✅ Sunday warm-up, 2 heats & a final (B finals if needed)
✅ Friday testing available (book directly with circuits)
 
Classes: Bambino c50, MightE Bambino and Cadet, Cadet Honda 200, Inter Max, R200, Junior Rotax/X30, Senior Rotax/X30, Pro Karts, KZ.
 
📍 First round: Rowrah – 6–7 December
 
🎟 Don’t miss out – secure your spot today!
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New Timed Sessions – By Popular Demand!

We’ve been listening to our drivers, and we know how much you love to challenge yourselves on track. That’s why we’re excited to launch not one, but two brand-new timed arrive & drive options for adults only. These sessions are perfect if you’ve ever left the track wondering just how quick you really were.

What’s New?

30-Minute Timed Arrive & Drive

Back by popular demand, our classic 30-minute arrive & drive is now available with full electronic timing. Unlike our standard arrive & drive sessions, these specific timed sessions will record every lap you complete. At the end, you’ll be able to check your results online (and printouts are available on request). It’s not a race, but it is the perfect way to see how you stack up against the clock.

45-Minute Timed Arrive & Drive

Want even more track time? Our new 45-minute timed session gives you the chance to really get into your rhythm. With nearly an hour of track time, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to refine your racing line, push your limits, and see how consistent you can be. Like the 30-minute option, these sessions come with full timing, online results, and optional printouts.

Both sessions are adults only and designed for drivers who want to enjoy the thrill of karting with a little extra data-driven fun.

Not a Race – Just You vs The Clock

It’s important to note that these are not races. There are no grids, no trophies, and no pressure – just the freedom to drive, improve, and track your progress. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned regular, timed sessions are a great way to measure your own performance.

Special Offer for New Customers

If you’ve never visited us before, now is the perfect time to get on track. Book online and use code SUMMER2025 at checkout to receive a special new customer discount.

Don’t miss out – spaces for these new timed sessions will go fast!

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Setting Safety Standards: The NKA’s Evolution in UK Karting

The National Karting Association (NKA)

The National Karting Association (NKA) stands as the cornerstone of UK leisure karting, with Teesside Motorsports’ legacy deeply woven into its foundation. Our founder, Bob Pope, was instrumental in establishing the NKA, helping create the standards that would shape the UK’s leisure karting industry. Today, this pioneering spirit continues under the leadership of his daughter and current owner, Kathryn Franklin, who serves as Chair Person of the NKA.

With over 25 years of operational experience informing NKA guidelines, the organisation’s commitment to excellence goes beyond mere compliance. The NKA’s partnership with Horsham District Council as Primary Authority Partner ensures that karting tracks across England and Wales benefit from both general health and safety guidance and specialist advice.

Enhanced Medical Preparedness

Under Kathryn Franklin’s chairmanship, the NKA has launched significant medical safety initiatives across member circuits:

  • Updated first aid training requirements for all circuit staff
  • Mandatory AED (Automated External Defibrillator) installation at circuits
  • Standardised emergency response protocols
  • Regular staff competency assessments

Safety First

The dedication to safety reflects the NKA’s comprehensive framework:

  • Minimum of two qualified marshals with proper PPE when the track is active
  • Mandatory NKA online training for all circuit staff within 6 months
  • Integration with Atlas-hub for HSE and HR training
  • First aid qualified staff are always on duty
  • Track lighting exceeding the minimum 6 Lux requirement
  • Comprehensive signage system, including detailed track diagrams

Advanced Safety Testing

Physical safety remains paramount with:

  • Rigorous barrier testing programmes
  • Impact absorption analysis
  • Scientific approach to safety barrier development
  • Regular review and updating of safety standards

European Leadership

The NKA’s involvement in CEN (European Committee for Standardisation) demonstrates its commitment to international safety standards:

  • Active participation in developing European-wide karting regulations
  • Contribution to the kart manufacturing standards
  • Cross-border safety initiatives
  • Harmonisation of safety protocols across European circuits

Insurance and Protection

Member circuits maintain insurance coverage that exceeds NKA requirements:

  • Public liability insurance well above the recommended £5M
  • £10M employer’s liability coverage
  • Regular risk assessments and safety audits
  • Continuous staff development and training

Community Impact

The NKA’s leadership extends beyond track operations. Through initiatives like Teesside’s “Motivate: Race to Talk,” karting is being used as a platform for community engagement and mental health support, demonstrating how motorsport can drive positive social change.

Looking Forward

As a founding member circuit of the NKA, Teesside Motorsports continues to help shape industry standards. The experience and innovation contributed by both Bob Pope and Kathryn Franklin have been instrumental in developing guidelines that ensure leisure karting remains both exciting and safe for the approximately 18,000 drivers who visit typical circuits annually.

Through this ongoing commitment to excellence and safety, the NKA continues to demonstrate why it remains the cornerstone of UK leisure karting safety. The legacy established by Bob Pope lives on through Kathryn Franklin’s leadership, ensuring that both Teesside Motorsports and the NKA continue to evolve and enhance the sport for future generations.

The combination of historical expertise, current innovation, and future planning ensures that the NKA remains at the forefront of karting safety, setting benchmarks that others aspire to match. As the industry continues to evolve, the NKA’s role in shaping its future remains as crucial as ever.