Saturday 11th October 2025
National BDC Layout + West Circuit
Rare Saturday event at Teesside – LIMITED spaces!
Book your spot online NOW:
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)
First round: Rowrah – 6–7 December
Don’t miss out – secure your spot today!
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.
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.
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!
Teesside, UK – British karting star Gracie Mitchell, already making waves in circuit and endurance racing, is set to undertake a landmark challenge at this year’s British 24‑Hour Kart Race at Teesside Autodrome. She aims to become the first female to complete the gruelling solo 24-hour kart stint, pushing herself in one kart for a full day—with no driver swaps.
The Event & Official Live Video –
The upcoming race marks one of the most prestigious endurance kart events in the UK, hosted at Teesside’s famously fast 2.1 km circuit (youtube.com, teessidemotorsports.co.uk). Tune in below to catch the thrilling start line action live:
British 24hr 2025 – Race Start – Live from Teesside (YouTube)
A full 24-hour livestream will run continuously—from green flag to chequered flag—on the official channel, with full coverage available shortly after.
In her social announcement, Gracie shared:
“Hey everyone — it’s Gracie Mitchell here! I’m taking on my biggest challenge yet… a solo 24‑hour karting world record attempt. Just me. One kart. 24 hours. No driver change.”
Such a solo endurance feat is extremely rare in competitive karting. If successful, Gracie will not only set a world record but also blaze a trail for women in motorsport endurance formats.
Why This Is Historic
Final Word:
Gracie Mitchell’s solo 24‑hour karting attempt at Teesside isn’t just about lap times—it’s a powerful statement in endurance sport and a celebration of women’s strength in motorsport. Don’t miss the unfolding drama as she chases history!
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:
Safety First
The dedication to safety reflects the NKA’s comprehensive framework:
Advanced Safety Testing
Physical safety remains paramount with:
European Leadership
The NKA’s involvement in CEN (European Committee for Standardisation) demonstrates its commitment to international safety standards:
Insurance and Protection
Member circuits maintain insurance coverage that exceeds NKA requirements:
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.
