The Nutmeg Kart Club at the Berlin Lions “World of Wheels” WKA Master Track
Come see drivers both young and old from the Nutmeg Kart Club in Berlin Connecticut take to the newly enlarged World Karting Association 1/10th mile dirt oval master track. Come on out to see some exciting, fast paced, hard nosed, short track racing at its finest.
Berlin Fair 2022
Who is the Nutmeg Kart Club?
The Nutmeg Kart Club is a not for profit family oriented organization that roots stem back to its inception at Shelton Connecticut back in 1973. As things all change in our personal lives we too saw change as we held our very last race in Shelton in October of 2008. After 35 years we found ourselves in search of a new home.
The Berlin Lion’s Club came to our rescue when they offered us the use of their “World of Wheels” facility. We were so excited to have been given new life, and to be associated with such a strong well respected organization such as the Lions. There are no words to truly reflect how much this means to us, we will forever be indebted to the Berlin Lions.
Although the address for our track has changed our club is still the great club it has always been. 90% of our memberships are family memberships, some of which are 3 generations racing together, spending their Sunday’s bonding, growing, learning and yes…. Racing. What other sporting activity do you know of that has grandchildren playing with grandparents for almost 8 months out of the year? We are a family and community driven organization that gives back each year to the local community via a benefit two day racing event each July known as “The Summer Shootout”. We are proud to say that the Berlin Lions Club and Make a Wish Foundation have been the chosen benefactors.
What is kart racing?
The “go-kart” phenomenon began in the late 1950’s as a fun and affordable form of motor sports with informal parking lot events rapidly growing into organized competition on purpose-built tracks. Since then, the sport has spread around the world, forming a true “grassroots” of motor sports. While the “go” in the name has long since been dropped by those involved with the sport, karting (properly spelled with a “k”) has gone on to become a primary recreational activity for an estimated 100,000 plus Americans annually.
Karting can be a relatively inexpensive hobby or a legitimate and sophisticated training ground for those looking to move into other forms of professional motor sports. A majority of today’s drivers at the highest levels of racing trace their beginnings to competitive karting. They include Tony Stewart, Sam Hornish Jr, Sara Fisher and Danica Patrick, to name just a few. Many others have made karting a life long hobby and/or career.
What is a kart?
They have no suspension, are about 72″ long, 50″ wide, and weigh approximately 150 pounds minus the driver. Engines vary from1.5 to over 20 horsepower, depending upon the class. What is not a kart are the vehicles often sold in hardware and auto parts stores aptly called “yard karts”. They are fine for putting-about on the back yard, but are not designed for racing. Competitive karts are for tracks only, never to be run on the street or an unsafe area.
Organized events are available to individuals beginning at age 5. Formal competitive classes begin at the junior stage (age 8 ) and generally run in 3-year age groupings until “senior” status is reached (age 15). Around 65 percent of competitive event entrants are juniors.
Our club this year has karts that are driven in competitive races by drivers between the ages of Five and Sixty Six and are divided into 12 classes: Kid Kart, Junior 1 Rookie, Junior Sportsman 1, Junior Sportsman 2, Junior Sportsman 3, Junior Sportsman Champ, Animal Lite, Animal Heavy, Animal Over 35, Senior Clones and the Roaring Lion’s Senior Champ Clones. Other classes are added from time to time to accommodate as many racers as possible.
Mission Statement
“Provide a safe, family oriented, fair, consistent, fun, and affordable environment for the beginner, hobbyist, and future stars of Motor sports.”
Regardless of an aspiring driver’s age, experience or budget, there is a karting class for them. There is not a better way of introducing yourself to motor sports. It offers an excellent entry level for racing that is safe, economical, and fun. From the beginner to the experienced veteran, it is a sport that involves the entire family. It teaches the humble way to enjoy a victory and continued success, as well as, overcoming defeat and moving on to the next race. It is a great way to grow as a family, a person, and as a driver.
Our club is known for our family atmosphere and friendship. We extend an offer to everyone to come out and try what we all feel is the greatest family sport in the world. We’re more than happy to discuss this with you or even to let you take a few laps in one of our karts at the end of the day. Don’t just be a spectator, come on over and see what it’s like to be part of the great world of motor sports.
