KARTING
quite possible America's greatest sporting export
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Kart Number 1
Kart Number 1
The kart that started it all, the brain child of Art Ingels and the start of the greatest sport on earth.
For many years this kart was owned by Karting Magazine, it is now believed to be in Holland.
Father of british karting
Mickey Flynn: Photo from Karting News & Record: April 1960.
Master Sergeant John William "Mickey" Flynn of the U.S. Air Force.
"While stationed at the Burtonwood base in Lancashire, he spotted a
Go-Kart ad in a magazine from the States.
In almost record time five karts arrived at the Flynn home - bulk purchase meant a cut in cost (typical of Flynn - the business man) - and under the floodlights in the huge flight area in front of the Burtonwood hangars, the karting craze began."
Karting News & Record: April 1960
Jim yamane: kartings first world champion
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Graham Hill wins first ever "offical" British
kart race at raf lakenheath 1959
Photo Courtesy: Karting Magazine
The First Race
The first official kart race to be held in the United Kingdom took place on the airfield at RAF Lakenheath way back in November 1959.
Dick Tarrant lead the race right up to the last corner of the last lap, Dick drifted wide and Graham Hill was through to take the win.
Resent attempts to re-write the history of kart racing in the uk rised concerns amungst a few of the more knowledgable members of the British Historic Movement; I spoke to Dick two years ago, Dick, best discribed as a "Gentleman Racer" told RHKC "As far I am concerned it was a RACE and I still has my trophy" Dick's mount for that race was a Keele Mk1/Villiers while Graham Hill drove a Progress Grand Prix/Villiers.
Below: The Lord Taverners Charity Kart Race, September 1960. Graham Hill sat astride a Class IV Trokart/Villiers 9E (Export Model)while fellow F1 driver Innes Ireland dons his race overalls, other F1 stars who took part in this event were Dan Gurney, Jack Brabham and Bruce McLaren; the event was won by Jack Brabham.
Note: Gear Lever just above Graham's left ankle, the spaced rear wheels and the Herbert Johnson crash helmet.
The first official kart race to be held in the United Kingdom took place on the airfield at RAF Lakenheath way back in November 1959.
Dick Tarrant lead the race right up to the last corner of the last lap, Dick drifted wide and Graham Hill was through to take the win.
Resent attempts to re-write the history of kart racing in the uk rised concerns amungst a few of the more knowledgable members of the British Historic Movement; I spoke to Dick two years ago, Dick, best discribed as a "Gentleman Racer" told RHKC "As far I am concerned it was a RACE and I still has my trophy" Dick's mount for that race was a Keele Mk1/Villiers while Graham Hill drove a Progress Grand Prix/Villiers.
Below: The Lord Taverners Charity Kart Race, September 1960. Graham Hill sat astride a Class IV Trokart/Villiers 9E (Export Model)while fellow F1 driver Innes Ireland dons his race overalls, other F1 stars who took part in this event were Dan Gurney, Jack Brabham and Bruce McLaren; the event was won by Jack Brabham.
Note: Gear Lever just above Graham's left ankle, the spaced rear wheels and the Herbert Johnson crash helmet.
The Sport of Kings
King Hussein of Jorden at the wheel of his prized Keele Mk1 in 1960.
The King was a racing driver and keen karter; it is believed that this kart is in his palace museum.
The King was a racing driver and keen karter; it is believed that this kart is in his palace museum.
Karting News & Record: October 1960
King Juan Carlos of Spain
Prince Charles and princess anne
Prince Charles and Princess Ann, saddle up a couple of Trokart's.
Pictures Courtesy: Stuart Leighton
Please help us preserve the history of karting by sending your old photos, films and memorabilia, once a film/video or photographic collection has been converted and added to the site it will be returned complete with a CD/DVD.
I have added names in no particular order and left a lot of room for your suggestions, so get on the FORUM and make a few.