The burgeoning Historic Karting scene will witness perhaps the most significant event of its kind anywhere in the world next May when kart racers from across the globe meet at Donington Park to compete for the inaugural Martin Hines Trophy at the Donington Historic Festival.
The event, open to Class I Direct Drive and Class IV Gearbox karts built between 1959 and 1982 that are powered by air-cooled engines, will see drivers from all over the world descend upon the famous Melbourne Loop section of the former Grand Prix venue.
Already being seen by many as the closest thing to a world title in Historic Karting circles, Hines’ family have supported the decision to name the event after the man known worldwide as ‘Mr Karting,’ who passed away in 2011.
More than 200 karts are expected to race competitively with entries already confirmed from Italy, Germany, The Netherlands and the United States and interested parties from as far afield as Australia.
Among the list of drivers requesting entry forms are 1978 World Karting Champion Lake Speed, 1967 World Champion Edgardo Rossi, motor-racing celebrity and British Historic Kart Club patron Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams, Dodo Regazzoni (the late Clay Regazzoni’s brother), Lake Speed Jr, former European champion Reg Gange Jr and Hines’ former Zip Kart teammate Carolynn Hoy (nee Grant-Sale) who will drive one of Hines’ Zip/Yamahas in the 250cc Gearbox class.
Leading proceedings away from the circuit, former world champion Terry Fullerton will be in attendance as will the kart that Fullerton’s old teammate Ayrton Senna used to finish second in the 1979 world championship. Track demonstrations, trade stalls, static displays, on-stage interviews and much of Hines’ memorabilia will further enhance an event designed to capture the atmosphere and nostalgia of a bygone era.
www.britishhistorickartclub.com
Read press release below.
Info British Historic Kart Club