The MSA has announced that George Robinson will be heading a review of the structure of UK karting focusing on

1. The MSA’s governance and regulation of karting, to create a more timely and efficient system of governance for the sport.
2. The structure and quantity of karting championships and defined classes, with a view to introducing a clear structure of progression from entry at club level through to CIK.
3. The cost of karting at entry level and proposals to reduce the cost of competition in order to bring more people into the sport.

George Robinson had this to say on his appointment –

“It is a fairly sweeping statement to talk about the restructure of karting, but it’s vital for the future health and well-being of the sport,” he confirms. “I am delighted that the MSA has asked me to lead this project, but it will not be a solo task. I will draw on the valuable knowledge and intellect of many people in the sport and I very much hope that they will support me in this important role.

“Because I’m still involved in karting, I am in touch with the people on the ground and I think that this is important. There are obviously a lot of vested interests at play – at first glance I estimated that something like 60 people currently have a say in the running of the sport – so we need to cut through personal interest and take a view on what’s best for karting as a sport and as a leisure pursuit. It’s not going to be easy, but if we do this properly I am sure we will receive the support to make a major impact on the future of the sport.”

George will have his work cut out to remain impartial considering his well publicised support of the Rotax MAX classes in the UK in his monthly ‘The MAX’ Column for Karting Magazine and here on the JaG website –

Yes, the new TaG engines have arrived but it is clear that these new units are destined for the elite and not the masses. The Rotax still ticks all the boxes and at a well controlled price. So many people talk about karting or motorsport as a whole being in crisis but this is just not true of the Rotax distributors in Europe and probably, for all I know, the world. The product continues to sell in significant numbers, the warranty scheme was a first in motor racing circles and a marketing masterstroke. Where else can you race for the thick end of a season knowing that your engine is effectively insured against mechanical defect? Although the warranty is of course conditional, it is nonetheless very effective in giving the end user peace of mind should there be any serious mechanical defect within the first six months of ownership. The only major exclusion to the scheme is piston seizure caused by operator error. – George Robinson The MAX Column

Related posts:

1. MSA Launch ‘Come Try Karting’
2. The MSA Announce FREE First Kart Licence for Under 16’s, and New Kart Development Programme!
3. Win a Rotax MAX FR125 Engine at KartMania 2011
4. New Airbox for Rotax MAX
5. Michael Simpson is Putting Karting ‘On Hold’ After Winning Rotax MAX S1