Club keeps karting in the family

Dakota Johnson and her father Shane Doctor.

Claudia Baxter

MOST fathers could think of nothing worse than watching their child tear around a race track on a 220cc dirt kart.

But for Shane Doctor and daughter Dakota Johnson, the scent of victory this Father's Day is deliciously within reach.

Mr Doctor and Dakota are members of the Ipswich City Dirt Kart Club, and will participate in the second round of the Ian Boettcher Sprint Series at Willowbank Raceway on Sunday.

Club president Terry Smith said, from August to November, thrill seekers across 10 groups would race to gain points.

“Individuals in each group add to their points at each race meet until the grand finale in December,” Mr Smith said.

“At the final race meet for the year, all the sponsors of each group will participate in fun races before a presentation of the trophies to the winners.

“There will also be a Champion of Champions, sponsored by Ian Boettcher, with a huge trophy as the prize.”

Young Dakota's interest in the sport represents a growing trend in Ipswich of young families joining the daredevil sport.

Mr Smith said 80 per cent of recently joined members were young families.

He said they were attracted by the low costs associated with the sport.

“It's the cheapest motorsport you can get,” he said.

“You can get into sport for an initial outlay of $2000 and only spend $500 a year.

“People think go karts are slow but they're much faster than you think.

“It is a much better type of racing than a bitumen track.

“We're a hugely family-orientated club.

“In the kids group we have about 25 participating on Sunday,” he said.

“It is as safe as any racing sport, but kids must wear a neck brace and juniors are limited to the power of the motor less than 220cc.”

The 10 groups in the competition include three kids groups of ages up to 16, five adults and one women's group.