$100,00 loan approved for go-kart track

President Mark Dunbar said the club has worked hand-in-hand with council over the past two years to get a track built in the city.

“There always was a kart club in Bathurst, but it sort of dispersed because there wasn’t a track, but we've been together now for the part three years and we’ve been fundraising and have good membership,” he said.

McPhillamy Park, located at the top of Mount Panorama, will house the new track.

Council’s engineering department is in the final stages of the design process and, at 1100 metres in length, the track will meet international go-kart racing standards.

“There are bits and pieces of the track that are designed like Mount Panorama and we are hoping it will have the same effect on the drivers [as those who race at the Mount],” Mr Dunbar said.

In addition to the $100,000 loan from council, the Bathurst Kart Club will make a cash contribution of $50,000 towards the project.

Tenders will be sought when the design is complete.

“We’re hoping it will be operational towards the end of next year,” Mr Dunbar said.

He said groups, including Karting Australia, Karting NSW and other local clubs, have provided input on the project and want to see it happen as soon as possible.

“It will be an icon of motor sport and it will be new, so it will be well supported by the state and nationally,” Mr Dunbar said. “It will add to the betterment of motor sport in general.” 

The go-kart track will be used throughout the year by the local club, as well as opening it up to host competitions from outside of Bathurst.

Mr Dunbar said local kids will benefit greatly from having the track, which provides them the opportunity to advance their skills and learn road safety. 

The $100,000 loan was approved by council at the current interest rate plus 1 per cent, repayable over 20 years.