Budding Lewis Hamiltons get their chance . . . at age five!

 Youngsters who aspire to become the next Lewis Hamilton can now start to live that dream from as young as five years old, following the introduction of Kidz Karting at Bushy Park Barbados. The latest addition to the St Philip facility's range of Driving Experiences brings the lower limit for participation down from 12 years of age, opening up new opportunities for kids . . . and their families.

 

  Three-time Formula 1 Champion Hamilton's latest triumph came last Sunday (July 10), when he steered his Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 W07 to victory in the British GP, equalling fellow British World Champion Nigel Mansell's four wins in their home event. The race had started under the Safety Car in tricky damp conditions, similar to those in which he had raced against local youngsters in the Kart Handicap during the Barbados Festival of Speed at Bushy Park just two months earlier.

 

  During his whirlwind visit to the island in early May, Hamilton was keen to inspire the young members of the Barbados Karting Association (BKA) to greater heights, but was at pains to emphasise how important it is to balance sport and education. During the Saturday evening Dinner with Lewis, looking back on his own early career in karts, he told the youngsters: "You must listen to your parents. Naturally, you don't want to listen to them, but my advice is that you do. Without my dad I would not be here."

 

  The Biz Evo Junior karts, which are driven in the Kidz Karting progamme, are mechanically governed to a maximum of 20mph and can be remotely shut off; drivers must be five to 12 years old and a minimum of 4ft 2ins (1.27m) tall. The experienced Bushy Park Circuit Inc (BPCI) staff provide a detailed step-by-step safety demonstration and briefing before the youngsters speed off on to the track, so Kidz Karting offers maximum fun and minimum risk.

 

  Parents are welcome to join their kids on the track for a group session, a family fun day or even an unforgettable birthday. Prices start at Bds $35 for Caricom Nationals, with a 10 per cent discount for groups of 10, while packages are also available for visitors to the island. For further details, call 256-0114 or e-mail experiences@bushyparkbarbados.com