Mayor makes a pit stop to relaunch Team Karting

Mayor and Mayoress Ian and Christine Duckworth with Matty Street from Team Karting

The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Ian and Christine Duckworth, took pole position at the relaunch of Team Karting under the new management of professional karting ace Matty Street, on Thursday 9 November.

Staff, friends and the local community joined in the celebrations as Mayor Duckworth cut a giant bow to mark the official opening.

Mayor and Mayoress both enjoyed a spin around the track in Team Karting’s new karts - also launched on the same day.

Mayor Duckworth said: ‘We had a really good day.

“Team Karting is such a professional outfit and it is more than just a karting track, they are giving back to the community, especially working with people on the autistic spectrum and war veterans.

"I am really pleased and wish you well for the future.

"We have really enjoyed our day.”

Joining the Mayoral party were Tony Williams (Team Brit) and stunt driver Salvo Cachia along with the children and families from the TK Extra Team.

Nine-year-old Team Karting protégé Sandro Ballesteros, winner of the 2017 Autism Hero awards, for Outstanding Achievement in Sport also enjoyed the day. He believes Team Karting has ‘helped him just be himself’.

New owner Matty Street, 21, was diagnosed at the age of 12 with dyslexia, dyspraxia and Asperger’s syndrome. Today he enjoys reaching his greatest achievement to date, "a dream job with a dream team" and winner of the Leaders in Business at the 2017 Autism Hero awards in London.

He said: “It was a real honour to have the Mayor and Mayoress open Team Karting for a fresh new start to exciting times ahead. It was a great fun day and they really were good sports.”