Karting stars offered new route to racing by Rochdale motorsport boss

Kart to cars BMW

A new project has been launched in Rochdale to help young kart racers progress to the next stage of motorsport.

‘Karting to Cars’ has been set up by owner of Rochdale’s TeamKarting race track and karting brand ‘X-Kart’, Matty Street.

The project will see Matty and business partner James Austin offering grassroots, entry level racing and coaching for drivers looking to move from karts to cars.

More than 80,000 customers currently use the TeamKarting kart facility in Rochdale each year, with many starting their racing journey from as young as six years old. Now, those who want to take the next step in their racing career will have the support of Matty and his team, who are passionate about lowering the barriers for entry into car racing.

The project has also had support from sponsor Creation Signs based in Bacup, which has wrapped the new track car available for rookies to use. The firm, which designs, prints, builds and installs outdoor and indoor signs, has covered the BMW 116 car in impressive new TeamKarting/X-Kart branding.

Matty, who was diagnosed with asperger’s, dyslexia and dyspraxia as a child, drives for all-disabled Team BRIT, and raced the BMW in his 2019 rookie year.

Initially being offered to drivers on test and track days, the car is also fully prepped to race in the BMW 116 Trophy - a race series Matty and James plan to compete in as part of their calendar of motorsport.

Matty said: “This is a really important project in our overall aim to support young people and rookie drivers into competitive racing.

“Over the years, I’ve built up a number of businesses, aimed at developing grassroots motorsport. From TeamKarting, to the Cadet Kart Championship, I want to help others who share my passion for racing but who may also need support in getting involved.

“I’m proud to have helped 100s of young drivers progress from indoor karting to outdoor racing. This is the next step to help them on their way towards racing cars.”

Anyone interested in finding out how to get involved with Karting to Cars should visit www.Mattystreetracing.co.uk or email matty@teamkarting.co.uk.