The Grading System for Youngsters (aged 8 and over)

Although many pupils attend the school only once, some become regular visitors and complete our grading system shown below. Not only does the system improve confidence and skill levels, but it also prepares pupils for the ARKS test (mandatory for those who wish to obtain an MSA competition licence).

T1 Novice — aimed at youngsters without previous karting experience at Buckmore. Pupils are given a two-hour introductory lesson covering the basics of kart driving techniques. This includes a classroom briefing, timed circuit sessions on the 600m National Circuit and a final debrief. The instructor builds pupil confidence towards obtaining the basic skills required to become a successful kart driver. A target lap time is set and when achieved, the pupil graduates to T2.

T2 Intermediate — split into two target time levels (A and B). The pupil is taught how to improve their basic skills including use of the correct driving line, steering, braking distances and overall kart control. The two-hour lesson takes place on the 600m National Circuit and when both target lap times have been achieved, the pupil moves on to T3 grade.

T3 Advanced — also split into two target time levels (A and B). T3 pupils will be able to drive at nearly full race speed and should be developing some of the finer kart driving techniques. The two-hour T3 lesson on the 600m National Circuit concentrates on corner entry and exit speeds, aggressive braking and the perfection of driving lines.

T4 Graduation — suitable for competitors who have progressed through the previous grades, or for those who already hold a competition licence and wish to perfect their technique for that vital racing edge. The two-hour T4 lesson takes place on set dates during the August school holidays. The training is given on the 1200m International Circuit and concentrates on polishing the skills already acquired by the pupil.