In the UK, children can begin to compete in motorsports from the age of six years old – more than 10 years before they can drive on public roads – and it brings many benefits.
For some parents, the idea of letting their little one loose behind the wheel of a functioning vehicle is too much to comprehend. However, organised motorsport provides youngsters with a safe environment to gain driving experience that can help them later in life.
Children learn how to control a moving vehicle as they are taught basic car control skills, instilling confidence in them behind the wheel. This understanding and experience, that they otherwise wouldn’t get until they are old enough to apply for a provisional licence and begin driving lessons, is invaluable.
Discipline
As anyone who has ever competed in motorsport at any level will tell you, there are a lot of rules and signals to be aware of. Drivers must be aware and adhere to track rules and signals from track marshalls and failure to do so will result in consequences.
Drivers that do not follow rules will be punished in terms of penalties, such as a loss of points and/or additional time added. This directly affects the driver’s performance, inhibiting their ability to win and win trophies, which is what every driver wants to do. This quickly sees drivers fall in line, making sure to follow the rules of the track and the organising body holding the event.
This instils discipline into the child that they take outside of motorsport, teaching them to respect authority. They understand that if they fail to follow rules then there will be consequences to their actions.
Personal Investment
There is no place to hide when it comes to competing in motorsport. If you do not apply yourself, you are going to get left behind…literally. Practice makes perfect and those that aren’t willing to dedicate time and effort to hone their craft won’t reap the rewards.
The desire to be competitive is a natural one and anyone competing in motorsport, regardless of age, wants to win. With times and track positions there for all to see, children quickly learn the value of investing in themselves to better themselves to compete.
This teaches another valuable life lesson away from the track, with kids learning the importance of practising and dedicating themselves. As children go through education, the lessons learned on the track can be transferred to ensure they apply themselves to their studies to achieve the best grades possible.
Awareness
Children competing in motorsport at any level will learn to be aware of their surroundings very quickly. As well as what is happening around them on the track, they must also make sure to be aware of features inside the vehicle such as the brakes, clutch, monitors, and steering wheel all at once.
The need to stay aware to stay in control of the vehicle improves multitasking and coordination skills. When it comes to learning to drive and passing their test, it should all come more naturally to them than it would without the experience of participating in motorsport.
Mechanical Understanding
Racers want to get as much performance out of their vehicle as possible, so having good knowledge of what goes on underneath the bonnet is advantageous. While teams have mechanics dedicated to ensuring the vehicle is working as it should be, it is the driver that provides feedback as to the feel and performance of the vehicle, therefore playing a pivotal role in the setup.
Drivers develop an understanding of the inner workings and how to change and fix parts of a vehicle. Being around this from an early age means that children, by the time they come to owning and driving a vehicle, will have a solid knowledge of mechanical elements. This will prove valuable in adult life, whether or not they wish to pursue a career in mechanics.
Karting
For most, karting is the introduction to the world of motor racing with Formula One world champions, including Lewis Hamilton, having cut their teeth in a kart. The Bambino karting class provides six to eight-year-olds with an opportunity to drive in light carts suitable to the size of the child behind the wheel, powered by a 50cc engine.
Often seen as being an activity exclusive to a more affluent demographic, karting can be an affordable route into motorsport that won’t break the bank. At karting centres, participants can hire karts and equipment (helmet and racing suits) without the need to invest in their own, which can come at considerable expense.
While parents’ concerns are understandable, given the chance you will soon see that motorsport provides many benefits to children in a safe and controlled environment, allowing them to flourish.
