British Indoor Karting Championship unveiled

Endorsed by Motorsport UK and open to all, TeamSport's national championship is the first of its kind

You know what they say: you wait for any opportunity to get into grassroots motorsport and then two come along at once. That's certainly the case today, as hot on the heels of Caterham's announcement that budding racers can now finance entry into its Academy championship, TeamSport has unveiled an exciting sporting prospect of its own.

The indoor karting firm has partnered with Motorsport UK to create a brand-new series for 2020, dubbed the British Indoor Karting Championship (BIKC). Doing exactly what it says on the tin, the BIKC is open to entrants from eight years of age upwards and has been devised to "recognise the level of skill and technique that exists within the indoor karting community."

Unbelievably, the series is apparently the UK's first nationally recognised indoor karting competition and, as such, is set to garner a fair amount of attention during its debut season. Anyone can put themselves forward to enter, though unlike the Caterham Academy, competitors will have to qualify by registering a fastest lap that beats the benchmarks set at any of TeamSport's 35 tracks nationwide. Those who do so will also qualify for the new K-I race licence from Motorsport UK.

Beyond that, it's claimed that the BIKC "has potential to open the door to future opportunities in racing" with the winner being crowned the inaugural British Indoor Karting Champion in their class. With separate categories for Cadet (8 - 11 years), Junior (12 - 15 years) and Teen (16-17 years) and then four adult divisions based on driver weight, Featherweight (up to 70kg), Lightweight (71kg - 79kg), Heavyweight (80kg - 94kg) and Super Heavyweight (95kg+) there are certainly plenty of chances for glory.

Dominic Gaynor, TeamSport CEO said of the new championship: "All of us here at TeamSport are thrilled to announce the launch of the British Indoor Karting Championship (BIKC). We see many talented and skilled drivers take to our tracks every year, and thanks to TeamSport's partnership with Motorsport UK, there will now be a National and recognised title for which they can compete."

Local track finals are scheduled for June, with eligible drivers progressing to regional finals in September and October, and the whole thing culminating in the BIKC Grand Final in November. If your New Year's resolution centred around getting into motorsport, it appears there will be no excuses in 2020 for not keeping it.