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Inverness kart raceway on track for opening soon





Manager Michael Golding testing one of the karts
Manager Michael Golding testing one of the karts

IN the words of famous F1 commentator Murray Walker, it is now "Go! Go! Go!" for the city’s £1 million long-awaited karting venture.

Inverness Kart Raceway (IKR) now have a public entertainment licence for the venture at Fairways golf and leisure complex and the management are confident it will now be open before the end of the month.

It is the city’s first indoor karting centre, although there was an outdoor track beside Inverness Ice Rink back in the ’70s.

The venture will be run by the award-winning Day 1 charity in a custom-built building behind the Fairways carpet bowling centre.

Although an official opening date is yet to be confirmed, arrangements are well advanced with more than 300 metres of track laid by McGregor Construction.

Inverness Kart Raceway is a fully modernised, karting arena boasting the most up-to-date technology.

"The track and timing systems are state-of-the-art and we are preparing the way to give the next generation of Formula One drivers their chance to get on the starting-grid," said the management.

"With a fully indoors go-karting arena we can offer our facility in all weathers, at all times of the year and after dark too."

IKR is a not-for-profit venture but any cash made will be used to support Day 1’s work supporting disadvantaged youngsters aged 15 and 16 who will be paired up with mentors for a year.

Day 1 received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2014.

The raceway motto – Let’s Get Driven – was hailed as a boost for both locals and visitors looking for the thrill of motorsport in a safe environment.

It is envisaged that the raceway will prove a hit with money-spinning stag and hen parties and will be ideal for corporate entertainment and team-building.

Inverness provost Helen Carmichael said: "I think it will be a big attraction, especially among tourists. I am sure the business community will also use the kart track for events such as team building.

"It has also the added benefit of being a social enterprise to help young people."

Charity director Corrin Henderson said that they were driving ahead to be a five-star attraction right from the start.

He also hoped the venture could be used to give local young people who have difficulty finding employment, work experience and training. IKR would also give them an income stream that would offer financial stability.

Mr Henderson added they hoped that during quieter periods the cafe area could be used as a community venue linking community leaders, the police and fire service with young people.

About £1 million was raised by Day 1 to build the giant steel unit that houses the track and associated facilities.

A £350,000 grant came from Social Investment Scotland, as well as a £400,000 interest-bearing loan.

The local business community has also raised more than £10,000.


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