Media Release: 20 Years Of Karting At Autosport International

London, UK – Friday 9 October, 2009; The Karting Show is set to return to the NEC in Birmingham, from 14-17 January 2010, joining the celebrations surrounding the 20th anniversary of Autosport International.

Karting has enjoyed a presence at Autosport International from the very beginning, recognising its importance as the foundation of the motorsport industry, and the 2010 show will be no different. Once again, organisers Haymarket Exhibitions will offer MSA licence holders under 16-years complimentary entry to the show, on the 16 or 17 January, making it easier for karters to officially mark the start of the 2010 motorsport season at the NEC. The Karting Show is a brilliant one-stop shop to find out all you need to get started in karting. Although a route to the higher echelons of the sport, karting is also a rewarding and budget friendly sport for racers of all ages. Whether you are looking to be the next British karting sensation or kart for fun, visitors can find championships, manufacturers and teams all under one roof. Expert advice and the best karting equipment will be on offer while the best of British karting talent is sure to be in attendance alongside the world’s motorsport elite. Located at the heart of Hall 6, the Karting Show 2010 will be situated adjacent to the F1 Racing feature and driver signing area. With associated key exhibitors close by, the Karting Show stands in good company surrounded by some of the most renowned brands in motorsport including Stand 21, OMP Racing and Demon Tweeks. The neighbouring National and Club Motorsport area will feature stands from the British Racing Sports Car Club (BRSCC) and 750 Motor Club, while the MSA Go Motorsport stand conveniently abuts the Karting Show to help newcomers interested in starting in the sport. Notable names in karting are already booked for the January showcase, including Formula Kart Stars, the British Superkart Association and NatSKA, to name a few. Motorsport World also returns as the official kart circuit operator for the fourth consecutive year. Running throughout all four days, visitors can get their winter motorsport fix or try their hand at karting for the first time for just £10 for 10 minutes of track time. Motorsport World, which runs the Rye House kart circuit, has recently completed extensive renovation works in record time to replace the Race Control tower at the Hertfordshire track. Kevin O’Malley explains why running the indoor kart circuit at Autosport International is just another part of the quality operation offered by Rye House. “It’s not an easy task to uproot part of our Rye House operation and transplant it into the NEC for four days - it’s a massive logistical challenge. But to see the popularity of the track and hundreds of people racing around on it every year is more than enough reward. That’s our aim – to attract more people into the sport. “It’s vital that karting has a presence at Autosport International - it helps to raise the profile of the sport. Being part of the Karting Show certainly helps us to raise awareness of the fantastic facilities we offer at Rye House while the kart track in Hall 4 offers a great opportunity for visitors to come and have a go at karting.” Companies exhibiting within the Karting Show at Autosport International will benefit from an unrivalled visitor demographic of over 79,000 people, including over 26,000 motorsport trade buyers generating $700m worth of motorsport business throughout all four days. The 2009 Autosport International Show stretched across one million square feet of the Birmingham venue, making it the largest motorsport exhibition in the world. Companies interested in becoming a part of the Karting Show can contact Kate Woodley at kate.woodley@haymarket.com or call 0208 267 8300 Autosport International and the Karting Show will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, 16-17 January 2010. Adult tickets start at £29 per day, with children’s tickets costing from £14.50. MSA licence holders under 16 qualify for a complimentary weekend day ticket, when accompanied by a paying adult, by booking in advance. To book visit www.autosport-international.com or call 0844 579 3188 quoting ‘Karting 216’. For further ticket information and to keep up-to-date with the latest Karting Show news and information visit www.thekartingshow.com -Ends- Notes to Editors Autosport International, held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, is open to the public on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 January 2010. Tickets are on sale now with adult tickets starting at £29 per day and children’s tickets costing from £14.50. To book please visit www.autosport-international.com or call 0844 579 3188. Media information is available from the Karting Show at Autosport International press office: Emma Spearing, Hazel PR Tel: +44 (0)1202 862411 Mobile: +44 (0)7736 341828 Email: emma.spearing@hazelpr.com

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