Karting, an accessible and instructive mechanical sport, has evolved into a highly demanding discipline. Drivers are now trained athletes, and the teams are highly professional. However, the question remains: is it really worthwhile for a circuit to organise an international event, especially with the CIK-FIA’s recent changes aimed at exploring new countries and circuits, without increasing the number of events on its annual calendar?
Organisation: a major challenge
Hosting a karting competition is a real challenge. It requires meticulous preparation, in-depth knowledge of the sport and a solid team of volunteers. Passion is at the heart of this undertaking, but is it enough? Can we afford to neglect the financial aspect in a sport where the technical and organisational demands are so high?
Strict standards and necessary investment
Circuits have to comply with very strict standards to be approved by the CIK-FIA. This means substantial investment in infrastructure: upgrading the track, complete facilities including a timing tower, briefing room, premises for officials and the press, a welcoming paddock, catering areas, car parks, camping and sanitary facilities. But are these investments profitable in the long term?
Financing: a complex equation
The organising tracks and clubs receive financial compensation based on the number of competitors, but is this enough to cover all the costs? The main source of income comes from track fees collected during free practice and preliminary tests, as well as from preparatory events. However, in a sport that does not attract massive crowds, how can stable and sufficient funding be guaranteed?
Sustainability of investment
To recoup the heavy investment required, it is crucial to be able to host events over several years. Circuits that manage to appear regularly on the calendar of major international events have a clear advantage. But what about those that aren’t so lucky? Is it viable to depend on the uncertainty of annual sporting calendars?
CIK-FIA policy: the right direction?
The CIK-FIA’s current policy of promoting other countries and circuits perhaps complicates the situation somewhat. While this approach makes it possible to diversify competition venues and broaden the appeal of karting, it also introduces instability for organisers. The best tracks, even those offering excellent selectivity and a magnificent sporting spectacle, are not always at an advantage.
A delicate balance
The question remains: is it profitable to organise an international event? The answer is not simple. It depends on many factors, such as the availability of financial and human resources, the ability to attract recurring competitions, and the passion of the organisers. The current direction of the CIK-FIA presents both challenges and opportunities. Ultimately, organising a karting race requires a delicate balance between passion and financial pragmatism.
What are your thoughts on this?
Is the heavy investment in infrastructure really worth it? Is circuit rotation the right direction to take? What could be done to make karting more attractive and financially viable for clubs and organisers?
Info KARTCOM Sélection / Photo © KSP