Little karts, big biz for us

Arthur Gorrie | 3rd July 2009

THERE'S not a lot of room at the inn right now and even the mangers are likely to be booked out by the weekend, as Gympie and surrounds enjoy the financial benefits of nationwide kart-mania.

However you spell the word, “karts” (also known as “go karts”, or “go carts”) spell big business for Gympie already, with drivers and support crews numbering more than 1000 on most estimates - not counting people from all over Australia who routinely follow the sport and its major meetings.

All those people need accommodation, meals, entertainment and are probably also in the market for a look around the region before heading back home next week.

Cooloola Coast Kart Club is hosting this year's Southern Cross Motorsports Queensland Open State Championships.

With official practice yesterday, the qualifying events, including eliminations, begin today, with a pre-final event tomorrow and finals on Sunday.

And the action was already intense at the Gympie kart track, in Runge Road, yesterday.

Kart Club secretary Kym Coomber said the fact that it is a State championships has not prevented the energetic competition from karting enthusiasts from all over Australia.

And the fact that it is an individual sport does not prevent it being a major social event, especially for young people, she says.

With 385 entries and each competitor accompanied by family and supporters, the club believes the event has attracted well over 1000 people already, not counting local spectators.