Patrick Jukes has been running
Kart Circuits for longer than just about anyone else in the Country. We put him on the spot and asked him to reply to the two questions most
commonly posed by his customers.
Q. With F1 being such a procession lately, do you feel that it has an adverse effect on the future of Karting/Motorsport?
A. OK, F1 has been a bit boring over the last few years. It's been publicised, televised and oversized; but the racing has proved such an
anti-climax to the preamble and hype.However, I don't think this has dampened the enthusiasm of today's children, who expect a barrage of
razzmatazz and glitter, even if it's just to sell a chocolate bar. For good or bad, presentation is more important than content to many
youngsters, and we're certainly experiencing a surge, rather than a fall-off, in interest from young people. In the final analysis the need
for speed and excitement is as enduring as 'boy meets girl'.
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  Patrick (right) with F1 driver Jenson Button
Q. Do you
regret selling your indoor circuit three years ago?
A. I think one always regrets saying goodbye to things that you have had a relationship with for 12 years but, commercially, I think we knew
that the trend was towards outdoor karting. It was always difficult to pass on a tight and slippery indoor circuit, and without run-off, it's
just not safe for high speed racing. Outdoors, fantastic. Fresh air, wider and faster by a mile; and when you're not racing you're basking in
the sunshine or watching from a heated hospitality area! |
