University of Gloucestershire Karting Club social secretary Bradley Saunders admitted the team are looking to improve both on and off the track next year.
The club is aiming to expand beyond casual karting and establish a more structured, competitive presence.
“Competitive karting is being looked into next year, and that’s something that should go ahead,” said Saunders.
“That would definitely grow the karting society because people would see us competing in sports which would possibly generate interest.”
But it’s not just about racing. Saunders hopes to see a broader, more inclusive approach to club socials.
“At the moment, we kept it very local. But we do have people in Oxtalls who are interested,” he said.
“Hosting social events both in Cheltenham and Gloucester might do well for new members to step up and join.”
With potential visits to local racing simulators, trips to Birmingham’s F1 Arcade and Castle Combe open kart days, the club’s calendar for 2025 could be packed.
“We’re going to go to the Mini Plant in Oxford soon,” Saunders said.
“That could generate a lot of interest, especially for freshers.”
For Saunders, joining the Karting Club has been a defining part of university life.
“It’s really put my hand in university student life outside of academics,” he said.
“Being able to express our interests with other people who have the same interests and developing our social skills too.”
Why should a fresher join the Karting Club next year? “It’s fun. We host a lot of socials,” he said.
“When we do go karting, it is a lot of fun. It’s loud. It’s fast. We’re all comparing lap times. It gets really competitive. Everyone’s in the moment.”
In the long term, Saunders hopes the club could evolve into an important part of the sports on offer to students at the University of Gloucestershire.
“Once competitive karting goes on, we’re not just a society, but we can be a sports club as well.”
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