by Kim Hale
-KARNAC.com/FLMS Magazine

Walking into the pits, our (Rebecca and I) senses were overwhelmed with smells of polish sausage, and fuel from the go-karts that filled the pit area at East Bay Raceway Park. Racers from the age of 5 to adults walked by and the go-karts, well let's put it this way, times have brought many changes to go-kart racing. Young kids are getting behind the wheel of these machines. Most 5 years olds are in kindergarten and are worried about learning their ABC’s and 123’s.

Austin(L)and Kyle Clark(R), brothers racing together at East Bay's kart track.

These young drivers at East Bay are as dedicated as any driver out on any circuit. Austin Clark, driver of the #66 in the Rookie Class, is just 9 years old. His brother, Kyle, #67 is even younger, 7 years old. It is both of these drivers first year on the track. Racing is in the blood of the Clark brothers. Their grandfather, Ricky Lane, has been racing at East Bay since the park opened its’ doors in 1977. Ricky is currently racing Limited Late Models at the dirt track. Ricky is trying to teach his grandsons about responsibility. "Clean and take care of your kart first, than go play with your friends." That's his rule.

Both Austin and Kyle looked very comfortable behind the wheel of their go-karts. Austin finished 1st in his heat class and 2nd in the feature, and his younger brother followed right behind him at 3rd. Austin and Kyle were proud to show off their go-karts. They each stood next to them, heads up tall, while our cameras snapped a few photos of the boys. Their mom and dad were both right next to them, helping getting their sons karts ready for the race. Friends surround the boys with positive energy.


Rebecca George leading her feature.

Racing is a family event. That's obvious by the George familys' racing team out of Venice, FL. Daughters, Suzanne and Rebecca race go-karts on Friday nights, while "Big Tim" jumps into his sprint car on Saturday nights. Wife and mother, Robin is a major support and main player in crewing. You'll find Robin in the pits working on the karts, or on Tim's sprint car, cheering as they race, or organizing their agendas. Whatever task is handed her way, Robin tackles it with ease. Rebecca George has no fear on the track and if I were a talent scout for NASCAR, I would have an eye on this young lady. It is unlike any other sport out there for kids to join. During team sports, parents are sitting in the stands cheering for their kids. Some parents get involved with helping them practice and learn. While some kids are left in the hands of coaches and parents are not involved with actually helping their kids develop their potential talent. In racing, the family is the center of the team. Every family member has a role and is important to the sport. The friends and family make up the crew members for these young drivers.

In the Purple Class, or Sportsman 1, you will see a blue #2 go-kart driven by 11-year-old Kyre Mullaney. He is in his 3rd year of racing and says his favorite part about it is “the racing part.” He started racing because his dad and him were looking for something to do on Saturday nights. After some searching, Mr. Mullaney stumbled upon go-karts. Mr. Mullaney did his homework and researched on the Internet about the sport. Mr. Mullaney and Kyre both feel in love with the go-kart sport.

Kyre Mullaney, racer in the Purple class, fan of Dale Jr.

For Mr. Mullaney it gives him a chance to spend “quality time with his 11-year-old son.” Kyre’s go-kart is partially sponsored by the US Air Force, where Mr. Mullaney proudly serves his country. He enjoys this time with his son. He says there is “not much else [you can have] in common with an 11 year old.” The two spend about 10 or more hours a week working on the kart. 5 of those hours are spent on Sundays cleaning the vehicle. For the pair, it is an all week process. “Friday and Saturday it is a sport. And Sunday through Thursday it is a hobby.” For parents and kids who want to spend quality time with each other, racing is a wonderful way to be involved in one another’s life. “[It is] expensive, but the memories last forever,” according to Mr. Mullaney.

To watch parents be so involved in their children’s life if amazing. Children should have the opportunity to be close to their parents. Racing gives families the closeness that every day life cannot. Kids are learning at a young age what it takes to be competitive and responsible.

Rebecca and I talked all the way back about how fun it was to watch these little machines whiz around the track, how organized the night was and how many changes have taken place in the kart world over the past years. This sport isn't just a backyard past time anymore, it's serious racing to those who have passed out of the rookie class.


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