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Kartsport Manawatu Newsletter Club Day – 1 February It was fantastic to see a strong turnout for our first Club Day of 2026. The influx of Briggs drivers really boosted the grids, and the Clubsport field delivered some hard-fought, close racing to kick the season off in style. Thank you to everyone who came along, raced hard, and helped make the day a success. Just a reminder to please register early so we can plan what we need in terms of stewards, food, medics etc. 🌟 February Driver of the Day – 2026 A big congratulations and thank you to Wayne! For consistently turning up to Club Days, keeping the young fellas honest on track, and being an all-round legendary volunteer — we appreciate you and everything you contribute to the club.  |
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With the NZKGP just a few weeks away, we’ve got a bit of work to do to get the club looking race-ready. We’d love your help at our Working Bee: Sunday 22 February 9:00am til done Please bring along brooms, shovels, blowers — and, of course, a great attitude! Many hands make light work, and it’s a great chance to catch up and pitch in for a big event on our calendar. Thanks in advance for your support — see you there! |
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2026 New Zealand Karting Grand Prix 6–8 March 2026 The HIGGINS CONCRETE New Zealand Karting Grand Prix is almost here, and we’re proud to be hosting it right here at Kartsport Manawatu. A huge thank you to the sponsors who have already come on board to support this prestigious event. If you or your business are interested in sponsoring the NZKGP, there is still a window of opportunity. Please contact: Volunteers Needed Major events (and even regular Club Days!) simply can’t happen without volunteers. We still need support in the following areas: Kitchen Help Outside/Event Support Even a few hours of your time makes a big difference. |
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Clubday Sunday 1 March 2026! CIK Format Please register early so we can cater to expected numbers. Register here: https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/500009 Race Day Timetable 7.30 am Gates Open 8.00am – 8.40am Scrutineering of X-Platers 8.00am – 8.40am Registration & Confirmation of Entries 8.45am Drivers Briefing No Engines are to be started before 9.00am Prize Giving & refreshments in Club House after racing finishes |
Volunteer Roles – Who Does What?Every Club Day and major event relies on a dedicated team working behind the scenes. Here’s a snapshot of some of the key roles that keep Kartsport Manawatu running smoothly. Convenor The Convenor is the vital link between the club and KartSport New Zealand. They ensure our track and facilities are presented in top condition and that all events are run in accordance with national regulations and safety standards. At present, Cameron is our sole Convenor. If you’re interested in learning more about the role or exploring the pathway to becoming qualified, please have a chat with him — we would love to build depth in this area. Kitchen Coordinator Maureen has done a wonderful job managing the kitchen over the years, and we’re incredibly grateful for her contribution. Currently, however, we still do not have a dedicated Kitchen Coordinator. A couple of our older teens have stepped up and are doing a great job helping regularly — but we still need adult oversight for:
If you’re organised and happy to help behind the scenes (especially with the NZKGP coming up), this is a practical and valuable way to support the club. Bar Support Emily has done a fantastic job as Bar Manager over the past few years. To ensure we remain compliant and covered under our bar licence, we need a couple of nominated individuals to support her. This allows:
Training and guidance will be provided — you won’t be thrown in the deep end. Race Control Gemma coordinates Race Control — a role that carries significant responsibility on both Club Days and major events. Her work includes:
It’s a critical role that keeps our events structured, fair, and compliant. If you’re interested in learning where you might fit in or how you can help around the club, please touch base with any of our current volunteers or flick us an email at: 📧 admin@kartsportmanawatu.org.nz Many hands make light work — and a strong volunteer base keeps our club thriving.
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ROTAX MAX CHALLENGE: It was great to see a number of Manawatu drivers head up to KartSport Rotorua for Round 1 of The NZ Rotax Max Challenge over Waitangi weekend before the weather hit!! Congratulations to Tommy on 1st place in Rotax Junior and Amelia on 3rd place in Rotax Lights. Rotax Micro MAX
Rotax Mini MAX
Rotax Junior
Rotax Light
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Committee – Looking Ahead to JuneJune will be here before we know it, so it’s time to start thinking about nominations for the Committee. Positions include:
All positions are open for nomination, with voting taking place at the AGM in June (tentatively aligned with the June Club Day). Please consider:
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Committee 1 July 2025 - 30 June 2026 President: Andy Pocock Ph. 0273287787 president@kartsportmanawatu.org.nz Vice-President: Cameron Jack Treasurer: Steve Carey Secretary/Admin: Kate Elms Ph. 02102870528 admin@kartsportmanawatu.org.nz Club Captain: Scott Dalley General Committee: Richard Holmes, Tim Allen, Dat Lieu & Andy Hoare. Other designated positions: Have-a-go Co-ordinator: haveago@kartsportmanawatu.org.nz Bar Manager: Emily Gale Kitchen Manager: VACANT Membership & Track Access Officer: Sheridan O'Hara membership@kartsportmanawatu.org.nz |
CALENDAR: Sunday 22 Feb WORKING BEE Sunday 1st March CLUB DAY CIK format Monday 2nd March to Friday 6th March CLOSED- Event Prep Friday 6th to Sunday 8th March NZ Karting Grand Prix Sunday 12th April CLUB DAY Sunday 10th May CLUB DAY Sunday 14th June CLUB DAY + AGM (tbc) Sunday 12th July CLUB DAY Sunday 16th August CLUB DAY Sunday 13th September CLUB DAY Sunday 4th October CLUB DAY Sunday 1st November CLUB DAY Sat 7th to Sun 8th November WPKA Goldstar Round 4 Sunday 6th December CLUB DAY |
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Contacting the Club - The preferred method of contact for contacting the club is via email through our main email admin@kartsportmanawatu.org.nz that way your message or query can be directed appropriately. President: Andy 0273287787 |