Boys (and Girls) Like Cars

Three racers charge down the straight, mere inches separating one vehicle from the other. Engines roar, tires squeal, and all three drivers negotiate a turn in perfect unison, the leader not giving up even a centimeter. Elsewhere on the track, a spinout brings out a yellow flag and marshals rush to assist. This is not NASCAR, nor even a SCCA race at Summit Point. Rather, its 7-10 year old kids driving 5.5 horsepower karts at Allsports Grand Prix — an indoor karting facility located in Dulles, VA.

Allsports Grand Prix is owned by Francois Duret, an international racer whose experience includes the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. Duret has fashioned a racing experience so intense, and so close to real auto racing, that his clientele is dominated by adult racing enthusiasts. But, his heart is with the kids. Proudly watching a recent "Kids League" session, Duret gestured toward youngsters hurtling around the track and said that if he could, "this is all we would do." As the race concluded, Duret rushed to one struggling driver to offer advice. "Turn your head and look where you want to go" he says gently. "I want to see your head turned, not just your eyes."

Allsports is not a bumper car nor a carnival go-kart track. The karts are modified racing karts that are extremely responsive. Drivers wear helmets, race suits, and gloves. Kids must be at least 48 inches tall (which allows them to reach the karts' pedals) and pass a two-day instruction and safety course. After passing the course, they are eligible to participate in the Kids League or even race with adults in one of Allsports' "Arrive and Drive" sessions.

Under Duret's direction, the kids learn more than just driving skills. He teaches sportsmanship and works in real life lessons as well. Bumping another kart will bring out a black flag and send the offender to the "penalty box" as punishment. But Duret offers an alternative. "If you bump another kart and gain a position, raise your hand and allow the other kart to pass," he says. "If you acknowledge your mistake and make amends for it, you won't be punished." Duret stresses that the same is often true in real life.

It is impossible to watch the kids racing around the track and not be impressed with what they are able to do. Observers must constantly remind themselves that these are children — albeit children who regularly humble adults (while generally driving less powerful karts than the adults). The fastest time posted in February was by 12-year-old Grant Cain. His competition included participants in the BMW Car Club of America's karting league, many of whom have auto racing experience.

Karting is not just for boys, either. Charlotte Allen recently wrote in the Washington Post that "Women really are worse drivers than men", but she obviously hasn't spent time at Allsports. Several girls complete in the Kids League and regularly destroy the stereotype perpetuated by Allen. It is not uncommon to see one of the female drivers among those battling for the lead.

The kids are learning driving skills that will serve them well in the future. It has long been understood that karting is the ideal preparation for auto racing, but the lessons will also transfer to the street when these youngsters are old enough to obtain drivers licenses. With youth driving tragedies all too common, karting experience may well help keep these kids safe behind the wheel. Allsports has a constant focus on safety. The kids learn just how easily carelessness can result in a crash. They learn not only to control their vehicles, but to control themselves.

In addition to the competition, the life lessons, and the skills learned, Duret never lets the young racers forget that karting should be fun. And, fun it is. A race isn't over more than a few minutes before the excitement for the next week's race begins. More than one parent has been resigned to early morning wake-ups by a young racer who can't wait to head to the track (never mind that it won't open for several hours). My own son recently bragged that he participates in karate, gymnastics, soccer, and karting. Asked which he likes best, he immediately answered "karting!" Then, with hardly a pause asked, "Can we go to the track on Saturday?"