As the MI Karting season draws to a close, it leaves us questioning whether this is truly the end of just the season. Recently, I shared the disappointing news regarding the fuel testing case, where two drivers were unjustly penalized. As I write this on Wednesday, September 25th, just over a week before the final MI round, I’ll hold back on the specifics for now. Given the circumstances, I wouldn't be surprised if I faced backlash for speaking out. However, word has likely spread, and those in the know understand just how significant this blunder is—yet another unfortunate misstep in a long line of issues. Don't worry for those who don't know I will do a podcast on it after the finale. So, where do we go from here?
It seems that Motorsport Ireland is beginning to realize the depth of our challenges. Perhaps my consistent negativity, along with the voices of many parents, team owners and drivers, has finally resonated. Regardless of the catalyst, it’s clear that attention is being paid, especially as we’ve witnessed a concerning drop in entry numbers. Honestly, the Tillotson T4 series has kept MI Kart events afloat. Without those strong entries, our championship might not have survived.
Where Do We Start?
The first step towards revitalizing our national championship is to find a club with the passion and dedication to run a successful series. We need fresh faces in the paddock, but it’s crucial that we allow them the time to adapt and grow. After establishing a new team, the next step is to gather key stakeholders from Irish karting—team owners, track owners, representatives from Rotax and IAME, and members from other clubs like TKC and UKC. It’s time to rebuild relationships that have been strained; the damage done is significant, and it’s essential to start from scratch.
Looking ahead to 2025, I believe we should aim for a more robust calendar, even adding an additional round for starters. Reintroducing more tracks, such as Watergrasshill, along with clearer regulations and a better overall attitude between the club and the paddock, would make a substantial difference. A stronger relationship between organizers, teams, drivers, and parents could alleviate many issues currently present in the paddock.
The Importance of Our Talent
If our drivers were merely average, perhaps these problems wouldn’t matter as much. Fortunately, we are fortunate to have exceptional talent at every level of competition. Many of our drivers have successfully competed at the highest levels in Europe, and we have numerous emerging talents who could continue this legacy. Yet, without a solid foundation, we risk letting them down. We should be proudly showcasing our capabilities on the international stage, but instead, we find ourselves disheartened by the state of our national championship.
As for the final round, who knows what it will bring? It could very well be the last for the Munster Kart Club. For some, that might be a welcome change. If the current trajectory continues into 2025, this may also be my last involvement, as my continues negativity towards the club may see me booted from the paddock if they can do that.
Let’s hope for a brighter future in Irish karting—one where we can take pride in our championships and the talent we nurture.
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