This year Bristol University is competing in the British University Karting Championship (BUKC). There are 35 teams competing from around 30 universities all over the country.

The championship is run by Club 100 and is run over 5 rounds throughout the Spring term. The karts are 2-stroke 100cc TKMs developing around 18hp. Performance is way beyond anything you'll find indoors - they'll do 0-60mph in around 5 seconds and will top out at around 75mph depending on gearing. They're also lighter than indoor karts so are extremely responsive and great to drive. However, they are direct drive so no clutch. If you spin, you stall…

The first 3 races are 2-hour endurances for teams of four. The last 2 rounds will involve a 30-minute heat with a compulsory fuel stop for each of the 4 drivers. These TITS races (Team Individual Type Sprints) are a new format and should provide some interesting and very exciting racing.

Bristol is farly new to the championship so we're not expecting a top ten finish. Steady improvement in finishing positions is what we'd like and maybe a rookie team award? Being Bristol University we're by far the best turned out team and add a touch of glamour to a frankly rather "studenty" group of paddock personnel! And we're hoping to beat UWE too

The team is chosen from enthusiastic, quick and consistent drivers from the Motor Club who have demonstrated these attributes at club-run events throughout the year. Attendance at a pre-season test day is compulsory for novice drivers.

Bristol races under number 32. Spectators and supporters are always welcome at the races. For more information see www.bukc.co.uk.

The team would like to thank the Student Activities Committee and the Alumni Foundation who have helped us considerably with meeting the costs involved.