The Evolution of the Series
After 25 years of running the championship with direct drive engines, the need for a new engine partner to provide safe and reliable performance for junior and cadet drivers became evident. Enter Rotax. The introduction of the Club100 Junior Series in 2019 sparked a powerful synergy between Club100 and Rotax. Since then, the Club100 Cadet Championship (launched in 2022) and Club100 Junior Championship have become permanent fi xtures in the series, both racing at full capacity and now so popular that they require a championship waitlist. During Round 6 of the championship at the esteemed Whilton Mill circuit, Club100 delivered a thrilling race weekend featuring 120 cadets and 156 juniors.
Evaluations of Rotax engines’ longevity helped Club100 identify them as the ideal engine partner. All engine variables were meticulously tested before making the switch. The team even recruited drivers of mixed abilities and diverse backgrounds to conduct extensive tests on the karts and engines, ensuring the change met expectations. This partnership has been instrumental in advancing drivers through the ranks of motorsport, with 188 drivers moving into owner-driver racing through Club100.
Voices from the Crowd
The series remains open to all. As long as drivers demonstrate discipline and a passion for learning during pre-season academy days, they are offered a seat to race. This inclusivity means drivers with existing experience in owner-driver karting also use the series to enhance their skills. Thirteen-year-old cadet lightweight driver Elijah Hazelwood, who entered Round 6 as the championship leader and competes in Club100 alongside racing Junior Rotax at the owner-driver level, expressed: “Club100 really helps me with my race craft. This week, I have been able to test a Rotax on Wednesday, race in Club100 today, and then go back to racing owner-driver tomorrow. I wouldn’t get that kind of seat time without Club100. The way the championship is run, with pooled karts, has helped me adapt quickly, and I truly believe they are the best arrive-and-drive karts in the UK.”
Elijah’s enthusiasm is evident, and his father, Nathan Hazelwood, echoed his sentiments: “The speed of the karts is a step up from other arrive-and-drive series, and we really appreciate how the events are run in terms of track time, racing discipline, tuition, and rolling starts. Elijah has learned a lot in the mixed grid of talented drivers. The Club100 Rotax karts are great for acceleration and speed, it’s given me confi dence to put Elijah into a Junior Rotax kart at the owner-driver level.”
Junior driver Max Kilby shared how much he has learned about kart control and skill: “You have to be good, but you also need to understand how to maintain a good average speed. Club100 teaches that, especially with the Rotax.” Max’s parent, Lee, also praised the championship’s welcoming but competitive atmosphere: “Ultimately, you want an even playing fi eld, and the Rotax Club100 provides the same experience for everyone. Club100 eliminates externals like budget, setups, and tyres, focusing solely on driving and driver speed. The fact that races are live-streamed and commentated on is fantastic—the coverage and exposure are brilliant.”
A new era of grassroots karting, driven by the reliability, longevity, and performance of Rotax engines, along with the passion and expertise of John and his team, has truly begun.
After 25 years of running the championship with direct drive engines, the need for a new engine partner to provide safe and reliable performance for junior and cadet drivers became evident. Enter Rotax. The introduction of the Club100 Junior Series in 2019 sparked a powerful synergy between Club100 and Rotax. Since then, the Club100 Cadet Championship (launched in 2022) and Club100 Junior Championship have become permanent fi xtures in the series, both racing at full capacity and now so popular that they require a championship waitlist. During Round 6 of the championship at the esteemed Whilton Mill circuit, Club100 delivered a thrilling race weekend featuring 120 cadets and 156 juniors.
Evaluations of Rotax engines’ longevity helped Club100 identify them as the ideal engine partner. All engine variables were meticulously tested before making the switch. The team even recruited drivers of mixed abilities and diverse backgrounds to conduct extensive tests on the karts and engines, ensuring the change met expectations. This partnership has been instrumental in advancing drivers through the ranks of motorsport, with 188 drivers moving into owner-driver racing through Club100.
Voices from the Crowd
The series remains open to all. As long as drivers demonstrate discipline and a passion for learning during pre-season academy days, they are offered a seat to race. This inclusivity means drivers with existing experience in owner-driver karting also use the series to enhance their skills. Thirteen-year-old cadet lightweight driver Elijah Hazelwood, who entered Round 6 as the championship leader and competes in Club100 alongside racing Junior Rotax at the owner-driver level, expressed: “Club100 really helps me with my race craft. This week, I have been able to test a Rotax on Wednesday, race in Club100 today, and then go back to racing owner-driver tomorrow. I wouldn’t get that kind of seat time without Club100. The way the championship is run, with pooled karts, has helped me adapt quickly, and I truly believe they are the best arrive-and-drive karts in the UK.”
Elijah’s enthusiasm is evident, and his father, Nathan Hazelwood, echoed his sentiments: “The speed of the karts is a step up from other arrive-and-drive series, and we really appreciate how the events are run in terms of track time, racing discipline, tuition, and rolling starts. Elijah has learned a lot in the mixed grid of talented drivers. The Club100 Rotax karts are great for acceleration and speed, it’s given me confi dence to put Elijah into a Junior Rotax kart at the owner-driver level.”
Junior driver Max Kilby shared how much he has learned about kart control and skill: “You have to be good, but you also need to understand how to maintain a good average speed. Club100 teaches that, especially with the Rotax.” Max’s parent, Lee, also praised the championship’s welcoming but competitive atmosphere: “Ultimately, you want an even playing fi eld, and the Rotax Club100 provides the same experience for everyone. Club100 eliminates externals like budget, setups, and tyres, focusing solely on driving and driver speed. The fact that races are live-streamed and commentated on is fantastic—the coverage and exposure are brilliant.”
A new era of grassroots karting, driven by the reliability, longevity, and performance of Rotax engines, along with the passion and expertise of John and his team, has truly begun.
For more information: https://club100.co.uk/
