Whilton Mill Karting Academy

Whilton Mill now offers coaching for juniors stepping up from arrive & drive experiences into competitive go-kart racing. A combination of in-depth training modules, practice drills and timed lapping sessions, help beginners into a complete driver. Once pupils have graduated from the WM Karting Academy, they’ll be able compete in our Graduate Championship, which launches later this year.

If you wanted to go skiing, you wouldn’t grab the nearest pair of skis and head straight to the top of the red slope. The smart move would be to attend a ski school first to accelerate the learning process before hitting a green slope. Competitive go-kart racing is no different, learn the core skills first and practice before you go racing.

  • Karting Academy membership
  • Modules teaching core skills
  • Sunday practice sessions
  • Wednesday practice sessions

Membership is required to participate in the above, as is having successfully completed both the novice and intermediate cadet arrive & drive experiences.

Karting Academy Membership

Membership to the Karting Academy includes many benefits shown below, as well as being a requirement to take part in coaching and practice sessions.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership includes:

  • WMKA notebook
  • WMKA t-shirt
  • WMKA water bottle
  • Members only practice sessions

£59

Join now

Academy Modules

Core skills are taught by our training partner, Espire. Espire are providers of STEM based learning using the medium of motorsport to schools globally. Over six in-depth modules lasting 4 hours covering safety, kart control, race-craft, mechanics, and engineering. Each module is different and offers a unique insight into the science of going fast.

ACADEMY MODULE

Bambino 6-8 yrs

Academy Module format:

  • Safety briefing
  • Coached track-walk
  • On-track drills
  • Simulator tuition
  • Engineering skills lesson
  • End of day debrief

£75 per module

Book Bambino

ACADEMY MODULE

Cadets 9-11 yrs

Academy Module format:

  • Safety briefing
  • Coached track-walk
  • On-track drills
  • Simulator tuition
  • Engineering skills lesson
  • End of day debrief

£75 per module

Book Cadet

Academy Module Dates for 2024

  • 10 March – Academy Module 1
  • 21 April – Academy Module 2
  • 19 May – Academy Module 3
  • 30 June – Academy Module 4
  • 21 July – Academy Module 5
  • 06 October – Academy Module 6
  • 03 November – Academy Festival

Karting Academy Practice

Scientific studies have shown that dedicating time for deliberate practice of a skill can significantly impact progress and help you achieve mastery. One Sunday per month, members have the opportunity to do just that, structured sessions allowing pupils to practice what they learnt having attended an Academy Module. Click book now for available dates.

PRACTICE

Karting Academy Practice

  • Once a month, held on Sunday’s
  • 50-minutes on-track
  • Briefing
  • Practice drills
  • Timed lapping
  • Practice race
  • Click book now for available dates

£65 per driver

Book now

Wednesday Night Practice

Practice makes perfect. Wednesday night practice is an informal session providing the benefit of additional seat time. Sessions run every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month and are exclusive to Karting Academy members.

PRACTICE

Wednesday Night Practice

  • Bambino 6-8 yrs
  • 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month
  • Sessions from 17:00
  • 20-min timed practice

£28 per driver

Book Bambino

PRACTICE

Wednesday Night Practice

  • Cadet 9-11 yrs
  • 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month
  • Sessions from 17:00
  • 20-min timed practice

£28 per driver

Book Cadet

Frequently asked questions

What circuit does the Karting Academy operate from?

The 450m Mill Outdoor Circuit.

What experience is required to join the academy?

Participants need to have successfully completed three novice arrive & drive experiences, and at least one intermediate session, before moving up to the Karting Academy. However, previous experience can be considered. Please contact us to discuss further.

Can I just attend practice sessions and not take part in the Academy Modules?

Anyone with the minimum experience required, that has purchased membership, can attend Sunday or Wednesday practice. However, to compete in the Graduate Championship, drivers must have completed all six Academy modules.

To race in the arrive & drive championship, do the Academy Modules need to be completed every year?

No, once all six Academy Modules have been completed, drivers become ‘graduates’ and they take part in championship races without the need to complete further modules. However, there will be supplementry one-day courses on specialist subjects that will continue to help graduates progress.

Do Academy Modules need to be completed in order?

No, Academy Modules can be completed at anytime. For example a driver might complete modules 4 to 6 in 2024 and then 1 to 3 in 2025. Once all six have been completed, in any order, then members graduate to race in our arrive & drive championship.