Getting ready to blow!
Adrenalin at a rush in safe space
If you have a bit of the daredevil in you but haven’t quite got the nerves for a bungy, Hawke’s Bay’s latest venture may be the perfect balance of adrenalin and madcap — without the risk.
Blokart HB has arrived — and getting here has been no mean feat. After scouring the Bay for suitable sites for a blokart track since 2013, Blokart HB is finally opening a dedicated facility in Napier this weekend.
“Getting the track done has been a huge step. Up until now, we’ve been sailing on the walkways, in carparks with learner drivers and who knows what else but now we have a dedicated safe space,” says club president John Marshall.
The club already had its first school party booked in and was also aiming to book corporate teambuilding events — none of which were previously possible without a track.
John says a combination of fundraising and donations from local businesses had been needed to fund the $240,000 blokart park on the corner of Prebensen Drive.
“We’ve been hugely supported and we have given Higgins the naming rights for the track. So it’s going to be the Higgins Blokart Park.”
Part of the Lagoon Farm — on the corner of Prebensen Drive and the Expressway — the all-weather chip sealed 8200m2 track will provide a safe venue for members of the public to try out blokarting, inter school sailing and club racing and will allow the club to host regional and potentially national events, John says.
Blokart is suitable for those eight to 80 years — for younger children the club has a tandem cart. The whole park is available for hire and John says it would be a great activity for end of year social events, corporate team building or other celebrations.
Blokart HB wants to grow its membership and make blokarting accessible and safe for the public.
The club hopes to obtain a fleet of hire karts for public use, for inter school sailing and company team building and staff social activities.
“As a club we would love to be able to host regional and national competitions which would bring revenue and people to Hawke’s Bay.”
News of the track has already attracted new members and the club expects a significant membership growth once the dedicated track is in place, if the experience of other clubs around the country is anything to go by.
“Blokarting is a fantastically exciting sport
“Generally, we sail at three and a half times the wind speed.
“If you have a kart, we would love you to make contact with the club. If you are keen to have a go, watch out for the opening of the track and the provision of hire karts.”
On Saturday and Sunday, December 1 and 2, between 1pm and 3 pm, weather permitting, everyone can come and have a go at a discounted price of $10 for 15 minutes.
If it rains it will be postponed until the following weekend.
“Anybody can come along — I’d encourage the public to come and have a go.”
■ Blokart Park opening, Friday, November 30, corner Prebensen Drive and Expressway (access off Prebensen Drive.
Do not turn right into the park due to the traffic hazard). For bookings visit www.blokarthb.co.nz