Around the world, kart racing is a vital training ground. So, too, in the island, where many race and rally Champions cut their teeth with the Barbados Karting Association (BKA) and current competitors continue to hone their skills. Established in 1987, the BKA initially ran race meetings on makeshift circuits in various Plantation yards around the island, before finding a permanent home at Old Bushy Park in the late 1990s. Following the venue’s redevelopment, the introduction of a wider range of Easykarts created a clearer ladder of progress from Cadets to Seniors, with competitor numbers rising significantly. As well as running up to 10 championship rounds a season, the BKA has shared race days with other clubs, promoting karting to a wider audience, and run a Handicap Race at each Barbados Festival of Speed. Club Chairman is Norman Catwell, an experienced all-rounder who has raced cars and karts, with success under his belt in rallies and speed events as well. Son and daughter Kyle and Kayleigh have followed in his wheel-tracks.
Champion Driver 2019
Adam Mallalieu (Easykart 125cc Lights)
A third-generation competitor (following grandfather Bill and father Andrew), Adam enjoyed a very successful 2019. He won back-to-back BKA 125cc Lights titles, was crowned Champion Driver – he had missed out by a single point in 2018 - and was also the inaugural Caribbean Junior Karting Academy Trophy (CJKAT) Champion. Fought out over three four-race weekends at Bushy Park, the CJKAT attracted Champion karters aged from 11 to 15 years old from Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica. A student at Harrison College, Adam is also a former Barbados National U15 Football Team Goalkeeper.
