The passionate community of grass-roots racers in South-East Queensland have been left high and dry by the recent closure of the popular Xtreme Karting facility in Pimpama.
Measuring 1.6 kilometres in length, the main circuit at Xtreme is Australia’s longest Karting track. Combining a diverse range of hairpins and chicanes, a long straight and sweeping first corner, Xtreme has also earned a reputation as the country’s fastest circuit.
In addition to the main circuit, the facility also includes a 600 metre dirt track for those who prefer their racing served with a dusting of clay.
Over the years, Xtreme has stoked the appetite for many motorsport fans to go fast in a safe and controlled manner. The facility has provided a springboard for the careers of hundreds of racers, culminating in invites to the World Final of the Sodi World Series.
20 drivers, all from Xtreme Karting, have represented Australia in the Sodi World Series World Finals, a prestigious international event held annually with over 25 nationalities represented.
The Solo Pursuit Series and Team Enduro Series were the two categories in which amateur racers could compete in monthly races against like-minded rivals, with post-race celebrations often spilling into the local Tavern.
The Pimpama facility has always prided itself on accommodating the requests of its passionate patrons. One such patron is Jordan Bredesen, a paraplegic who was able to go racing with some unique workarounds, and now competes at a club level.
“All my friends race karts so I wanted to get into club racing; having Xtreme down the road made it easy to go down and cut some laps,” said Bredeson.
“Pushing on my knees for throttle and brake was a challenge, especially when you’re trying to beat your friends who are able bodied, but Xtreme never discriminated against me and let me run in big groups which gave me a lot of confidence for club racing.
“Now I own my own kart, I was hoping to do the Race of Stars next year once my license is approved.
“The loss of Xtreme is devasting to all motorsport enthusiasts. with the local track gone there is nowhere within an hour’s drive.”
Motorsport fans are being encouraged to join the Support Motorsport at Pimpama Facebook group, to show their support and assist in the effort to get Xtreme re-opened. Page founder Jeff Smith has set a target of 10,000 members, of which the page currently sits halfway.
