It might look like just a field of mustard plants to passersby but to those who know better and neighbors familiar with the roar of engines escaping from the Carlsborg homestead, the pasture is more than just an abandoned half-acre of land: It’s a private go-kart track.

Bruce Barden, a heavy-equipment operator by day and amateur go-kart driver by night, is trying to organize a Northwest Backyard Go-Karting club in Sequim.

“We want to get people together for a family oriented sport,” Barden said. “If you have an acre of unused land, you can build a track and if we get 10-15 people with tracks, we can start a traveling circuit every or every other weekend.”

“You don’t even have to have land to participate,” he continued,” just a go-kart and helmet.”

Barden is researching the legalities of operating a track and looking into insurance waivers. Though the sport has some safety risks, go-karting is safe overall, and once you have the go-kart it’s cheaper than going to the movies or driving out of town, he said. “There’s not a lot to do around here for families; this is just one more thing.”

Racing go-karts is particularly good for children, according to Jaime Poage, recreational go-kart driver and city of Sequim employee. “Kids learn to be better drivers from go-kart racing,” he said. “They learn how to steer, how to do shoulder checks and how to properly operate a motorized vehicle.”

The date for the first competition depends on the community’s interest level. Individuals who want to help start a go-kart club and traveling racing circuit should call Barden at 452-6911.



Bare-knuckle racing

Sequim resident Bruce Barden is seeking individuals interested in starting a Northwest Backyard Go-Karting club. Men, women and children of all ages are welcome. Tracks are being built in and around Sequim for a traveling circuit, according to Barden. For more information, call 452-6911.