Now it's.........
Birmingham Wheels!

XXXThis winter, the Midlands official MSA Circuit became part of the Grand Prix Karting Group. Following a major investment in karts, floodlighting and off-track facilities Grand Prix customers can now race at one of the most famous circuits in the UK (see centre spread for details).

New Karts at Walsall

XXXFrom May, Walsall will be running the brand new Millenium edition of the Speedstar race kart. Running for the first time in the UK, this top of the range kart features lightweight composite bumpers, the latest Honda 200cc engines and more than a dozen other improvements to performance, handling and safety. The new karts and recent upgrades to the lighting, music and race management systems confirm the circuits commitment to maintaining it's position as the Midlands premier indoor karting circuit.

Well done Eddie and Matt

  (who didn't read the script?)
XXXCongratulations to Walsall lap record holder, and Ferrari F1 driver, Eddie Irvine for taking his first ever win at the Australian Grand Prix - hope to see you again soon Eddie. Someone else who notched up their first win this season is Matt Neal in his Nissan in the British Touring Car Championship. This win was probably the equivalent to the pace car qualifying alongside Eddie on the front row of the grid in an F! race! Its not that Matt is slow, he's brilliant, but as a privateer he isn't expected to whoop factory teams with the latest cars and ten times the budget! Obviously no one told Matt so let's hope he has plenty more surprises for the big boys as the season unfolds.
XXXMatt and his father Steve from Rimstock Racing together with John Rhodes, Dickie Attwood (F1 drivers in the sixties), Kelvin Burt, Tim Harvey and lots more, held a Christmas do at Grand Prix Karting Walsall. Despite the fact that Matt is six feet seven inches tall, John Rhodes and Dickie Attwood not in the first flush of youth and Tim Harvey not exactly 'small', the racing was breathtaking!

The CIRCUITS


The 'Full' MSA Circuit

XXXThe home of current and past British champions, this truly awesome circuit is fully deserving of its national status. If you've only experienced indoor karting, one look at a fraction of this circuit will simply blow your mind. The Circuit is completely floodlit, with its own parking and dedicated hospitality suite. The sheer size of this circuit can only really be exploited from the seat of a fully tuned 70mph twin-engined pro kart and for this reason we suggest drivers should have some previous karting experience.

The 'Club' MSA Circuit

XXXThe 'Club' measures in at two thirds of the full circuit and provides a legendary challenge to the UK's most experienced racers. By using a configuration that takes out the longest straight, this fast but highly technical Circuit not only provides a rigoruos alternative to drivers of twins, but also presents the ultimate challenge to drivers in single engine karts. Although a choice of chassis is available, we suggest single engined karts for your first pit stop at Birmingham Wheels.

The 'GP' Circuit

XXXThe 'GP' is designed to provide a testing and competitive circuit for single engined pro-karts. The circuit requires a high degree of driver concentration to keep the racing line through testing hair-pin turns, sweeping bends, shimmies and chicanes. More compact than the circuits above, the 'GP' challenges the driver throughout its length and offers the logical progression to drivers who have raced at indoor circuits but would relish more space and pace.

The Junior Circuit

XXXThis Circuit is designed to give junior drivers a chance to sample the thrill of driving a race kart. Under the guidance of one of our experienced instructors, novices learn the basics of motorsport safety and racecraft and quickly build confidence in the control and handling of a race kart. Ideal for children's parties from eight years upwards.

New
Floodlighting
System

In March, Birmingham Wheels became the first circuit in the UK to invest in the latest 'daylight' floodlighting system from Germany. Although about twice the price of yellow light sodium systems, the metal halide format gives colour definition essential to the enjoyment & safety of competitive high speed racing.

Grinsell's 'Tip' Stop

XXXPhil Grinsell, motorsport mad boss of Grinsell Skip Hire, showing off the latest addition to his company's fleet, a skip lorry in full McLaren Mercedes livery. Phil, who now races a FF1600 and Vauxhall Vectra, first got hooked on motorsport when he raced at Grand Prix Karting. Grinsells and their lucky customers are still regulars at the circuit.
XXX"I remember going karting on the Thursday night and winning for the first time, then the next morning, Pat Jukes invited me to a day out at Silverstone! You could say that those two separate events, changed my life" said Phil.
XXXPat Jukes goes on to acknowledge "Phil's enthusiasm is contagious and what's more he enjoys every minute of it, win or lose. It didn't surprise me in the slightest when I first saw the McLaren Mercedes truck. I suspect that he even times his drivers for their 'tip' stop!"

A customer comments

XXX"There are bigger circuits in the UK, there are better circuits in Europe, but you guys put on the best client evenings in the world".

John Hampshire, BSkyB

We ask
Pat Jukes
Q.   You must have seen it all in ten years Pat, so what's so new about Birmingham Wheels?
A.   It's been a top race circuit for years, but what is new is that we have now opened the doors to groups and companies. I guess the most outstanding thing about BW is the vast array of options we can now offer customers. Walsall and Lichfield are amazingly popular venues but at BW we can offer everything from an 8 year olds party to 75mph racing for up to 400 drivers.
Q.   Not on the circuit at one time I assume?
A.   No of course, but we now have the option to look after much larger groups with 20+ karts at once. The new floodlighting is fantastic which has further extended the circuits' use and the backdrop of the city at night is just spectacular.
Q.   Are you hoping to win over new customers?
A.   It's more the been-there, seen-this, done-that people that are flooding back. In truth there are a group of people that have done indoor karting to death. I'm not talking about the 3 or 4 times a year people but the really competitive groups that want something really special. If anyone thinks they've done karting then give me a ring and let me put you in a 75mph twin at BW.
Q.   Is that a serious offer?
A.   Absolutely, its just like 10 years ago when people first had a test drive indoors - they would come off with a permanent grin and book there and then. Now its all happening over again.
Q.   Is this hype or is Birmingham Wheels really that good?
A.   It really is that good, and with the improvements continuing apace, its getting even better as we talk. But you don't have to take my word Jeff, lets go and get you kitted out...

Jeff Harrogate spoke to Pat Jukes, MD of the Grand Prix Karting Group.

Children's Parties

XXXHow about an exciting and very different party for your budding Damon Hill?
XXXThe lucky boy or girl, and up to seven friends, will get the exclusive use of the Junior circuit, two race karts and an instructor for one hour. Call the Circuit Office to make a dream into reality.

Saturday and Sunday 10am - 4pm,
and weekdays subject to availability.
The inclusive price for the hour is £85
(minimum age 8 years).

The EVENTS

Team Endurance Events

XXXBased on the famous Le Mans classic, these events give you the chance to compete in a 1, 2, 3, 6, 8 or 24 hour team race on either the 'Full', 'Club' or 'GP' circuits. All events feature pit stops for driver changes, with success depending on a heady mix of outright speed, team work and tactics. 'Enduros' are available on either 75mph twin or 50mph single engined karts.

Team Endurance Events are available Mornings,
Afternoons and Evenings - 7 days a week.
Prices - from £70 - £1200 per kart depending on duration
(minimum age 17 years).


Wheels '30' Individual Endurance

XXXThis event offers unbeatable value to small groups of 6 - 16 drivers wishing to book their chosen circuit on a totally private and exclusive basis. All the action is crammed into one hour, so there is no waiting around as drivers are kitted out and briefed before taking to the circuit for practice and a solid uninterrupted, 30 minute race. Whoever completes the most laps at the chequered flag takes the honours. Trophies for the first three drivers.

Wheels 30 Enduros are available Mornings,
Afternoons and Evenings - 7 days a week.
Prices - Single Engined £35 per kart - Twin Engined £45 per Kart
(minimum age 17 years).


Grand Prix Sprint Events

XXXA Grand Prix Sprint Event is guaranteed to put you through your paces on the wide open tarmac of 'Club' or 'GP'. After an initial briefing session from one of our instructors, its out on to your chosen circuit for practice. Each driver races in a series of heats, with the top drivers competing in the semi-finals for a place in the Grand Prix final. Come 1st, 2nd or 3rd and you'll be on the podium for the trophy and bubbly spraying ceremony.

Grand Prix Sprint Events are available Mornings,
Afternoons and Evenings - 7 days a week.
Prices range from £25 to £40 per driver
(minimum age 17 years).

  

GP sack Damon Hill

XXXA customer recently telephoned our Managing Director and, struggling to control his anger, launched into the following:

XXX"What a difference a day makes with you guys. Sunday evening your staff were all over my company when we were racing a nd spending good money with you. Next morning I turn up to thank them and the gates are locked and your member of staff in the control tower totally ignored my cries and shouts. That guy knew full well I was there - you could have heard me in Lichfield!"

XXXAs a result of this complaint our Circuit Manager was asked to remove the offending cardboard cut-out of Damon Hill! Fortunately our client saw the funny side.

  

CLUB
100

XXXBirmingham Wheels was chosen as the venue for Round 2 of this years prestigious Club 100 Two-Stroke Championship.

XXXIndividual honours went to Marc Craddock who moves into second place in the drivers championship behind Luigi Mazza who finished third on the day. The Crazy Diamond Endurance Team took the team honours giving them two straight wins for the season.

  

Charity Events

XXXOver the next few months Grand Prix Karting will be running events for NCH Action for Children, British Heart Foundation, Help the Aged, Marie Curie, Macmillan and the Anthony Nolan Trust. If you would like to contribute to any of the charities or hold your own charity event then call Patrick Jukes on 01922 724252.
On the Net   You can now access the all new Grand Prix Karting website at: www.grandprixkarting.co.uk. Comments and suggestions by e-mail or otherwise welcome.

Special Offers   5% Trial Discount on exclusive events at Birmiongham Wheels Friday - Monday until December 31st 1999.