Karting is one of the most popular, affordable and competitive branches of motorsport. It offers motorsport for drivers from the age of eight years upwards and has a level of competition to suit just about everyone.

For some drivers, karting will be the pinnacle of their ambitions, while for others it will provide a vital grounding for the journey up the racing ladder. Most of the drivers on the current Formula 1 grid started their racing in karts and the fact that youngsters can start from as early as eight years old makes it the perfect starting point.

With so many choices in terms of classes and venues, karting is easy to get into, but like any branch of motorsport there are some necessary steps that need to be taken before you can get onto the grid and go racing.

One of the best first steps is to take an introductory course at an ARKS (Association of British Kart Clubs) school. That way you’ll get the opportunity to try it out, see how much you enjoy it, and start gaining the skills you’ll need to be competitive. Many ARKS schools offer professional tuition to help you improve your skills throughout your karting 'career'.

It is possible for disabled drivers to obtain a kart race licence, although each case is considered on merit. Any potential applicant should contact the British Motorsports Association for the Disabled in the first instance for specific advice. Karts in many classes can be successfully converted to full hand control, even the gearbox categories. Drivers have to display a D number plate in addition to their class numbers.

This series of articles on MotorsportAds.co.uk takes you from getting your karting licence, and through many of the important decisions you need to make before you actually start racing.