Father's Day victory in sight

Dakota Johnson and her father Shane Doctor will be taking part in the Spring Series dirt kart races on Father’s Day.

Claudia Baxter

MOST fathers could think of nothing worse than watching their child tear around a race track on a 220cc dirt kart.

But for Shane Doctor and daughter Dakota Johnson, the scent of victory this Father's Day is deliciously within reach.

Mr Doctor and Dakota are members of the Ipswich City Dirt Kart Club, and will participate in the second round of the Ian Boettcher Sprint Series at Willowbank on Sunday.

Ipswich Dirt Kart Club president Terry Smith said from August to November, thrill seekers across 10 groups would race to gain points.

Young Dakota's interest in the sport represents a growing trend in Ipswich of young families joining the club.

Mr Smith said 80 per cent of recently joined members were young families.

He said they were attracted by the low costs associated with the sport.

“It's the cheapest motor sport you can get,” he said.

“You can get into sport for an initial outlay of $2000 and only spend $500 a year.

“People think go karts are slow but they're much faster than you think.

“It is a much better type of racing than a bitumen track.

“We're a hugely family-orientated club. In the kids' group we have about 25 participating on Sunday.

“It is as safe as any racing sport, but kids must wear a neck brace and juniors are limited to the power of the motor to less than 220cc.”