Motor Racing (Karting)

Motor Racing (Karting)

MTU Motor Racing Club is a student motorsport club for anyone interested in karting, racing and motorsport. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced driver, the club gives students the opportunity to get behind the wheel, compete, socialise and meet other students who share a passion for motorsport.

MTU Motor Racing Club is a student motorsport club based at MTU Cork, with karting and competitive racing at the heart of what we do.

Throughout the academic year, we organise a range of karting events including time trials, Grand Prix events and social karting sessions at venues such as the National Kart Centre Cork and Adventure Park Kartworld in Watergrasshill. These events give members the opportunity to experience competitive karting in a fun and welcoming environment, regardless of their previous experience.

For students looking to take their racing further, the club also competes in the Student Sport Ireland (SSI) Karting Championship. The SSI Championship brings together karting teams from universities and colleges across Ireland and features both individual and team championships. MTU has developed a strong competitive record in recent years, including multiple top three team championship finishes and strong individual performances from MTU drivers.

The club is also about much more than racing. We aim to create an active social community around motorsport, with opportunities for members to take part in social events, motorsport activities, sim racing and collaborations with other MTU clubs and societies.

The club will be running regular karting time trials and Grand Prix events, competing in the SSI Karting Championship and working with MTU Formula Student on a collaborative sim racing programme.

Whether you want to become a competitive driver, try karting for the first time, get involved in sim racing, or simply meet other people who love motorsport, MTU Motor Racing Club is open to you.


FAQ

Do I need my own equipment?

No. For our karting events, the karts and required safety equipment are provided by the karting venues. Members generally just need to register for the event, arrive on time and be ready to race.

For some events or competitions, additional requirements may apply and will be communicated to members in advance.

Do I need to have previous karting experience?

No. Previous karting experience is not required to join MTU Motor Racing Club.

Our club welcomes complete beginners as well as experienced drivers. Club events are designed to give new members an opportunity to learn, improve their driving and become more comfortable on track.

Experienced members are also encouraged to help newer drivers and share advice, creating a friendly and supportive environment for everyone.

Where are club events held?

Our regular karting events are held at karting venues in and around Cork, including the National Kart Centre Cork and Adventure Park Kartworld in Watergrasshill.

Our SSI Karting Championship team competes at venues selected by Student Sport Ireland. Recent championship rounds have included Kartworld in Watergrasshill, Whiteriver and Nutts Corner.

What other activities does the club do?

Karting is at the centre of the club, but MTU Motor Racing Club also aims to provide a wider motorsport and social experience.

Activities include karting time trials and Grand Prix events, the SSI Karting Championship, sim racing, motorsport-related activities, social events and collaborations with other MTU clubs and societies.

We will also be working with MTU Formula Student on a collaborative sim racing programme.

Do I need to be a good driver to join?

Absolutely not. The club is open to all skill levels. Many members join having never driven a kart competitively before.

Our aim is to give members the opportunity to improve, compete and enjoy motorsport at whatever level suits them.

Can I join if I'm mainly interested in motorsport rather than competitive karting?

Yes. While competitive karting is a major part of the club, MTU Motor Racing Club is designed for students with a wider interest in motorsport as well. There are opportunities to get involved in sim racing, social events and other motorsport activities throughout the year.

History

MTU Motor Racing Club was established in the 2021/22 academic year.

The club was created to give MTU students an opportunity to participate in karting and competitive motorsport, while providing a social environment for students with an interest in racing.

Since its foundation, the club has developed its involvement in Student Sport Ireland's SSI Karting Championship alongside running its own karting events in Cork.

The club has continued to grow its competitive presence while developing opportunities for students to experience karting regardless of their level of experience.

Achievements

MTU Motor Racing Club has developed a strong record in the Student Sport Ireland Karting Championship in recent years.

Our recent achievements include:

  • 3rd – SSI Karting Team Championship, 2023/24, with MTU Cork A finishing on 129 points.
  • 3rd – SSI Individual Championship, 2024/25, with MTU driver Rory O'Shea finishing on 70 points.
  • 3rd – SSI Karting Team Championship, 2024/25, with MTU Cork finishing on 153 points.
  • 2nd – SSI Karting Team Championship after Round 3, 2024/25, with MTU Cork A on 125 points.
  • 2nd – SSI Individual Championship after Round 3, 2024/25, with MTU driver Rory O'Shea on 57 points.
  • 3rd – SSI Karting Team Championship after Round 3, 2025/26, with MTU Cork A on 125 points.

The club has also regularly placed MTU drivers among the leading competitors in the SSI Championship, demonstrating the growing strength of karting at MTU.

Meetings

MTU Motor Racing Club does not hold regular formal meetings for general members. Instead, club activity is organised around our events, competitions and activities throughout the academic year.

Important information, event announcements and opportunities to get involved will be communicated to members through our club communication channels and social media.

Contact Us

Email: mtu.kartingclub@gmail.com

Instagram: MTU Motor Racing Club Cork

Become a member of Motor Racing (Karting)

Motor Racing (Karting)
MTU Motor Racing Club is a student motorsport club for anyone interested in karting, racing and motorsport. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced driver, the club gives students the opportunity to get behind the wheel, compete, socialise and meet other students who share a passion for

Committee Members
Chairperson:Michelle Cummins
Vice-Captain - Chairperson:Sam McCarthy
Secretary:Jack Smiddy
Public Relations Officer:Ruby Hendrick
Treasurer:Mark Flynn
September 22nd
Cork Campus