Atto hopes to fly the Kiwi kart in Europe

Narrow Neck go-karter Atto Bailey has dreams of racing in Formula One and in 2023 aims to build on his top-class results last year.

In 2022, Atto (10) won the City of Sails two-day challenge and Rotorua point series, placed second in the National CIK trophy and was fourth in the KartSport Rotorua club champs.

The wins and high finishes saw him take out the KartSport Rotorua Club’s Junior Driver of the Year 2022.

Atto’s ultimate goal is to make it to Formula One or the GT3 series and he wants to take his karting to the next level by racing in England.

His dreams don’t come cheap. Attos’s parents, Sharon and Graeme, spent close to $50,000 last year supporting his karting.

Costs quickly rack up: a set of slick tyres costs $280 and a set of wet tyres $320. Each can only be used for two or three race days, before losing performance.

Kart engines can cost $3500 new, while chassis are around $5000. With travel and upkeep costs on top, Sharon says without sponsorship it will be hard for Atto to stay at the front of the grid.

She said sponsorships allow drivers to better maintain their equipment and get the latest and most innovative gear, which assists them on the track.

“For some, they can buy and try out different engines until they find the best one. With a lower budget you can’t really do that”. The former primary school teacher said sponsorship can also help Atto get more coaching and time in the kart, which will help improve lap times.

Sharon works at the Devonport Commu- nity House as the play group coordinator and says she often takes time off work to get Atto to races.

“When you’re making big trips to races, it usually means at least a Friday off. If the annual leave is there it’s fine, but if not it becomes a bit of a struggle”.

Atto has recently notched his first sponsorship – Blackhawk Gazebos. But Sharon said he needs more if they are going to race in England this year.

Email atto@attobailey.com.