Bexley teens have been putting on their racing stripes and reaching new speeds after its club found a new home.

The Bexley Kart Club ran its HQ out of Beths Grammar School, in Hartford Road, for 23 years.

It was booted out in 2014 and survived on fumes as Bexley Youth Services and Sidcup bike club Kickstart kept it afloat at the Sidcup Youth Centre for a year. 

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The teens are winning their way across the country with a stong close to the racing season 

After a period of uncertainty the club arrived at Bexleyheath Academy with access to its own workshop.

One of its organisers, Kevin Laws said: “Bexleyheath Academy has been very supportive and we hope to have a long and successful partnership with them.

“The whole organisation and indeed our club is run by volunteers such as the parent, guardians, ex-drivers and parents of ex-drivers and this creates a real family atmosphere on race days, but it obviously can get a bit competitive.”

Membership has more than doubled since the end of 2015 shifting numbers from eight to 17 drivers.

Kids from as young as nine have joined the club and can continue their journey up to 18 years-old.

The clubs prides itself on inclusiveness allowing novices to progress through race and marshal training and if it's wanted, to full license drivers, at which point they can race in the championship.

There are are normally 12 race meetings a year for gang who compete all over the country and even in Wales.

The karts themselves can hit speeds of 80mph on the straights, something championship winner and son, Tom Laws, 14, thrives on.

The teen said: “I really enjoy the driving, I like the speed of it.

“But I also enjoy the engineering.

“I’m just about to start my third season and I’m there to have fun.

“If you want to do it long term it is quite a commitment but it is really enjoyable and you meet so many people."

Bosun Adeoye, 14, of Manister Road in Abbey Wood and Thomas Laws, 14 of Wren Road, Sidcup added: “All members in the club are very supportive and the whole club has an enjoyable atmosphere.

“The club is great because it is a big community and everybody helps each other especially during race meets where there is always someone who will willingly help if you do not know what to do.

“That’s why we like it.”

The club is hoping to progress and expand in the coming seasons and has its pedal to the metal as it moves. 

The club meets every Wednesday 6pm - 9pm.