Pen placed aside for starting grid

As summer approaches so does the racing season and at the weekend the Whangarei Kart Club opened its gates for the opening round of its club championships.
Over the years as a photographer and writer, I have been to many motorsport meetings - big and small - visiting all the main circuits around the country.
This weekend and for the remainder of the summer season it will be unlike ever before, as I experience motorsport from a new perspective: from inside the local karting scene as a competitor. Here I will put all the media talk aside and actually go head-to-head against Northland's local talents.
It is often said the world's karting fraternity are the most friendly and helpful of all the motorsport codes. The evidence of this stacked up on race day with smiling faces all around and friendly banter continuing through the day amongst all club members.
Tools, fuel, spare parts along with helmets, gloves, race suits and sometimes even a kart itself are exchanged throughout the day as members were quick to lend each other a helping hand.
But that was to change dramatically as it came time for drivers to line up on the dummy grid and await entry on to the Anderson Raceway.
As the helmets and gloves go on, the smiles depart, the eyes adopt a steely glare and eyebrows come down in concentration. Those who were minutes ago pitlane comrades transform into calculating enemies; the racers begin to plot the downfall of their foes as they line up and set their sights to be first past the chequered flag.
Whangarei Kart Club president Richard Macey has been an oasis of help and advice for my debut here. That source dried up the second we both suited up.
For safety reasons and to stay out of the leaders' way, it is mandatory for a new driver to start at the back of the field. Thankful for that rule, my aim is to stay within sight of some veteran drivers, learn the game and bring the kart home in one piece.
The front runners disappear as the start lights go out and (apparently) run a hard-fought battle for first place.
Other new drivers and I are left to squabble over the backmarker placings, but the fight is just as fierce as that of the leaders.
At the end of the day, all competing members have run a gruelling five races over a number of different classes and I have spun the kart more times than I care to note here. But I have had the time of my life, all thanks to the good people at the Whangarei Kart Club.
Karting at the Anderson Raceway in Austin Rd, Maunu is well within reach of young and old and well worth getting involved and trying it out for yourself with your entire family.
There are nine different racing classes catering to the needs of varying ages, abilities and budgets.
Even the spectacle of local competition makes a wonderful day out for a family.
Who knows, you may find yourself bundled into a kart for a test run at lunch time. A while back it happened to me and now I am one of them.
The next club day is October 10 with round two of the club championships on November 14.