I may well get flamed for this....
Perhaps as parents we need to look a bit closer to home for an explanation as to why our kids behave like they do on the track.
It is very easy to get caught up in the whole karting 'buzz' and think that your kid is going to be the next Lewis Hamilton or whatever. The whole sport is expensive and requires dedication and hard work from all those involved. It is too easy to let this turn into pressure placed firmly on the young shoulders of our kids.
Perhaps we all need to take a deep breath and stand back a bit and look at the whole situation. We are supposed to be doing this for fun and to give our kids a different perspective on sport. It is also supposed to be precious time that we can spend with our kids as they grow up.
If we as parents pressure the kids into driving dangerously and aggressively with a 'win at all costs' attitude - then who is really to blame for some of the accidents and damage that we see ?
Of course I want to see my lad do well and hopefully win a race or two in the future, but not at the cost of injuring another child.
The aggressive approach of some of the teams also stems from pressure from the parents to see their kids do well and see a 'return for their money'. They then encourage the kids to drive aggressively and dangerously, attempting to intimidate other less experienced drivers.
I for one am not prepared to risk the safety of my lad just to get a plastic trophy and the associated 'bragging rights'.
Don't get me wrong - I want to see good, close racing and hard fought championships. I accept that there is an element of danger involved - as does my lad (and wife !!) What I do not want to see is dangerous and bullying behaviour on and off the track resulting in avoidable damage and above all avoidable injury to anyone's kids.
If we as parents can be more introspective or self-critical and behave in a way that encourages our kids to behave better on and off the track, then this can only be to the benefit of the sport. If one generation sets a good example, then the following generations are more likely to emulate this behaviour.
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