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Putting Future Drivers on the Right Track with Toyota’s kartSTART Program

It’s crazy to think that in a few years my kids will be driving, but actually, it’s a fact.

That’s what intrigued me when I heard about Toyota’s kartSTART program.

Presented by Toyota and Russ Bond (retired professional racing driver), the program focuses on establishing a solid foundation for safe and responsible driving habits in a fun and exciting way for kids ages 10-16 by letting them learn the ropes in a vehicle just their size – a go kart!

It’s a national program that runs across Canada and this year for Quebec, will be in the Montreal Area (Autodrome) from August 8 to 11 in Saint Eustache, and the Trois-Rivières area August 15 to 17 in Saint-Célestin.

Offering a unique experience the whole family can benefit from, kartSTART allows kids to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle and establish concrete driving awareness and skills training well before they become licenced driver, setting a strong foundation for safe driving down the road.

“With distracted and impaired driving at an all-time high, and a lack of understanding of the true responsibility of operating a motor vehicle by young drivers, anything we can do to establish a strong foundation of responsible and safe driving habits in a fun way is beyond rewarding” notes Russ Bond.

Available as morning or afternoon sessions with lunch included and a maximum of 20 youth each to ensure personal attention, participants receive one-on-one instruction from professional kartSTART instructors in custom-built go-karts, covering off both practical hands-on driving tips and tricks as well as learning about car  care and proper maintenance.  Following their personal track time, the whole family can join in the fun with Mom and Dad testing out a variety of vehicles on the Toyota Safety Track.

Participation in the program includes a professional Racing Kart, qualified instructors, safety equipment, the use of a racing suit to really get them looking the part, lunch and the opportunity for the family to join in the fun with parents getting a turn to race around the track in a range of vehicles.

Check out the video below to see it in action:

How cool is that?

 My favourite line:

“What happens when you go into a corner too fast? And trust me, I’d much rather you find out in our Go Karts that you do in your parents’ car when you turn 16”

Ummmmm…… YEAH!

The price point is just $79+ applicable taxes per participant  and montrealmom.com readers can benefit from an incredible $20 discount – meaning $59 (+taxes) per participant!

Here is a list of the upcoming sessions.  (I am  including those not in the Montreal Area as some of you living in Ontario & the Maritimes may still be interested!)

•           Hamilton/Guelph Area – Flamboro Speedway, July 25 to 28 – Millgrove, ON

•           Toronto Area – Sunset Speedway, August 2 to 5 – Innisfil, ON

•           Montreal Area – Autodrome, August 8 to 11 – Saint Eustache, Québec

•           Trois-Rivières – SC Performance, August 15 to 17 – Saint-Célestin, Québec

•           Moncton Area – Champlain Motorsports Park, August 21 to 23– Dieppe, NB

•           Halifax Area – Scotia Speedworld, August 28 to 30 – Goffs, NS

I will be going with one of my kids while the others are in day camp ( Of course they ALL wanted to go, but they couldn’t all skip a day of CIT duties 🙁  )

I’m guessing that if your kids are available, they would LOVE to spend the day this way. Plus, it’s got to be a good thing for them to come out of the experience more aware about how cars function, as well as with a clearer understanding of what it means to be safe & responsible on the road 🙂

I suggest reserving your spot(s) ASAP because space is limited.  You can register online at: kartstart.ca . In order to benefit from the $20 discount, be sure to enter KSMontrealMom as your COUPON CODE when registering 🙂

See you on the track!

Tanya

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