Manitoba Karting Association (Gimli Motorsports Park)
About Manitoba Karting Association (Gimli Motorsports Park)
The Manitoba Karting Association (MKA) is the heartbeat of motorsport in the province. Located at the historic Gimli Motorsports Park (approx. 75km north of Winnipeg), this is not your typical "arrive and drive" amusement track. It is a non-profit, member-run club dedicated to pure, competitive kart racing. The facility features a fast and technical 1,000-meter outdoor asphalt circuit that hosts the official Manitoba Karting Championship. If you are looking to move beyond rental karts and start a real racing career—or if you simply want to watch high-level racing—this is the place to be. The track shares grounds with a drag strip and road course, creating a true motorsport village atmosphere on race weekends.
Activities
Detailed guide
The Track Layout
The MKA circuit is a serious test of driver ability. Measuring 1,000 meters (1km), it is wide enough to facilitate clean overtaking but technical enough to punish small mistakes. The club typically runs two primary configurations:
- National Setup (Counter-Clockwise): The standard layout featuring fast sweeping corners and heavy braking zones.
- Reverse Layout (Clockwise): Runs in the opposite direction, offering a completely different rhythm and challenge for drivers. The surface is well-maintained competition asphalt, ensuring high grip for the high-performance slick tires used by club members.
The Karts & Classes
Unlike commercial tracks that rent karts to the public daily, MKA is for owner-drivers who have their own equipment. The grid is split into various classes based on age and engine type:
- Briggs & Stratton (4-Stroke): The most popular entry-level class. These karts are reliable, affordable, and emphasize smooth driving lines over raw horsepower.
- Rotax Max (2-Stroke): High-performance engines capable of speeds exceeding 100kph. These require more physical strength and reflex speed.
- Ages: Classes range from Kid Kart (Ages 5-7) and Junior 1 & 2 (Ages 8-15) up to Senior (15+) and Masters.
Public Access: The "Kart Now!" Program While MKA does not offer daily "walk-in" rentals for parties, they do run a specific introduction program called "Kart Now!". This is a scheduled racing school designed for beginners (ages 5+) who want to try the sport before buying a kart. The club provides the kart, safety gear, and instruction for these specific sessions. It is the perfect gateway into the world of motorsport.
Facilities & Vibe
As a volunteer-run club track, the facilities are functional and focused on racing.
- Paddock: A large paved area where teams set up their trailers and work on karts between heats.
- Storage: Secure storage units (sea cans) are available for members to store karts at the track.
- Camping: On race weekends, many families camp at the track, fostering a strong community spirit.
- Food: There is no permanent restaurant on-site. Racers typically bring their own food, though food trucks or concessions may be available during major spectator events.
