Kart racer Max Laybutt is still loving life in the fast lane

ANYONE who subscribes to the theory karting is a sport simply for kids believes in a myth 73-year-old Max Laybutt is going a long way to debunking this weekend in Orange.

The Orange Kart Club yesterday began preparation for the 2014 Tony Leahey Motor Group Newman’s South Pacific Titles, an event that has brought more than 200 entries.

Laybutt, and the 57 years experience he boasts, plans on “whipping the socks” off the opposition, beginning today.

“You can bet on it,” Laybutt smiled.

“Back me each end.”

The former Condobolin resident is one of the founding fathers of karting in Australia, having been part of the opening kart meeting in Australia in 1959-60 in the central west.

“It was the first meeting in Australia, and we’re pretty proud of that,” Laybutt continued.

“And that’s where the movement started.”

His involvement in the sport stems from an unwavering interest in mechanics.

“Karting started in Australia in 59-60, and I was there at the beginning,” he said.

“We kept getting a lot of stuff out from America, articles and so forth, and I always wanted to be an engineer, so I figured it all fit together. 

“I’m interesting in the sport.”

And today that interest will wholly and solely revolve around racing in the national super heavy class.

“Which means well fed, older drivers,” he laughed.

“But who cares ... we have as much fun as the guys in any sport, and that particular class gives us a chance to stay in it and stay alive.”

Laybutt is expecting some extremely fast racing in all classes on a track he says is capable of producing speeds “10 per cent quicker than anywhere else”.

“In my class, we’re probably doing anywhere between 110 to 115 kilometres per hour on the loop ... but the big boys will do up to 140km per hour,” he added.

“There’s some good names here. This festival here is always a big meeting. I was here at the original meeting at the short track ... Orange has always been a soft spot for everyone, and for this many to turn up at a revival of the south backs is a credit to the club.

“It’s fabulous. Orange has been suffering a little bit over the years, and I think (this weekend) is showing the support.”