COFFS Harbour Kart Racing Club has hosted its biggest annual event over the long weekend.

The club hosted the Ian Brown Over 40s Titles over two big days of racing in one of the biggest motorsport events on the North Coast, which caters to the more experienced drivers aged 40 and over.

The event honoured the life of Ian Brown, who was an integral member of the Coffs Harbour Kart Racing Club over many years.

Previously named the Geoff King Motors Over 40s Titles, the event was renamed to honour the hard work and dedication of one of the club’s longest serving volunteers, Ian Brown, who passed away last year.

Winston Heywood was one of the local drivers to take part in this year’s event.

The 72-year-old is a veteran of the Over 40s Titles, having taken part over the last 20 years.

He said kart racing gave him a sporting outlet after years of playing other sports.

“I’m a sportsman, and I used to play Australian Rules football and tennis, but I stopped because of my crook back,” he said.

“And would you believe it? It’s the only one I can do now that doesn’t hurt my back.

“I’m an adrenaline junkie, and my whole family are speed nuts.”

The veteran driver said he looked forward to attending the Over 40s Titles each year.

“This is where people catch up, and we all know one another,” he said.

“We all catch up each year, and it’s like footy, you might fight like cats and dogs on the track, but you have a beer together after racing.”

The Coffs Harbour Kart Racing Club member fondly remembered the contributions of the man who the event was now named after.

“Ian was as honest as you can get, and he helped us get to where we are now with the maintenance of the track,” he said.

“He lived and breathed this go kart track, and the amount of work he did for the club was phenomenal, that’s his legacy.”

By Aiden BURGESS