THE Raceway in Oldbury has been bought by national karting company Teamsport and will reopen this week after a refurbishment.

The Park Lane Industrial Estate karting track has been rebranded Teamsport Birmingham, despite not being in the city, and is now the biggest in the Midlands.

TeamSport opened their first track in 1990 and now have 11 across the UK and are the biggest karting operator in the country.

TeamSport managing director Dom Gaynor said: “Karting is the most driving fun you can have off the pro circuit. We’re looking to put a bit of gloss on the product.

"In recent years TeamSport has continued to expand and has seen its tracks frequented by the likes of boy-band One Direction and Olympic diver Tom Daley, as well as F1 stars Mark Webber and Damon Hill."

He added: "The track itself is indoors and spans over 1000m and following TeamSport’s aim of offering a premium karting experience it boasts the largest section of elevated track in the UK and has an average lap time of one minute one second."

All drivers will wear F1-style race suits and race in go-karts that can reach speeds of up to 40mph.

As well as increasing the popularity of go karting, TeamSport are keen to nurture and support new racing talent as most of F1’s current drivers started on the karting circuit.

They frequently hold local and national grand prix competitions and run their own karting club which anybody can become a member.

For more information visit www.team-sport.co.uk/birmingham.