It will be pedals to the metal come Sunday afternoon as the Go-Karting Grand Prix takes to the streets of Hamilton for the fourth time.

So far, 44 drivers have signalled their intention to compete in what president of the Bermuda Karting Association Delano Telford expects to be a keenly-contested event with trophies and "bragging rights" at stake. No regular season points will be awarded for the Grand Prix.

"I'm looking forward to this, especially the kids (race). This is a chance for them to show off to the public," said Telford.

Telford said the course had been modified slightly on recommendations from a street racing expert who the association brought in to evaluate the track and offer advice.

"Our emphasis is safety and, in addition to modifying the course, we are bringing in seven containers with bales of hay to line the streets," he explained.

Though the course has been set, the number of laps to be contested has not been determined. This will be decided on race day, depending on weather conditions and time constraints.

Telford said many of last year's winners would be defending their titles and there would also be the spectacle of some senior drivers behind the wheel. The oldest, "Pop" Chisnall, is over 65 years old.

Honours will be contested in five categories - 80cc Komer Class (for juniors aged 9-12); 100cc Yamaha Can Class (ages 12-14); 100cc Yamaha Light and Medium Class (ages 14-16); 100cc Open Class (age 16 and up) and 125cc Shifter Class (advanced drivers) - and the action begins at 12.30 p.m.

All those attending will have the opportunity to win several exciting prizes, including a go-kart, a 50cc scooter, fishing trips and golf green fees, by supporting the association's raffle which will be drawn at 6 p.m. at the Flag Pole.

Previous years have seen as many as 3,000 spectators line Front Street for the annual event.

This year's Grand Prix course is as follows: start/finish opposite No.1 Shed, turn left at the Ferry Terminal, around the Bank of Bermuda, left onto Pitts Bay Road, right onto Bermudiana Road, right at the Wok Restaurant, right onto Par-la-Ville Road, left onto Front Street, around the Bird Cage, down Front Street to A.S. Cooper's, then 180 degree turn back to the start/finish.