A nine-year-old go-karting enthusiast has written a letter to The Royal Gazette asking for help in finding a new track to continue his hobby.

Shane Robinson Madeiros, an avid racer along with his father, Mr. John Madeiros, has not been racing this past year.

After winding down of the Base began in December officials at the Naval Annex in Southampton ordered the Karting Association off the property and as yet the association has not been able to find an alternative site.

Shane has sent a letter to Minister of Management and Technology, the Hon. Dr.

Grant Gibbons asking him for his help in the matter but up to this point hasn't received any response.

The land, which in September moves into Government's hands, is still officially controlled by the Military and according to a spokesman, the site is not being used because of problems with security.

The Bermuda Karting Association along with other local sporting associations are trying to get Government support in regard to the future use of the Base.

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In the meantime young Shane and his parents Mr. John Madeiros and Ms Vicki Robinson are very upset at the fact that they can't find a temporary spot to continue the activity.

" Go-karting is a very inexpensive sport and Shane and his dad spent a lot of quality time together racing,'' said Mrs. Robinson.

"Shane does not understand why we can't race anymore''. Mr. Madeiros said.

"What it really comes down to is trying to explain to a nine-year-old why he can no longer do something he loves which I find is intolerable''.

The area that was formally used by the go-karters at the base was about 600 square feet long, encompassing a quarter of an acre.

Shane and his sisters Tania and Jaclyn only want one thing, and that is to race their cars, which are gathering dust at home in their father's garage, said Shane.

Mr. Madeiros said he did not think Bermuda needed another golf course, but insisted the Island needed some kind of family spectator activity to keep children off the streets.

"Right now the kids are at home getting underfoot on the weekends,'' he said.