Bermuda’s karting scene continues to grow — but this time it is the older generation getting behind the wheel.

With the junior classes expanding and with it the number of parents in the pit lane, this Sunday’s season-opener will begin with a few more wrinkles — and a few extra pounds — on the start line.

But this is no weekend cruise around the new spruced-up Rubis-sponsored Southside track, with the new LO206 Senior Class 40+ (local option) promising plenty of wheel-to-wheel action.

The sealed motor means everyone has the same equipment at their finger tips, putting emphasis on driving skills and race tactics.

“It’s inexpensive and the [engine] lock means you don’t have to worry too much about that,” Travis Lewis said, who will be one of up to seven drivers in the new class this Sunday.

“Just change the oil, pull start it and go.”

The club acquired five LO206 motors, which were snapped up in no time and more drivers have already signed up. Lewis hopes to have ten karts on the start line by Christmas.

“There are a lot of serious racers in the club,” Lewis adds. “This class is for the older guys who might have the incentive to get back into racing, or try it out, but who don’t want to race against the 17/18-year-olds.”

The motor, its accessories and built-ins have been adapted to Bermuda.

Lewis estimates costs as $1,300-$1,400 for the motor, with total costs around $3,500 including the cost of an old chassis.

The locked engine ensures consistent speeds of 48-52 mph throughout the class, meaning racing is tight.

“It’s also easy to police,” Lewis said. “If someone’s cheating, it’s obvious. We all have the same machine, which makes the racing better. It’s about who has the best race, not who has the best engine. The cream should rise to the top.”

He added: “The racing is close, we’re all at the same speed so it’s a test of driving. The racing is going to be cagey, with people waiting for someone to make a mistake.”

Shaun Burgess will also be battling for position this weekend and, like Lewis, has been drawn into the sport through his son.

Ryan Burgess and Corey Lewis will no doubt be sharing plenty of banter about how well, or otherwise, their fathers will perform.

“We both have sons who are into it,” Shaun said. “It’s a family day. We can have some fun as well — it’s something for us to do!

“This class is one of the fastest growing globally and we’ve had a lot of interest. There’s also guys who are waiting to see how we go before signing up.

“Ryan is excited because he’s going to be racing in front of us so he’s eager to see how fast he can lap me, which will be probably quite fast!”

Travis added: “Corey took the kart for a drive on Saturday and said it was a lot of fun but that I’ve got a lot of learning to do!”

The class will run alongside Bermuda Karting Club’s usual schedule and features 15 race days, three heats per day.

Anyone interested in the new LO206 Seniors class can e-mail tlew@logic.bm.

For more information on the season as a whole, go to www.bermudakartingclub.com or go to the club’s Facebook page.