“This is the closest thing to NASCAR we'll get around here.”
This statement was spoken by Clyde Ward Sr., the father of Clyde Ward II, of Carterville, who is operating go-kart races weekly at the Civil War Arena in Carthage this winter. What started as a family hobby three years ago has exploded into a popular, local weekend activity.
“You can do this cheaper than you can go to a movie,” Ward II said. “We just do it for the fun of it. It's all about the kids and the adults just fell into play.”
Go-karters of all ages have enjoyed the Fountain Raceway, which is located in Carterville, so much that the Ward family is leasing the local arena this winter to provide something fun for families.
“Everybody has a good time,” Ward II said. “There's no alcohol, at either track, no fighting and we have security.”
Racers range in ages from 5-year-old kids to slightly older kids of 66. One of these older kids is Gary Lee, 66, Carthage.
“I really enjoy it,” Lee said. “It's a lot of fun and less expensive than tractor-pulling.”
Lee started racing go-karts in the middle of last summer, and got his own go-kart with a trade of a box of Hot Wheels. With a smile Lee admitted he hasn't won too many races yet, but has run into the wall.
“That's part of learning though,” he said with a laugh.
To keep the racing fair, divisions are: kids 5-8 “rookies” and 9-14; then the older divisions go by weight. There are also divisions for women, “flathead briggs,” and unlimited – which is “you run what you brung.”
How did this all start? It's one of the Ward's favorite family stories.
Ward II created a go-kart track for his firstborn son, Clyde “C.J.” Ward III, who was six at the time.
“He just wanted to race something,” Ward II said of his son.
When C.J. got a go-kart, so did his cousins. It looked like fun, and soon other family members joined in – then friends – then friends of friends. And thus begun the Fountain Raceway.
The Fountain Raceway sits on 11 acres at 802 Fountain in Carterville. The track has at one time hosted 103 go-karts, which translates into approximately 350 people. C.J. is now 9 years old, and has a little brother, Clayton, who will turn three this month. Yes, he has a go-kart too.
