IKD & IKC CONFIRM 'BLUE DATTO' ENDURO 2019

IKD and Ipswich Kart Club (IKC) are extremely proud to be announcing our first ever, charity endurance race weekend which will take place at Ipswich Kart Club on November 29 & 30. Together IKD and IKC look forward to the opportunity to raise money for The Blue Datto Foundation and create awareness for what is a very important charity. With Supercars Drivers already confirmed this an event not to be missed.

Sadly, our nation and communities have become complacent about road safety. We accept fatalities and injuries as ‘normal’ consequences of road use and hope that it doesn’t directly impact those closest to us.  Statistics reveal that young drivers (18-25 yo) arfour times more likely to be involved in serious or fatal crashes. This highlights the need to ensure our future generation are educated and empowered to make the right choices as both a driver and passenger.

Blue Datto is a registered charity that is committed to providing road safety education for young adults to reduce the incidence and impact of road trauma in our community. The Foundation was co-founded by Colleen Vassallo, who lost her 17-year-old son Philip (known as ‘the kid in the Blue Datto’) in a crash in 2014.

‘’Driving is one of the most dangerous things you have to do in your life, and we have to do it every day, so you need to keep yourself and others around you safe.’’ Ms Vassallo said.  “There’s nothing more important than protecting our young people, so the Blue Datto Enduro will help us raise awareness and vital funds to deliver our life-saving Keeping Safe® road safety education program to at risk youth.  Support from organisations such as International Karting & Ipswich Kart Club is vital, and we’re so grateful for their contribution to assist Blue Datto Foundation ensure that other families don’t experience the heartache and devastation of losing a child.”  “It’s never too early to start the conversation, as parents, guardians, older brothers and sisters of young drivers and passengers have the most potential to positively influence young people’s attitudes towards road” Ms Vassallo added.

The Blue Datto foundation is close to heart for Rotax Pro Tour coordinator, Maddie Black who was a friend of ‘The Kid in the Blue Datto’. “Being allowed the opportunity by Colleen (Phil’s Mum) & Community Engagement Manager, Michelle Burman to coordinate and fundraise with an event such as this under the Blue Datto name is truly special and I am excited to see what will transpire” said Maddie.

The prize pool has been increasing over the last few weeks and we are ecstatic to announce that the prize pool for Senior Max alone is $10,000 in CASH thanks to Ipswich Kart Club.
Prizes for all other classes are currently being compiled but so far we can announce a Rotax Engine, Lucky Design Helmet and Intrepid Kart are all on offer.

The Ipswich Kart Club will also host the annual presentation night on Saturday 30th November at the conclusion of our Enduro race weekend. A jumping castle, bucking bull and live band will all form part of the track-side party action, however this year will see the addition of our charity auction! Stay tuned to see what items will be going under the hammer. 

More details including Supplementary Regulations will be made available closer to the event. We hope to see as many of you there as possible for what is set to be a truly incredible event.