THEY say time flies when you’re having fun, and that is certainly the case for Rayleigh Karting as it celebrates its 25th year at the top of the podium.

Having opened its doors in 1992, the course on Brook Road Industrial Estate has gone from strength to strength ever since.

The 400 metre indoor track features fast straights, hairpin bends, plenty of chances to overtake and an over and under bridge – with fully trained race directors and marshals in place for racers safety.

And joint owner Dan Goodrich said he was thrilled to see the business going strong, a quarter of a century after his father Les opened it.

“My dad Les started it from nothing 25 years ago,” he said. “It used to be a Cash and Carry but he was interested in motorsport and it has grown ever since.

“He started it with his business partner Colin Tucker and now my brother Toby and I are in charge.

“We are very pleased and it certainly has done well. It was one of the first indoor tracks to open in the country and certainly in Essex.

“It was a new thing for many so it was a case of people coming here and just giving it a go. We have had so much repeat business and people come as often as every month.”

The adult karts (aged 17 and above) are fitted with Honda 200cc 4 stroke low emission petrol engines, with junior karts (between 10 and 16) boasting 120cc engines.

Children as young as 10-years-old can take to the track, and Goodrich believes that is part of the appeal.

“You can take part as long as you are at least 10-years-old,” he said. “It is a chance for those guys to taste this sort of thing for the first time. It caters for everyone over that age.

“It has always been popular for adult parties and stag-dos and on a busy Saturday we can get as many as 150 people through the doors.

“We are open until 10pm on Saturday so you can always make time for it as well.”

The course is offers a number of promotions in its 25th year, which can all be viewed on its website at essexkarting.co.uk.

Goodrich added the venue has a bright future, although he doubts whether it will pass down to his son.

“It can continue to thrive,” he said. “It is always busy and there are plenty of different people that want to try it.

“I have a son but it doesn’t interest him at all. He is good at it but I can’t see him taking it on.

“But you don’t need an interest in motorsport to enjoy it. You need no experience. It is good fun for everyone.”