Play Day Clinic Fun for Kids and Important for Parents

Hard to believe it’s that time of year already – the start of the Red Bluff Outlaws Winter Season. This year marks 36 consecutive years of running for the indoor kart series. It has been estimated that over those years over 5,000 drivers have raced at the famed bullring, not to mention all the pit crews, families, fans, curiosity seekers which must number in the tens and tens of thousands. It is no secret that the series and the promoters are fiercely proud of some of the alumni who have moved up and on into the top racing series in the world. NASCAR, World of Outlaws, USAC, Formula One, BCRA and so many more!!

It was the year 2006 when photographer and avid Outlaw Kart fan, Jack Waterman, decided to implement and sponsor a beginner’s clinic. Always scheduled for the Play Day of each new season, the Beginner’s Clinic has become an important mainstay for the series. Jack, working together with the officials and promoter created a curriculum that covered just about everything a beginner driver and their pit crew and parents need to know about indoor kart racing, and the Red Bluff Outlaw’s program and how the show is run.

A quick introduction of the staff and officials to the kids and family is followed up by a presentation of the racing flags, lights, hand-signals, racing etiquette, the basic rules of the track and an extended question and answer period where both kids and the parents are encouraged to ask questions about any and all aspects of the program. Following this up is a really fun track walk-around. The kids line up 2×2 and simulate a few laps of a race, walking the track and getting instructions for the officials. Each participant is then awarded a certificate of completion for the clinic – a proud moment in any young racer’s career. The smiles on the kids’ faces are echoed in the proud grins of the parents, grandparents and families.

The whole environment can be quite intimidating to kids and adults alike. But after attending the clinic kids will already be making friends; friendships which may last a lifetime. For the parents, the information they can gather will truly influence the entire racing career of their youngsters. It is of tantamount importance that parents “know the program” eliminating guesswork, or making mistakes which can jeopardize the budding careers of their racers. Questions about rules, guidelines, and what is expected from a responsible parent can all be found out at this important event. Families who are new to the sport should take note of the way the stars in the ranks comport themselves – there are reasons why most of them have been so successful – and it’s not always about driving skills, it is a combination of talent, good sportsmanship, camaraderie, and a willingness to follow rules, and help fellow racers.

The clinic is actually open to anyone, but we mainly encourage new drivers and drivers who have only run a season or so with us in the past to attend.

The clinic is fun, free and a great way to get an expert introduction to the greatest racing sport on earth!

2015/2016 Play Day Schedule;

Clinic is for anyone who would like to attend. We will cover the basics of racing at Red Bluff as they apply to the Beginner Box Class. All beginner racers will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the clinic.

Gates Open 10:00 am
Box Stock track wheel pack 12:00 – 12:30 Noon
Beginner Box Clinic 1:00 – 1:45 pm

Beginner Box Practice 2:00 – 2:30 pm
Beginner Box, Box Stock, 250 Int.  2:30 – 3:30 pm
Open, Sportsman Practice 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Play day fees:

Kart and Driver $10
Pit Pass $10.00
Season Pass Holders Free
Transponders $10.00