Today, Thursday, the ACO presented the two new highlights of its already-packed programme of events in 2012. In summer, work will begin on a new international Kart Complex and from 28-30 September the ACO Festival will take place for the first time.

A new boost for karting

This year, the ACO is launching two major projects in addition to its usual activities including the 80th Le Mans 24 Hours. In chronological order the new complex dedicated to karts was presented during the press conference held today, Thursday 22nd March, as work will get under way this summer. The aim is to develop leisure kart activities and kart racing and a big project involving the modernisation of the current infrastructures and the creation of new ones was launched in September 2010. A new kart track dedicated to racing will be built beside the current Alain Prost circuit, as well as a large modern building to welcome participants/guests etc. Presided by Pierre Fillon the ASK ACO, an integral part of the ACO since 2009, will have the resources to fulfill its ambitions to enhance the aura of top-level kart racing on a worldwide basis, while giving amateurs the opportunity to take part in leisure kart activities in a completely new environment: “By offering motor sport enthusiasts a multi-activity complex mainly dedicated to karting,” explains Vincent Beaumesnuil, the ACO Sports Manager, “we’re creating the final rung on the competition ladder to endurance, which will allow everybody to discover the thrills of driving in a modern, safe and inexpensive environment.”

Pierre Fillon, ASK ACO President and ACO Vice President: “Since karting became a part of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest in 2009, our aim has been to restore this fundamental branch of motor sport to its former glory. There would be no champions without kart schools. This is why the ACO is fully involved in the creation of this new complex, a modern and efficient tool without equal in Europe dedicated to top-class training, top-level international racing as well as enabling people to enjoy an increasingly popular leisure activity.”

The ACO puts on its show!

Karting will also be at the centre of a new event that will take place between 28-30 September, called the ACO Festival held at the same time as the twenty-seventh Le Mans 24 Hours for Karts. The ACO wants to bring all its members together in a convivial ambience over a weekend to present its activities and know-how. On this big occasion numerous events will be organized inside the Le Mans 24-Hours circuit. Demonstrations and shows for motor bikes, cars and trucks will take place on the Bugatti circuit and parades, runs and track baptisms on the Maison Blanche track. There will be different forms of entertainment in the village, and a concert will be held on Saturday evening followed by a fireworks display. During these three days of festive activities the Automobile Club de l’Ouest will present all aspects of its services - from training to driving, from driving schools to the organisation of major motor sport events as well as congresses and seminars in a site that is unique in the world.

Frédéric Henri Biabaud, the organiser of the Festival explains: “Its aim is to be entertaining and informative and highlight the values and know-how of the club in the domains of sport, training, safety and the organisation of major events. This big festival will provide a unique opportunity to bring all our members together so they can let their families, their friends and their professional relations know about their club, and explain to them all the services that the ACO provides for its members.”

Jean-Claude Plassart, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “By creating the three-day open house ACO Festival our aim is to give our members the opportunity to discover all the aspects that make the Automobile Club de l’Ouest such a special one. Since it was founded in 1906 all the ACO’s members and beneficiaries have always been at the heart of the preoccupations of the people in charge and the directors. This is their Festival. Not only to enjoy the spectacle of all the prestigious events and other forms of varied and innovative entertainment that it’s possible to organise on our circuits, but also and above all to be the main actors. Our club wouldn’t exist without its members. This ACO Festival is living proof of this.”