Itake my seat behind the wheel, ready for the drive of my life.

Then reality kicks in. My wheels aren’t the fastest on the planet, far from it.

The Honda 160cc single engine kart I’m about to manoeuvre into pole position at Bradford Kart Racing has an average top speed of 49mph – hardly sufficient torque to rival a Nissan Micra!

But let’s not forget that motorsport supremo Lewis Hamilton made his driving debut on a go kart track and look at him now!

I’m under no illusion that my lap time – if I manage to top 5mph – will lead to a career in motorsport. I’ve got Biro, not four stroke, running through my veins, but for a girl I am a bit of a ‘petrolhead’ so it’s an appropriate sport to try and it should be an entertaining experience – for the spectators!

Suited in overalls and briefed on safety, I listen intently to Aarron Brown, manager of Bradford Kart Racing, as he explains the controls and operation of my kart.

I discover it’s actually quite simple; there are two controls, a brake and an accelerator to stop and go. What does take some getting used to is the fact I’m sitting less than an inch above the floor. At least I don’t have far to fall!

They may look lightweight, but each kart is surprisingly weighty. Its steel frame is wrapped in huge plastic bumpers – what a Godsend! I jest that it’s a bit like a dodgem until I spot the notice warning drivers about this ‘non-contact sport’!

Aarron shows me how to get in and, more importantly, where to stand so I don’t interfere with the steering rack. He tells me to feel the back of my seat and ease myself in.

Then he demonstrates how to switch it on. The ignition is actually a pull chord.

I’m anxious that when I press the pedal it will run away, but my idea of steady was standing still in the pit lane. Aarron motions for me to apply more pressure to my accelerator to get me going.

Spotting a partially-thawed icy stretch along the pit lane, I crawl along cautiously with kart ace, David Liu, following up the rear ready to overtake and guide me around the course.

Motor mechanic David and a business partner ran the Bradford track for three years before selling it earlier this year to the charity Pit Stop 2000 based in Elland, Halifax.

Pit Stop 2000 is a West Yorkshire-wide organisation set up in 1991 by youth workers Adrian Woods (recently awarded an MBE for services to disadvantaged young people and children) and Paul Craft, to offer stimulating and fun learning opportunities for children and young people from all walks of life.

Activities range from outdoor pursuits such as canoeing, gorge walking and rock climbing to go-karting, kart maintenance, woodwork and environmental projects.

David was already into karting before taking over the track. He held the title of PFI karting champ for two years, so I know I’m in capable hands.

Casting a glance over my shoulder as I emerge from the pit lane on to the 700-metre long track (there’s no-one else on the track but it’s habit to look both ways!), I gently press the accelerator finding my feet in unfamiliar territory.

The first lap I spend getting used to having just two pedals to co-ordinate and relive the days of driving without power steering!

I watch David skilfully weaving around the bends as he graciously guides me round the track which, interestingly, was previously the site of Bradford skid pan and, I’m told, predominantly used for buses.

By my second lap, my confidence has increased to the extent where I briefly toy with the idea of over-taking but I can’t. He isn’t my competitor and this isn’t a dodgem – as the notice reminds me.

David wouldn’t thank me for re-bounding off his bumper. I’m conscious these cars are someone else’s property and I’m determined they would be returned in one piece.

But I’m battling with that – and with our photographer mouthing at me from the track side that I’m not going fast enough for his action shot!

I admit a part of me wants to thrash it, but then the sensible side kicks in – as it usually does – and I think that, if I did, there’s a chance I’d crash. I think I’m doing a reasonable speed, but obviously to the male spectators I’m merely ambling round.

I try to follow David’s lead as he swiftly and skilfully manoeuvre the bends. I speed along with good intention, holding tight on the bends, then caution creeps in and I end up lightly touching the brake – I’ve never been a risk-taker – reducing my pace and prolonging my lap time, but I’m in one piece.

By my third lap, I’m determined to hammer it. My heart races, but like a wimp I repeat my previous performance, only this time ploughing straight through a puddle, the spray peppering my face which is only partially covered with my visor. But what an exhilarating experience! I don’t want to stop. It is the most fun I’ve had in the fresh air since dry stone walling and I can’t wait to go back!

And in case you’re interested, the track computer recorded my fastest time of 0.54.96. It’s not bad for a cautious beginner!

If you fancy having a go at kart racing or to find out more about the packages and prices available, contact Bradford Kart Racing on (01274) 309455 or email bradfordkartracing@msn.com. The venue also caters for corporate events and special occasions. There are facilities for people with disabilities too.