WHO needs Silverstone, when there’s a thrill-filled racing track right here in Bradford?

Invited to try the adrenaline-fuelled fun at TeamSport’s recently opened indoor go-karting track at Bradford’s Beckside Business Park, I took some keen young racers along to sample the 580m of G-force bends, multi-levels, super fast straights and heart-thumping ramps.

TeamSport offers karting sessions for both seasoned pros and beginners. It’s a great way of improving skills, either as an individual or in a group, or just battling it out with friends for fun. And if you’re taking to the track for the first time, you can get some laps under your belt, set a personal best and have a ton of fun in the process.

We spent a Sunday morning there, and my nephews Sam, 17, and Jack, 16, and their friends Nik and Oli, both 15, enjoyed a 30-minute session, split into two. Sam had been to the TeamSport track in Leeds, but the other boys were new to go-karting, and eager to give it a go.

Following a safety briefing, they headed out onto the track from the pits, and, after strapping on their crash helmets, they were each allocated a petrol-fuelled go-kart. Suddenly they were off, heading out one after another, making their way around the track and up and down ramps.

It felt thrilling just to watch from the sidelines. My sister and I sat in the spectators’ enclosure, clutching mugs of coffee we’d brought out from the spacious cafe overlooking the track.

We watched out for the boys as they roared past us, racing around the track at speeds of up to 40mph. We could just about identify them by the numbers on their go-karts, and the whites of their eyes, as they sped past.

After the first 15-minute session they headed back to the ‘pit’ for a half-time break and briefing - and to find out who had the fastest lap time. Each driver was given a printed copy of the lap times and Jack was thrilled to find he’d come first (with his somewhat disgruntled older brother coming in just behind him in second place).

The competition - and sibling rivalry - had notched up a gear as the boys returned to the track for the second session.

They were having a blast, it looked like great fun. I’d be tempted to have a go myself next time!

I was impressed with the professionalism and efficiency of the staff on the track. The safety of drivers is their priority, and the boys were all briefed on how to do it responsibly. They were told what the lights and flags around the track meant - yellow for slow down and no overtaking, green for normal speed and red for stop - and they enjoyed the thrill of putting their new skills into practice.

After their session was up (they shared each session with four other boys) it was time for the lap times - and it turned out Jack had won again, much to Sam’s dismay...

The boys loved their time on the track, and were already planning their next visit before they’d even taken their balaclavas off. They enjoyed the speed of the go-karts, and the freedom of making their own way around the track.

“It was really cool, especially the straight runs - you can just go for it,” said Jack. “And it was good to get the briefing so we knew about all the safety.”

TeamSport offers a range of sessions - including family, corporate and junior track days and birthday parties. Family sessions include specially-designed Cadet Karts for over-eights. With guidance from the team of experts, drivers of various ages and abilities can enjoy the thrills and spills of karting, safe in the knowledge that they’re racing in a controlled, professional environment.

It’s a thrill too to simply watch the kids from the grandstand, and take photographs to remember you day.

On the morning of our visit the karters included some young men brushing up their skills and a birthday group of youngsters taking to the track for the first time.

The track also offers an alternative to stag and hen parties, swapping tattoos for trophies and high heels for helmets.

You can put your skills to the test in the ultimate ‘Le Mans style race’, or upstage your best man in a bid to claim the Grand Prix crown. With pizza served in the cafe, you can make a day or night of it.

More experienced drivers can sign up for TeamSport’s #GRID Membership, with access to monthly race meetings and annual championship.

It’s a thrilling day out, and for our boys it was a great introduction to karting. Friendly, efficient staff put us at ease from the moment we walked in, and the boys had an adrenaline-fuelled taster of a day in the life of a racing driver.

l TeamSport Go Karting Bradford is at Units 1 and 2, Beckside Business Park, Beckside Road, Bradford. Call (01252) 732300 or visit team-sport.co.uk/go-karting-bradford/

The go-karting events are suitable for ages eight-plus in a cadet kart or 130plus in an adults kart.