In the countryside along Highway 20 in Saint-Louis-de-Blandford, RSP Karting co-founders Samuel Pelletier and Maxime Plante will develop a multi-function center including a 100% electric outdoor karting track.

This project, which requires an investment of US$10 million, is expected to create up to 35 jobs, 18 of which will be in the first year of operation.

In founding RSP Karting, Samuel Pelletier teamed up with a longtime friend and racing driver, Maxime Plante, multiple Canadian Karting Champion and American Stock Car Champion.

“When I told him about the project, he went looking for him,” says Samuel in a telephone interview with www.lanouvelle.net. Especially with the aspect that we want to give, being as eco-friendly as possible, developing the ecology around motorsport and promoting the next generation by making young people discover the sport and those who want performance want to help to achieve the highest levels. »

The choice of location for the establishment of the RSP Karting Center is no coincidence. This is a strategic decision. “The land adjacent to Highway 20 offers excellent visibility. The location in Center-du-Québec is also strategic for accessibility,” says Samuel Pelletier.

RSP Karting therefore intends to offer a 1.3km outdoor course with 13 turns and several elevation changes. And it will be able to hold big competitions. “It won’t be a flat track,” he explains. There will be multiple ups and downs. It will be an interesting track, heavily inspired by European circuits. In accordance with the standards of the International Automobile Federation, our circuit is therefore able to host the Quebec and Canadian championships. »

The young promoters don’t skimp on safety, which is important to them, they assure us. “As in Formula 1, we will install technical barriers everywhere and not tires. These are specific obstacles in strategic locations, says Samuel Pelletier. There will also be clearances near the fastest corners to give drivers more room to negotiate the corner and get back on track in the event of an overrun. »

An electronic system manages all karts. “If there is an accident somewhere, all karts are automatically braked so that the employees can remove the affected karts. Then they will restart at the green flag. Everything is managed electronically, which greatly improves efficiency, speed and security for customers,” argues the co-founder.

A growing discipline

The practice of karting has been growing for years. Entering the scene of Quebec drivers at various levels of the motorsport world has certainly helped, notes Samuel Pelletier.

Given the growing interest in motorsport, the two directors of RSP Karting intend to develop a driving school and a sports study program in collaboration with the Center de Services Scolaire des Bois-Francs. “We want to contribute to the further development of the sport in Quebec and show that it is not so efficient because we drive with electric motors. The performance will be there,” says Samuel.

Open all year

If 100% electric karting already exists elsewhere, RSP Karting is still innovating. “Electric karting is only practiced indoors. Our big novelty is to offer it outdoors, with charging stations and longer range karts. The technology was developed in Europe, in Norway, under rather difficult conditions, similar to Canada,” emphasizes Mr. Pelletier.

Thus, the center will open its doors all year round, even in the winter season. “We can practice karting on snow. This is a goal we have aimed for with more efficient karts in winter and better autonomy, allowing for longer races for everyone. »

According to the promoters, a year-round center will also help to retain staff, who will therefore have a full-time position. “It will be beneficial to retain our employees and strengthen customer loyalty,” says Samuel Pelletier.

In addition to karting, the center must house a sports restaurant and bar, reception rooms, and a racing and golf simulator. “We can accommodate families, company events, trips with friends, among other things,” says the organizer.

Not to mention a camping project that shows up a little later in the plans, though not in the first year.

For example, the campsite would be used to help people at racing events. “For example, a Canadian championship attracts more than 230 drivers with trucks and trailers. It takes up space, observes Samuel Pelletier. And in the future we could also develop the campsite to offer it to the people who want to take advantage of a karting package with the campsite. »

This important project could see the light of day in a year. RSP Karting’s promoters are in talks with the successful contractor, Drummondville-based NGA Construction. “We are aiming for the end of summer 2024. We are initially considering a pre-opening about a month before the official opening,” concludes Samuel Pelletier.