RENFREWSHIRE’S new leisure and learning arena is on track for a prestigious accolade at the Sport Business Innovation Awards in Glasgow.

The Experience, home to Scotland’s only E-Karting venue, is in the running for the Transformative Innovation Award.

Since opening, the Karting With a Conscience programme has given accessibility to those who have traditionally been excluded from motor sports.

Karting With a Conscience allows people with limited mobility, learning difficulties or who require other support to take part through the use of four tandem karts and a specially designed side-by-side ride on a kart. All karts are driven by a dedicated crew member, and enhanced toilet facilities and changing rooms help support this group of special individuals to enable their enjoyment of this sport.

The Experience is part of the Kibbleworks Group and is based in Hillington Park.

It helps young people aged between 16 and 29 to gain training and employment.

This includes looked-after children, care leavers, unqualified school leavers and young people leaving secure care.

Karting With a Conscience co-ordinator Bobby Boyd said: “I am very proud of the fact that since this new programme was launched in November 2014, we have built to over 80 user sessions every month.

“Those taking part have ranged in age from six to 60. Accessibility to motor sports and karting in particular has been traditionally restrictive for some people with disabilities.”

Organised by Sporting Chance Initiative in Stirling, the theme of this year’s Sports Business Innovation Awards is triumph over setbacks and obstacles.

David Sherman, organiser of the awards said: “Every sports business faces these hurdles, but only the very best and brightest triumph and repeatedly show the world that they will work, evolve and innovate until they’ve reached their goals.”

A Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Van Phillips, the inventor of Flex Foot technology, on May 19 at Glasgow Science Centre.