Life in the fast lane: OeTTINGER Brewery personnel development program supports Gotha PMC go-karting club
Gotha’s first go-karting club is a real family project: OeTTINGER employee Alexander Franz and his parents Heike and Thomas Franz have been real pillars of club life at PMC Gotha e.V. since it was founded in 2017. Together with the coach, Uwe Herrmann, they have been undaunted in confronting all the challenges that come with establishing a new club. In so doing, they have helped PMC find its place in the German go-karting world. Alexander Franz gets to the heart of their original motivation: “It soon became clear that it wouldn’t be easy! Nevertheless, we gave it our all, especially in our efforts to make go-karting appealing to kids.” Alexander Franz has now been awarded a total of EUR 800 from the quarterly personnel development program at OeTTINGER Brewery Gotha – and he is over the moon about it: “We will put the money towards a new go-kart.”
Go-karting – a hobby for young and old alike
The go-karting season usually starts in March and ends in September. During this time, training sessions at PMC Gotha are usually held every Saturday from 10am to 3pm – and sometimes even longer. New faces are always welcome, with all ages between 6 and 99 invited to try their hand. Training starts by setting out the cones and preparing the karts. While the engines are warming up, the drivers study the track. After this, the starting grid is organized, and the drivers have to complete the course as fast as they can without making any mistakes.
Three years of PMC Gotha e.V. – an interim report
The go-karting club PMC Gotha e.V. was founded three years ago by Alexander Franz, his parents Heike and Thomas and the go-karting coach Uwe Herrmann. Everyone involved put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the club. Alexander Franz explains his own involvement at the club: “I can’t say for certain how much time I dedicate to PMC. As my parents are also on the committee, a lot of the work also takes place at home around the dinner table.” He and his fellow volunteers do not let the many obstacles get in their way. After all, a fair amount of space is needed for a go-kart track. However, so far, the club has not been able to find its own dedicated training ground or a clubhouse for its members in Gotha. But as the old adage goes: when there’s a will, there’s a way. “We are able to train on the parking lot of my dad’s company and, for the time being, our clubhouse is in the garage at my parents’ house! We are always grateful when companies and individuals support us in ways like this.” Despite these tricky circumstances, the PMC was soon able to make its mark with some considerable successes. A delighted Alexander says: “Our greatest highlight was in 2018 when we hosted the final race of the German Championships. With the money, we were able to buy our first super kart, which was something we had dreamed about. Winning the competition for kids and young drivers organized by the Motorsport Federation of Thuringia in 2018 was a sign of our good work.” Moreover, the passionate racer has enjoyed his fair share of personal success too: In 2019, he achieved second place in both the individual and team rankings of the German Motor Sport Federation Championships.
Club life on and off the track
PMC Gotha has around 20 members and they are offered far more than just go-karting. For the younger members, for example, there is a camping trip with family. This is a chance for families to go hiking, fire up the barbecue and simply spend some quality time together. Experiences like these help to shape the club dynamic, foster team spirit and strengthen friendships away from the track. This year, the club is planning an overnight stay on the training ground, a summer festival and a Christmas party.
Three lucky winners of the personnel development program
This quarter, there were two other winners of the personnel development program at OeTTINGER Brewery Gotha: Nico Kästner and Mirko Wahl. Nico Kästner received EUR 900 for youth development at the football club SV Victoria Mechterstädt, while Mirko Wahl was presented with a check for EUR 800, which went to the “Spatzennest” kindergarten to buy a nest swing.
About the OeTTINGER personnel development program.
More projects supported through this program.
