22/4/1948
Record updated 21-Apr-06
Martin has been a member of the RAC Technical Sporting Committees on Karting for 18 years, whilst also assisting the CIK/FIA in technical and sporting matters on two working groups over a ten year period.
He started in business in 1964 in partnership with his father in the firm of Zip Kart, they created one of the most established and respected names in the sport worldwide. Zip Kart pioneered the Superkart later to be known as Formula 'E' - and Martin worked with the CIK/FIA to take the sport to USA, South Africa, Australia and Europe. In 1983 he was, instrumental in setting up the first FIA World Championship for Formula 'E' Superkarts.
Zip Kart pioneered indoor karting back in the early 80's which has now spread worldwide. Then it was the Honda Twin Kart that Zip Kart pioneered, yet another class that is rapidly sweeping across the world.
Hines, the “Karting Guru” has always had the foresight to lead karting's technical advances from Superkarts, Indoor Karting and Corporate Karting, introducing Bridgestone tyres and finally creating a worldwide TV series. Martin Hines has introduced McLaren and Mercedes Benz into the sport of karting with the first ever national network TV series - 'The McLaren Mercedes Champions of the Future' series which enjoys a 14 million viewing audience as it is shown on the UK main channel at peak times. The aim of the series is to create a stage for tomorrow's FI Champions.
Such is Martin's versatility that he created the series, the format of the programmes and is in direct control at all events. His experience in kart racing has seen him be instrumental in the design and creation of International race circuits in virtually every corner of the world.
In 2002 Martin was awarded the prestigious Autocar 2002 Motorsport Achievement Award, pushing the previous winner in 2002, Michael Schumacher into second place. Martin received the award for his contribution over forty years to motorsport, his young driver programme, the development of the new Zip Formula entry level single seater and his incredible fifth FIA European Championship in 2002 after a nine year break from international racing.
Martin Hines has over three decades of International Kart Racing behind him, and during his career has won the following Championships which establishes him
as the World's most successful kart driver, and he still competes at the highest International level:
- FIA World Champion - 1983, 1991 ,1992
- FIA World Enduro Champion - 1986
- FIA World Cup - 1985
- Indoor World Champion - 1989
- FIA European Champion - 1969, 1977, 1986, 1993, 2002
- British Champion -1976, 1978,1984, 1985, 1986,1987