Born in Leeds to Eric and Constance Hardy, Jim Hardy pursued chemistry at Leeds University before completing teacher training. In 1969 he accepted a post at Barclay School in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, where he would spend the next 28 years shaping young minds. While his classroom focus was the periodic table, his true passion lay beyond the laboratory – a love for speed, mechanics, and the camaraderie that motor sport can foster.
That same year he launched the school’s first karting team, turning an after-school pastime into a structured programme. The initiative was modest at first – a couple of second-hand karts, a makeshift track on a local field, and a handful of eager pupils. Yet Hardy’s vision was clear: to provide students with a safe environment where confidence, teamwork, and technical skills could be honed through the thrill of racing.
Creating a national framework for school motorsport
Hardy’s ambition quickly outgrew the confines of a single school. In 1971 he became a founding member of the National Schools Karting Association (NatSKA), an organisation designed to coordinate competitions, set safety standards, and promote karting as an educational tool across the UK. As a governance body, NatSKA organised regional and national events, offering schools a clear pathway to competitive racing without compromising pupil safety.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Jim acted as both company secretary and director of NatSKA, travelling weekends after school to attend meets in distant counties. His logistical expertise ensured that teams could field their karts, register for events, and receive the necessary insurance. More importantly, he championed the idea that success should be measured not just by podium finishes but by the personal growth of each participant.
The Barclay School karting programme: a community of mentors
Even after retiring from full-time teaching in 1997, Hardy remained the driving force behind the Barclay School karting squad. He was aided by volunteers such as colleague Colin Fenwick and a rotating roster of former pupils who returned as mentors. Together they cultivated an atmosphere where a child’s first lap could spark a lifelong passion.
Former students recount how the team became a refuge during difficult periods. One alumnus described slipping into a negative spiral before joining the squad; the structure, discipline, and friendships forged on the track helped redirect his path. For many, the most treasured memory was not a trophy but the wide grin that followed a maiden race – a testament to Hardy’s belief that enjoyment was the ultimate objective.
Recognition, personal life, and lasting influence
In 2022, Motorsport UK honoured Hardy with a long-service recognition award, acknowledging his half-century of grassroots contribution. The accolade highlighted his dual role as a company secretary and a charismatic mentor who kept the spirit of school karting alive.
Beyond the track, Hardy was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He married environmental scientist Sue Brosnan in 1986; together they raised two sons, Rob and the author of this tribute. His interests ranged from classical music and DIY projects to travelling with family, and he was known for a quick wit that endeared him to pupils and colleagues alike.Jim Hardy’s legacy endures in the countless karting alumni who now drive at national and international levels, and in the ongoing vitality of NatSKA’s programmes. His philosophy—prioritising confidence, skill development, and joy—continues to guide school motorsport initiatives across the country.
