Indoor Go Kart Racing Near Me – Find an Indoor Track
Indoor go kart tracks are a lot of fun. The tracks are challenging with multiple turns, year round racing, and offer some great additional features like digital display leaderboards. Safety standards vary a bit from state to state, but generally follow basic requirements for helmets, closed toed shoes, and personal restrictions around age, height, and body weight. These places are open year round and are great for racing with friends, birthday parties, and corporate events. Below I will show where to find the closest Indoor race tracks, how the Indoor go kart racing near me operates, and other details regarding indoor kart racing.
Indoor Go Kart Racing Near Me – Track Locator
The map below shows “Indoor Go Kart Racing Near Me” and “Indoor Go Kart Tracks Near Me”. These local listings should be available in all weather and year-round. You can adjust the map controls for different results…
If you only see a small number of indoor tracks, zoom out the map to see slightly further out in your locale. Alternatively, you can look for “go kart tracks near me“, which will display, both the indoor and outdoor tracks in your local area.
Most places that have indoor tracks are exclusive go karting businesses with some additional perks like axe throwing or video games. You may see some common big box brand karting tracks in your vicinity such as Autobahn Indoor Speedway and K1 Speed. These are two very popular indoor track franchises.
These places are open year-round and are great for racing with friends, groups, birthday parties, and corporate events. Below I will show where to find the closest Indoor race tracks, how the Indoor go kart racing near me operates, and other details regarding indoor kart racing.
What to Expect When Going Karting Indoors
Karting is a motorsport where small electric motor vehicles with open wheels are driven through a course in a competitive race. There are different styles of competitive races and each location and team may run various types of events. Events can last for a duration of time or a duration of laps.
Racing is eligible for anyone who meets the age, height, and weight limits required by the establishment. Anyone who races karts must also comply with all the safety standards required by the state.
Indoor Operation Changes Due to COVID-19
Most indoor go karting places that are reopening are putting extra sanitation in place. This includes sanitizing the helmets and the karts between races. They are also changing how they book. You will have more reservation options to try and book races with a group of friends. This is to limit the exposure of germs with people whom are not in your group. Also all of the workers who strap you into karts and help officiate the race should be wearing masks and gloves. This i s because they may need to help you strap in or step on the track to separate two crashed karts.
You should call ahead to the indoor track and find out how they are booking during COVID and what is being done to protect you. At the indoor go kart racing places near me you actually can only come with an advanced reservation date.
Indoor Electric Go Karts
Indoor go karts are often slightly slower than outdoor karts. They will run on an electric motor and feature a racing seat belt harness, steering wheel, throttle, and brake pedal. They do not shift or change gears.
Each kart will feature side bumpers to protect the driver, chassis, and tires. Some karts will have smaller motors that limit their speed and others may have a governor to limit their speed. Speed is often a point of contention because it is considered when the establishment takes out its liability insurance for the next corporate event.
Speed of The Kart
At the indoor go kart racing near me, typical speed ranges from 30 to 45 mph. Even if a kart can hit 45 mph, there are sometimes limitations of the track that prevent the kart from ever reaching max speed.
Despite the speed limitations of the track, the karts are electric, so they do accelerate really quickly with instant power when you hit the throttle. Stepping on the throttle and brake simultaneously cause some styles of karts to stop.
Some tracks feature lower speed which may allow for racing with no helmets. There are also a few tracks that have modified karts where two people can sit such as a parent and a child. At most places and for most karts it is one person per kart.
Adjustable Seats
Depending on the brand of the kart will dictate the size. Autobahn Speedway for example uses an Italian-made electric kart. I’m 6’1 and can fit, but my knees shoot out to the sides of the steering wheel. It can comfortably fit most people between 5 and 6 feet tall.
There is a device for seat adjustment. For tall people, as long as your body parts are within the kart you are good to race. For short people, you must be able to reach the pedals with the seat at its forwardmost position.
The Indoor Track
Indoor tracks are characterized as being a bit narrow, having shorter straights, tightly compound layouts, and lots of turns compared to outdoor tracks. Every part of the track will have a large bumper border to protect drivers from going out of bounds or into the parts of the track. You will find a large variety of turn types from sweeping arches to tight hair pins to chicanes.
The amount of turns present on most indoor tracks is what prevents indoor karts from reaching max speed. The straightaways are short and the constant turning of the wheels keeps the overall racing speed less than the maximum potential speed the kart can go. The amount of turns is often because an indoor track needs to be compressed into the confines of a building. The key to victory at indoor karting is being consistent in the turns and nailing your turn exits!
While max speed is a drawback, the benefits of indoor karting are many. Since you are indoors you can race year round, weather is never a problem, and you have indoor lighting for racing late. Generally speaking since karts are slower and track conditions are always dry and well-light, indoor racing tends to be a bit more safe than outside courses.
Indoor Go Kart Tracks Feature Two Kinds of Racing
At indoor go kart tracks, you will normally see two standards of competition: first to finish and/or fastest lap.
First to Finish: This is your typical Nascar or Formula One-style race. All the karts are set up simultaneously on a starting grid. The race begins when the track official waves the green flag and the race ends when the checkered flag is waived. The winner is determined by whoever is first at the end of a set number of laps or a set number of minutes. These races are a lot of fun, but you are subject to getting banged around, a higher probability of accidents, and if you start out last on the grid it’s really hard to win.
Fastest Lap: In this style of race multiple karts are on the track simultaneously except they begin at staggered start times. Here your objective is to complete the set number of laps or perform for a set number of minutes and record the absolute fastest lap time from the start line to the finish line possible. This style of race gives you more room to maneuver your kart and helps you learn how to maximize the full scope of the track and the abilities of the kart.
What Can I do to Win?
Executing a winning strategy isn’t easy if you are new to racing. I would suggest reading the following articles on our site: The Advanced Racing Line, Passing Like a Pro, and Advanced Turning Techniques. At a minimum be familiar with the concepts prior to race day. Here are a few super basic things to think about for a first-time racer looking to be competitive…
- Don’t get disqualified, you can’t win if you don’t finish. Know the rules and know what the flags mean.
- Try and find the racing line which is the way around the track with a minimal amount of steering input.
- Don’t drift the kart. drifting is slow and the tires are made to have a high grip.
- At Indoor tracks cornering is critical. Break late, corner smooth into the mid-apex, jump on the accelerator and go wide on the track.
- The most important turn is the one before the longest straight on the track.
- On turn exit get your wheels pointed straight as fast as you can. The more you drive with your wheels straight and your foot on the floor, the faster your lap time will be.
- A corner exit is more important than a corner entry. If you turn to early concentrate and correct the turn for a smooth exit.
- The more you break, the slower you are…stay off the break and on the throttle as much as you can.
- Focus only on yourself, don’t get caught up in winning or losing. Just focus on racing and see where you end up.
- When you are ready to pass, do it on the inside, give a little bump if you must.
Review Your Post Race Data
Learning from your mistakes is one of the keys to getting faster. After a race, many places will offer you a data sheet that will show your lap times compared to the others in your race. Some will even show a trend of your times from lap to lap so you can see how you progressed through the race. If you are serious about karting, you should save it and compete against your times the next time you race,
Can I Wear a Go Pro Camera?
Some places allow this, while others don’t. It all boils down to safety and lawsuits. If the track deems these cameras to cause unsafe driving behavior they will have rules that prevent it. Some places don’t want the extra insurance liability that may come from having unsafe conditions caught on camera. Eliminating GO Pros is one way of doing that.
Is the Indoor Go Kart Racing Near Me Safe?
Local Indoor go kart racing is safe as long as your wear a helmet, and seat belt, and follow the rules. I would advise taking your time to properly fit your helmet. Additionally don’t wear hooded sweatshirts, loose fitting clothes, or open-toed shoes or flip-flops.
There will be a race referee present every night who will regulate the race with flags and a whistle to warn you of accidents on the track. Keep your eye out every night for this person, because they are the one who can see the whole track and keep you aware of safety situations.
Each indoor track facility may have state-specific regulations for safety as well as for height, weight, and age restrictions. If you plan on renting go karts it’s best to call ahead and make sure you are within the requirements.
How Much Does It Cost Race?
Every track charges their own rate. For basic racing, I have seen prices range from $20 to $50. In my experience, indoor karts tend to cost a bit more on average than outdoor karts. There are also various pricing models. Some locations charge by lap, others by a set amount of time on track. There may also be race deals like 3 races for $50. At my local indoor track, they issue you a card that you can pay for races at a discount and then use at a later date.
At the Indoor go-kart tracks near me, renting out for birthday parties and corporate events will mean you need to make an advanced deposit. The cost of these kinds of special events, will range by how long you intend to rent the track for the party and how many people are coming. A normal deposit is around $100.
Preparing for Your First Indoor Karting Experience
Embarking on your first indoor karting event or experience can be thrilling. It’s a blend of speed, skill, and fun. To ensure you have an unforgettable time, it’s crucial to know what to wear, how to prepare, and understand the basics of kart controls and driving techniques.
Dressing for the Track
When it comes to indoor karting, what you wear matters. Comfort and safety are key. Opt for close-fitting, comfortable clothing. Loose garments can get caught in the kart, so it’s best to avoid them.
Most karting places require closed-toe shoes for safety, so leave the sandals and flip-flops at home. If you’re planning to celebrate a special event like a birthday or a corporate event, wearing matching team t-shirts can add to the fun.
Essential Pre-Race Preparations
Before you jump into a kart, there are a few things to do. First, register at the venue. This usually involves signing a safety waiver and getting a briefing on the track rules. Many venues offer a party package or group events options, making it easy to organize a race for you and your friends or colleagues.
Next, get familiar with the event space. Take a walk around the venue, noting where the track is, where to get your helmet, and importantly, where the bar or refreshments area for corporate event is located. Most venues provide free Wi-Fi, so you can share your experience in real-time.
Getting to Know Your Kart
Understanding your kart is crucial for a safe and enjoyable race. Karts used in indoor karting are usually electric, offering smooth and responsive handling. The basic controls include a steering wheel, a throttle pedal for acceleration, and a brake pedal. Some karts have adjustable seats, ensuring drivers of all sizes can comfortably reach the pedals.
Basic Driving Techniques
Now, let’s talk about driving. The key to a good lap is smooth steering and controlled use of the throttle and brake. Avoid jerky movements; they can make you lose control. Remember, it’s not just about speed; how you take corners can shave seconds off your lap time. Aim for a smooth line through corners, and don’t be afraid to ease off the throttle to maintain control.
In group races, it’s not just about being the fastest. It’s about being smart. Watch how others are driving, learn from their lines, and when you see an opportunity, take it. But always remember, safety comes first. Aggressive driving isn’t just dangerous; it can also lead to penalties or disqualification.
Your first indoor karting experience should be exciting and fun. By dressing appropriately, preparing adequately, understanding your kart, and employing basic driving techniques, you’re set for an engaging and memorable event. Whether you’re there to celebrate a special occasion or just looking for some adrenaline-pumping entertainment, indoor karting offers an exhilarating adventure. So gear up, get set, and enjoy the ride!
Indoor Go Kart Racing Near Me – Conclusion
Indoor kart racing is super fun and a great thing to do with friends, for birthday parties, holidays or team-building corporate events. The best part of these places is they are available year-round and never lose due to weather. There are a few indoor tracks on the top 10 karting tracks in America, that you might want to consider visiting.
Even though the kart speeds are not as fast as outdoor tracks, the types of turns of turns make for a challenging drive. Of all kart racing indoor tracks tend to be a bit more safe due to lower speeds, boundary bumpers, and indoor lighting. For the best safety wear a properly fitted helmet, no loose clothing, and closed-toed shoes. This is what I have learned from my experience with the indoor go kart racing near me.
