Favorite indoor karting facility - Team Juicy Racing's Racing School and Race Series Forums

kwlorentzen · #1 10-22-2006

Now, those of you in the know, know that Racing America has gone out of buisness. I want to know why if anyone knows. Anyways, I thought it would be fun to find out what everyones favorite indoor kart track is and why. So, have at it!

cdh · #2 10-22-2006

my vote for F1 Boston was because it's the only one I've raced at, and it's very nice. I watched some karting
at Chicago Indoor Racing, that's a nice facility also, similar to F1B.

Also, the websites of the other choices suck for the most part and that can be telling.

For Info

F1 Boston

Kart Trak

Racing America

here is a video Sy made at F1 Boston in 2003

.

OLDMAN · #3 10-23-2006

Racing America, it's closer, it's brighter and it's far less expensive. Too bad it's out of business. I found F1 Boston to be a very dark place. If the F1 tracks are not joined then the laps are very short.

Kart Trak (a palindrome) in Connecticut is very very small.

I guess this winter it'll be Deer Valley or Snowmass.

OLDMAN

WatertownNewbie · #4 10-23-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLDMAN

I guess this winter it'll be Deer Valley or Snowmass.OLDMAN

Where are they?

OLDMAN · #5 10-23-2006

Top Shelf Utah and Colorado ski areas. Places where Sid, Sy, Peter L, Michael A. and Jim C. ski.

The way I figure it, it's either a practice session or a week's lift tickets for the kid and I. Let me think, one hour in the car or 15 days in March on the best snow in the world?

OLDMAN

oldredracer · #6 10-23-2006

Now that Victory Lane Speedway in Schodack, NY is just a memory, I'd go with F1B and the linked tracks. Not having been at the others helped make this decision easy.

jcraige · #7 10-23-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLDMAN

Top Shelf Utah and Colorado ski areas. Places where Sid, Sy, Peter L, Michael A. and Jim C. ski.

OLDMAN

Actually born and raised in North/Central Vermont somewhat close to Stowe. Mad River was my favorite mountain but Jay Peak is up there as well. No lines as it is cold as balls.

but I digress...

5&counting · #8 10-23-2006

Simple - They did not make money!

ORBlues · #9 10-23-2006

I still can't believe this group is not advertizing!

http://www.ontrackkarting.com/

It is between Boston and NY,

A great track,

Run by racers,

If they can stay in business they will dominate here in CT.

They are closed Mondays or I would call to see how they are doing.

ChrisZ

Gerardo · #10 10-23-2006

The very best indoor karting facility I've ever been to (I've been to a little more than ten) was MoKart in St. Petersburg, FL. It lasted two years before going out of business.

During their first year I made the drive to St. Pete once a week to practice and race on Tuesday nights. I think that was 1998. I'd leave home at 10am or so, then practice from noon to 6pm, race from 7pm to 10pm, then get home after midnight. That was great!

As for the facility, its the best (even compared to today's tracks) because it was:

1. Long. The combined track was 56 to 60 seconds long depending on track conditions. The short tracks (when split in half) were 26 and 32 seconds long.

2. Demanding. Both tracks and the complete long course had plenty of turns. No two turns were alike. A few were flat, but most required a lift or braking. Grip levels were different all around the track thanks to leaving the character of the old concrete floor in place, with patches, seams, and different concrete mixtures hiding below the epoxy sealer. Some corners were very grippy (enough to break ribs) while other corners were very slick.

3. Properly run. The facility was run originally founded by Gianpierro Morretti, the guy who raced a Ferrari 333sp back in the day, among many other race cars. His racing buddies ran the place, so races were professional, and kart preparation was tops. Timing and scoring was always accurate. They always posted who had the track record.

4. Events. The facility hosted the first 6-hour endurance race in North America. Drivers like Derek Bell, Bob Bondurant, Kenny Brack, and many other notables participated against many locals, a few Germans who flew in, and some national level karters. The local guys won the race just ahead of some of the pro teams. 20 karts on a sixty second lap. Yes, lap one had a big pileup.

They never turned a profit and closed after two years. So sad. I'd still be going today if it were open today. Every other place I've been to is lame in comparison, some really bad. You had to be there. I don't understand why all the new places aren't at least as awesome as MoKart was.

Those were the days.

dlippert · #11 10-24-2006

I haven't been to F1B, but I will offer that F1 Race Factory in Phoenix, especially on the full course, is outstanding and very efficiently run.

Sadlers Indoor Karting in Kansas City, again on the full course, is very good. Sadlers is unique in that you buy time instead of heats. There you can buy, for example, 10, 15, 20 or 30 minute sessions and just stay out on track until your time runs out. The staff simply track each kart's minutes and cycle karts in and out as applicable. It can make for great racing when you run 30 minute sessions. Fast track, good karts and a lower overhead facility so the costs are reasonable.

Andretti Indoor Karting and Games near Atlanta is a beautiful facility and seems well run. Some of us will try that during the upcomng RA weekend.

Fastimes in Indy is cool with the elevation change but not overly impressive otherwise.

Speeds Indoor in Columbus had a great track -53 second laps - but the karts were poorly maintained and the environment was a cross between a kart track and a biker bar. Strange. I think it has since closed to make way for a Wal-Mart.

Kart 2 Kart in Sterling Heights, Michigan (outside Detroit) is a fun track with OK karts. It is another low overhead facility where the focus is on the kart racing.

badgersid · #12 10-24-2006

DICK you really need a job

dlippert · #13 10-24-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by badgersid

DICK you really need a job

My wife is of the same opinion.

OLDMAN · #14 10-24-2006

Hey Kids (& Sid):
Just got back from "On Track Karting" in Wallingford. Had a pretty good time. Tonight was "10 Minute Tuesday". I did 3 sessions. The best time I turned was a 38.9. The track is very similar to RacingAmerica. 1,700 feet long with a fairly fast straight-away.

Membership is $38 for a year. The $38 gets you 2 free sessions. One whenever and the second during your birthday month. It also gets you discounted sessions rates. It's all on their web site, www.ontrackkarting.com

If anyone is interested in going next Tuesday let me know.

OLDMAN

P.S. I sort of get the feeling SBRS is involved with the place.

ORBlues · #15 10-24-2006

Having been to Boston F1 (but not raced there) and Kart Trak (same) and run at Willy D's (also in Wallingford, CT - a fun "slide kart" track) I was really impressed with On Track Karting. But I had to trip over them to find them. I used them as a warm up for an Endurance Karting event at Lime Rock with my sons. I only got into the low 39's - maybe the karts were not fully broken in yet . Not the best for passing, they could have taken some of the technical stuff out for a passing zone, but there is one section of esses where you really have to thread the needle flat. I can't figure out why they have not contacted every car club in NE. There are trying to be more secret than the SCCA.

Chris Z

cheekychica · #16 10-25-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLDMAN

Hey Kids (& Sid):
Just got back from "On Track Karting" in Wallingford. Had a pretty good time. Tonight was "10 Minute Tuesday". I did 3 sessions. The best time I turned was a 38.9. The track is very similar to RacingAmerica. 1,700 feet long with a fairly fast straight-away.

OLDMAN

P.S. I sort of get the feeling SBRS is involved with the place.

I was driving to a meeting in East Hartford one morning a few weeks ago, and heard an advertisement for these guys on a radio station out of New Haven. There was something about an open race/night, and whoever won received a certificate to an SBRS Intro to Racing school.

FINKLE · #17 10-25-2006

The track you heard of is On Track Karting in Wallingford, CT. I go there too often so I know the owner pretty well. He bought a few intro's to give away. I'd go to race but as a mechanic after you get your three day you're not allowed to do intro's anymore.

AZRCD · #18 10-25-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLDMAN

Top Shelf Utah and Colorado ski areas. Places where Sid, Sy, Peter L, Michael A. and Jim C. ski.

The way I figure it, it's either a practice session or a week's lift tickets for the kid and I. Let me think, one hour in the car or 15 days in March on the best snow in the world?

OLDMAN

How dare you leave me off that list.

OLDMAN · #19 10-25-2006

I apologize, it won't happen again!

OLDMAN

AZRCD · #20 10-25-2006

It's not so much that I care, but I need something to bring up my post number.

AZRCD · #21 10-25-2006

Kind of like what I just said.

AZRCD · #22 10-25-2006

kwlorentzen · #23 10-29-2006

I tried the place out this past Friday and can give you a run for your money....we still have some work to do to get on the leader board though. We should meet up sometime!

Do I sense a TJR get-together comming on?

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLDMAN

Hey Kids (& Sid):
Just got back from "On Track Karting" in Wallingford. Had a pretty good time. Tonight was "10 Minute Tuesday". I did 3 sessions. The best time I turned was a 38.9. The track is very similar to RacingAmerica. 1,700 feet long with a fairly fast straight-away.

Membership is $38 for a year. The $38 gets you 2 free sessions. One whenever and the second during your birthday month. It also gets you discounted sessions rates. It's all on their web site, www.ontrackkarting.com

If anyone is interested in going next Tuesday let me know.

OLDMAN

P.S. I sort of get the feeling SBRS is involved with the place.

sydude · #24 10-29-2006

Sure, I'm in. Who wants to organize it? (not me)

dlippert · #25 10-29-2006

Smart people would plan an event at F1 Race Factory in Phoenix. Like in in January/February maybe?

OLDMAN · #26 10-29-2006

I'll be there a week from Tuesday (election night). They have a special every Tuesday called, believe it or not, "10 Minute Tuesday". All sessions are 10 minutes long. Can't make it this Tuesday since I have to give out candy and defend my tiny little house from all the vandals in town.

OLDMAN

arig · #27 10-29-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlippert

Smart people would plan an event at F1 Race Factory in Phoenix. Like in in January/February maybe?

If you pay airfare, I'll risk the flight to Phoenix.

dlippert · #28 10-30-2006

Phoenix is one of the inexpensive destinations. But no, I'm not paying.

arig · #29 10-30-2006

I wasn't going to let you do it anyway, plus I hate flying.

dlippert · #30 10-30-2006

There's always the bus.

OLDMAN · #31 11-29-2006

Just for the record, Karttrak in Windsor Locks has closed its doors. Another one bites the dust. As best I can tell OnTrackKarting in Wallingford put them on the trailer.

No doubt when a new karting facility with a longer track than OnTrackKarting comes along, they (OTK) will then go out of business.

OLDMAN

ORBlues · #32 11-29-2006

I spoke to the owner of OnTrack, he was surprised at the "reach" of his track. He said people came from 3 hours or more to race, he didn't even think he would affect KartTrak. Willy D's may be next but they cater to a different crowd.

The good thing about OnTrack is that he has the room to change the course to keep things fresh. KartTrak was very limited.

Right now Tuesday nights are slot car nights, so I can't get down to see an enduro. Plus dropping $100 a week could get to be detrimental to my normal racing budget - as small as it is....

ChrisZ

Kart Racer 4444 · #33 12-24-2006

My favourite indoor karting track is Grand Prix Karting in Brossard, Quebec, Canada. The track can be very demanding because there are different grip levels, elevation changes and it is very bumpy at some areas. There are many different kinds of corners, and the front desk/snack bar area is in the middle of the track, so you have to cross a bridge over the track to get there. The owner is pretty involved in the Coupe de Montréal series which is competitive kart racing like the Rotax Mx Sr. class and so on. Drivers like Andrew Ranger have driven there while attending the Grand Prix of Montreal in the Champ Car World Series. The lap times at Grand Prix Karting are on average 44 sec. or so. My best lap time there is 43.18 sec. where I was in an endurance race there against 11 other teams, some were professionals. My team, the Canadian XRacers Karting Team, actually won that event and got $120.00 in winnings. Here's their website: http://www.grandprixkarting.com/En/1...ainWindow.html.