Governor-Free Go Karts

The formula cars that Jeff spoke of are the best karts I've driven. You really do have to have a grasp on cornering and braking in a racing environment. The ones I drove were at Speed Zone, which is a great go-kart park in Dallas. They also have the 6-lane Top Eliminator Dragster karts that go from 0-60 in about 3 seconds (SFKK also has these as an upcharge attraction), which is a must if you visit. While waiting in line for the formula karts, I watched a girl (who probably didn't realize how powerful these things were) slam into the barrier so hard that the kart itself was partly on top of the barrier. The attendants had to lift the front end of her car off of the barrier and aim her in the right direction so she could finish her lap.

About 20 minutes from me in Sterling, VA, is a professionally-designed indoor track that features your typical-looking karts, but with no governor. While certainly not as fast as the formula karts, these things still give you the feel of racing--they even provide you with a fire-suit, racing helmet and gloves! The one time I went there, several members of the Audi Club of North America were there to partake in a good hour of racing time. In between their half-hour sessions, two friends of mine and I raced for 10 minutes (it's not cheap--10 minutes for $25). Believe it or not, it was worth it, but I certainly can't go there on a regular basis.

Edit: I completely missed TCKR's post above. That's the very course I mentioned.

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-Mike B.
Son of Hulk
*** This post was edited by Vater 6/18/2003 5:00:12 PM ***

I have driven the "Formula race cars" at Malibu GP. I found them vastly inferior to the karts I drove in both Paris and DC. The acceleration of a real kart is downright explosive!

Perhaps they've lowered the speed of the karts at Allsports GP since I was there last?

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Rich Genthner / PTC99
*** This post was edited by TCKR 6/18/2003 5:12:53 PM ***

I wouldn't think so--they certainly were quick. It's probably bad perception on my part (and probably has something to do with the 6- or 7-month period between being in Dallas and my trip just down the road). Come to think of it, the whole experience at Allsports GP is better--not necessarily in the amusement factor, but definitely in the likeness to real racing. The track layout is superb, and I also prefer, even though you are truly only racing for the best laptimes, the fact that you are on the same track with multiple other drivers. That's not allowed on the formula kart tracks.

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-Mike B.
Son of Hulk

I forgot that I wanted to add something to this topic the other day! Though I haven't been there, F1 Boston reportedly delivers the best Euro-karting experience in the States. Be sure to check it out if you're ever visiting Beantown!

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Rich Genthner / PTC99

While in Austin this past January I visited RPM Indoor Raceway (of course I visited SFOT as well). I couldn't tell if they had a governer but even if they did, you hit an insane amount of speed just before you needed to slow down. This place is a must visit if you are in the area. The track, staff and carts were all top notch.

We had a Malibu here in NJ back in the early 90's (in MT. Laurel?) that folded as well but they also had the real indy cars with no gov. You needed an actual NJ drivers license for those as well. On the east coast, I think the best you can do is Ocean City MD. They still have all sorts of different style Go-cart parks. I would guess that insurance is causing these places to become obsolete?

Been to the Malibu in Redwood city. My girlfriend at the time thought the name was funny because it meant "horny" in Tagalog.

I haven't driven a go-cart without a govenor, but I have driven a Barney Oldfield car without one. Those things can actually go pretty fast...like 20 MPH (normally 7 MPH).

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"It's not a Too-mah!" - Arnold after riding Batman the Ride

Has anyone been to the Tracks in Branson? They're supposed to have some roller coaster-like tracks.

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Am I really that shy?
*** This post was edited by The Shy One 6/20/2003 4:25:11 PM ***