Imagine feeling the roar of a powerful engine responding to your foot on the pedal, hearing the screech of tyres on tarmac and winning a place on the podium. This is the stuff that our Formula One dreams are made of - but it doesn’t have to be a fantasy any longer. Go karting provides the thrill of speed and the excitement of circuit racing without putting your life, or your bank balance, at risk. If you’re looking for high-octane, adrenaline fuelled fun, in Sheffield you’ll find karts that will give you the thrill of your lifetime and tracks to test your mettle.

This city has a track record of contributions to the world of speed. Known as Steel City since the Victorian era, this industrial powerhouse has created the materials and parts for all kinds of speed machines, including the famous Spitfire aircraft which outmanoeuvred enemy planes to bring victory in the Battle of Britain. Nowadays it’s popular among residents and visitors alike for its offering experience. For children and adults, novices and pros, in rain or shine, it comes highly recommended as a top tier destination.

Where are the best karting tracks in Sheffield?

• Tinsley: if you want to experience the best in indoor karting, you won’t find much better than here. With 3 tracks arranged over 4 levels, this is a twisting, turning, tangle of tracks that will have you climbing ramps, speeding downhill and cornering on a pinhead to beat your opponents. Not even the rain can stop you from putting the pedal to the metal in this fully covered facility, and with several tracks to choose from there’s an appropriate level for all abilities.

• Neepsend: not far from the city centre, this karting circuit is sure to bring out your inner F1 champion. It’s a fully floodlit outdoor track with all-weather tarmac so racing takes place throughout the day all year round. And that’s just as well because this isn’t a simple circuit that’s been set up in a car park with a couple of crash barriers and old car tyres, it’s a 470m purpose built race track, complete with corners, chicanes, climbs and a downhill straight where you could reach speeds of fifty miles per hour!

How long does a race take?

- If your daily routine is making you want to whizz around a track to blow off some steam, or if you’re a newcomer to motorsports and want to get a taste of go karting, you can find 20 or 30 minute track sessions. This might not sound like much time, but you could complete up to 50 laps in this time. You’ll be giving a safety briefing and some driving instruction before being let loose on one of Sheffield’s finest circuits. Set a lap time and then try to beat in, or go head to head with a friend to see who’s the fastest!

- For a more complete experience that emulates the excitement of the sport of Formula, One a Grand Prix transforms the go kart track into a world championship arena. This kind of race is best organised in a group, so bring your friends, family or workmates to find out who’ll end up on the podium. You’ll have a practice session, to get used to the machine and your bearings on the track, followed by a qualifying round which is your opportunity to secure pole position when it comes to the main event. The Grand Prix race is usually 15 or 20 laps around a challenging circuit, and with up to 20 vehicles on the track you have to keep a cool head to take on the track and your opponents. The full experience lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours and ends with a bottle of bubbly for the winner to enjoy - whether by drinking it or spraying it over the crowds!

Requirements to do this activity

Seven time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton took up go kart racing at the tender age of eight, and it was in this sport that he caught the eyes of the racing elite. Your son or daughter can also get their baptism into the world of motorsports at 8 years old on a track in Sheffield. For younger races, and anyone under 5 foot tall, special Cadet karts are used. These are purpose built for shorter legs and are safe to use without compromising on speed.

From 12 years old, racers can start to try the bigger karts. These boast powerful petrol engines with sizes of 200 or 270cc, and if you open them up fully on a downhill stretch, you could be pushing the 50 miles per hour mark! In general, junior drivers won’t share the track with these full size vehicles to make sure that everyone feels comfortable on the track, but if your group is made up of children and adults, you can have a track to yourself and race together. In fact, any group bookings over a certain size will ensure that you and your people have sole use of a track and you can focus on enjoying yourselves and reaching the top speed. There are even meeting room facilities at sites so if you want to seal a business deal or put together a corporate team building day you can’t do better than this.

What do you need to bring with you the day of the activity?

The track staff of your choice will take good care of you here, as well as explaining the safety requirements of this sport they’ll also give you the equipment you need to avoid injury. This includes a helmet and a coverall racing suit. You need to wear comfortable clothing, which doesn’t restrict your movement, under this protective layer. In addition, long hair needs to be tied back and you need a balaclava to cover your head and face and make the helmet more effective. You can bring your own or buy a reusable cotton one on site. Finally, you have to wear closed-toe shoes and we recommend something with flat soles, and that aren’t too big and bulky. Tie your shoelaces tight and you’re ready to go!

Find out if you’ve got a future Formula One champion in the family, take a break from the office, or simply come along to enjoy some high velocity thrills with your friends. If you’re game, so are we, and we’re here to help you make it happen!