Offers of Karting Staffordshire

If you’re a lover of velocity, if you crave the sensation of acceleration and get your kicks from cornering, the chances are you’ve visited Staffordshire before - to enjoy the thrills of some of the UK’s best roller coasters at Alton Towers. The drops, loops and corkscrews of these attractions are enough to get your heart pounding, but there’s one problem - you don’t have control of the ride. But the solution is close at hand. To take control of a high speed adventure right here, you just need to get behind the wheel of a powerful kart and let rip around one of the county’s fanatics karting circuits.

There are tracks in several locations in Staffordshire, each offering top of the range karts, challenging tracks and a range of race events, but they differ in some important ways too. Both indoor and outdoor tracks can be found in the county, as well as a variety of models of karts. There are specially designed circuits for youngsters and families alongside longer, more complex circuits that will put even experienced racers to the test. But one thing is guaranteed here - you’ll get a fantastic experience for your money. If you weren’t persuaded already, we hope that’s done it!

Where are the best karting tracks in Staffordshire?

• Lichfield: Decommissioned military air bases are a real gift to karting enthusiasts, providing huge, unobstructed spaces to build fantastic tracks. Lichfield is one of the best examples of these in the country. There are two circuits - a family track and a racing track - that can be raced simultaneously, or joined together to make a super circuit for special events. The machines that will take you hurtling around this tangle of curves and corners are high quality Sodi and BIZKart models, capable of speeds of up to 40 miles per hour and competent handling. What’s more, the venue is fully equipped with floodlights, so the fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down!

• Tamworth: The other outdoor facility in the county is a real monster. It boasts a full 1,000 metres of tarmac track, on which up to 30 drivers can compete against each other, and the clock. The venue boasts a whole fleet of karts of different shapes and sizes, which means that the whole family can get involved, and everyone, from kids to adults, will have a vehicle that suits them perfectly. Like the Lichfield venue, Tamworth has conference facilities on site.

• Stoke-on-Trent: The biggest city in the county has two excellent indoor karting venues. The first is in Fenton, where a multi level track complete with ramps, descents and all kinds of corners, hosts racing to suit all tastes. From team endurance runs to grand prix events and opportunities for the juniors to get into the driving seat too, this is a real crowd pleaser. And with a track record of a 26.5 second lap, it’s a treat for spectators as well - they might see their favourite driver whizz past twice every minute.

• Burslem: Stoke’s second track is an indoor circuit near Burslem town centre with electric karts that can top 40 miles per hour. And when you’re sitting so low to the ground, you’ll feel like you’re going twice as fast! There are 500 metres of track stacked on top of itself over several levels, so it may take you some time to get your bearings - but once you do, you can start setting lap times of 36 seconds or even faster. Groups of all ages and sizes are welcome here.

What are the options for organising an experience?

- There’s a whole range of racing disciplines available on the tracks in Staffordshire, and less competitive sessions besides. When it comes to races, there are short events that can be completed within an hour, and longer, Grand Prix style races which include qualifying sessions before the main event. The longest options are team races. Testing the endurance of each individual and the ability of the group to work together, these are exciting experiences that last several hours.

- If the focus of the activity is family fun, or perhaps a kids birthday party, the marshalls will keep your group separate from the high octane speedsters. They’ll make sure everyone’s safe and having fun, as you put pedal to the metal around the track during a session that’s an hour or 2 long, with anything from 20 minutes of track time and up.

- Finally, there are practice sessions, where you can get into a kart and enjoy the thrills of one of the tracks without the pressure of a race. But that doesn’t mean you have to keep your speed in check. Your lap times can be recorded, so you can try and beat your best.

Requirements to do this activity

Of all the motorsports that involve high speeds, daring manoeuvres, and a healthy bit of competition, this is the most accessible. In the first place, there’s the price. Compared to auto racing, the simplicity of the equipment involved keeps prices low, and encourages newcomers and casual participants to the sport. On top of that, there’s the safety. Facilities make use of the latest installations, so this is a low risk activity that all kinds of people can get involved in.

So what’s the lowest age that people can get involved in? You might be surprised to learn that some of the tracks welcome racers as young as 6 years old. They’ll use karts that are purpose built for 6-8 year olds, with safety features and limited top speeds. As children grow up, they can progress to bigger vehicles and more race events, but they’ll have to wait until they’re 16 years old to take part in the most competitive races.

Is also easy to organise whether you’re an individual, a small group, or a bigger number of people. It’s a fantastic way to make a special occasion - we’re thinking about birthdays, stag or hen parties, etc. -even more memorable, or to put together a successful day out for a corporate group or a youth organisation. The track staff have experience of catering to any and all kinds of groups and occasions, so it’s sure to be worth it.

Will you take the chequered flag? Book your race and find out!