K1 Speed

"Racing fun for kids and grown ups"

The Santa Clara location of K1 Speed opened just over a month ago.  Located in a nondescript warehouse building, it houses a wonderfully fun track and a number of 20hp European electric go-karts.  For those of you who have raced gas go-karts in the past, these are completely different beasts.  For starters, the torque is incredible and nearly instantaneous.  The karts can get up to around 45mph and have great handling around the tight turns.  The other benefit of electric is that you don't have to smell the fumes.  After having raced various gas karts, I'd say that these particular karts are definitely faster and more fun.

As you enter, you're greeted by high ceilings filled with photos of race cars of all types.  There is a small gaming area which includes a couple of video games (fast & furious and a shooter), a pool table, and an air hockey table.  All games cost $1.  Televisions adorn the walls showing various sports channels.  As you enter, you stop at one of the kiosks and sign in via computer.  After sign in (and checking the requisite liability waivers), you can choose your package and pay.

Depending on how many people or parties are present, your wait time may vary.  We arrived on a Saturday around noon and though there were quite a few people there, we didn't have to wait more than about 15 minutes.  I raced first and my 8 year-old son raced shortly thereafter.  The karts you can race are subject to height requirements.  For the adult ones, the minimum requirement is 58".  For the kids, the minimum height is 48".  Kids and adults race separately and use different karts.  The junior karts are tuned differently and are not as fast.

We tried the "Arrive and Drive" program, which allows you to show up and race against the clock, against friends and with other racers at the track.  For adults it 's a 14 lap race, while for juniors it's 12 laps.  It costs $20 to race, which is similar to the cost of other gas kart racing places in the Bay Area.  My 8 year-old hadn't driven a go kart before.  His only driving experience was piloting the slow electric cars at Legoland.  After a short safety talk and kart orientation, he was able to jump right in and race against other kids.  At the conclusion of the race he was jumping up and down with a huge grin on his face!  Afterwards, you can pick up a printed sheet that shows your lap times, your standing in comparison to other racers, and other statistics.

There is a yearly racing license that you can purchase for $5.95 which gives you free use of a helmet and headsock, a free race on your birthday, and access to online race results.  There are also a number of specials for frequent racers, including 3 races for $40 (save $20), 5 races for $75 (save $25), or 8 races for $100 (save $60).

It's also a potentially great place for parties.  Their party packages include medals, podium photos, and t-shirts.  However, the packages do not include food or the use of a room.  They do have an approved list of caterers that you can use and a room is extra.  I did notice a snack bar at the back of the facility that looked similar to a movie theatre snack bar, but I can't vouch for the food as it was not open when we were there.

If you're kids are into cars, or even if they're not, a trip to K1 Speed is a treat.  It's a bit of friendly competition and can be a great bonding experience for parents and kids as you compare lap times.  I had a blast and my son had a blast and that makes for a great father-son day.

Disclosure: This review is based on a complimentary pass to K1 Speed. I received no other compensation and K1 Speed did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view. All opinions and reviews are my own and in no way reflect those of K1 Speed.