Are you looking to start a go kart center but not sure what kind of go-kart track design to choose? In today’s age, there are two main types of go-kart tracks – single level and multi-level. Each track style has its own pros and cons for why a new business owner might consider one over the other. 

 

History of Single Level Go-Kart Tracks

Single level go-kart tracks were the original track design available, dating back to the 1970’s. These go-kart tracks were inspired by various racing series around the world including Formula 1, Indy Car and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. These designs challenge drivers to control their machines as they navigate the variety of corner shapes a track contains. 

 

Single Level Track Designs 

Single level designs, or flat tracks, are generally level with the ground which allows for lower initial costs. Some single level designs may use natural elevation change to challenge drivers but they do not build structures, bridges, or ramps to influence the height of the track surface. A variety of corner shapes are commonly used including 90* corners, 180* hairpins and chicanes as well. 

 

Why Choose A Single Level Design

In the modern era of karting, single level go-kart tracks are commonly used at both Arrive and Drive (A&D) karting centers and Family Entertainment Centers (FEC). Both of these business types leverage the lower costs associated with building these go-kart tracks along with the faster installation times to open their business faster compared to multi-level go-kart track designs. Despite these common benefits for flat track designs, both go-kart business models employ different ideologies to accomplish their goals. 

  • Single level track design for Arrive and Drive karting centers prioritize a kart racing experience and commonly separate adults and kids on track by either age, height, skill level or some combination of the three. These kart businesses often include longer straightaways, a blend of high speed flowing corners, technical areas with linked corners, and heavy braking zones to encourage passing. These centers frequently develop a loyal customer base that regularly compete to beat the lap record or participate in position-based racing such as a go-kart league.
  • Family Entertainment Centers single level track designs, on the other hand, to provide fun for the whole family. They frequently allow adults and kids to drive on the same track at the same time depending on age or height requirements. Due to the wider ages and skill levels that these tracks host, the designs tend to be easier to drive and more forgiving. Flat tracks for the FEC environment prioritize longer, sweeping corners and straightaways while minimizing accident-prone corner shapes like hairpins. FECs are incredibly popular with teenagers, families, birthday parties, sports teams and corporate groups. 

When opting to keep your go-kart track on a single level, you will need to plan for a larger footprint for the track area, typically ranging from 15,000 to 35,000 square feet (1400 to 3200 square meters) per design for indoor track or electric go-karts that leverage torque. Outdoor tracks or petrol-powered vehicles prefer larger spaces to leverage the higher speeds required to build more horsepower. 

 

Protex Single Level Designs 

Protex track designs leverage the 10m long go -art barriers and spring-based mounting points to create fluid racing lines for drivers of all ages. Protex designers have more than 15 years of years of experience designing and installing go-kart tracks which give them the ability to create other unique corner shapes like hair pins and chicanes as well. 

Protex designs have a few common elements that separate them for those of our competitors. These elements include open space, wide lane widths, and at least 1 area where drivers can experience top speeds in a corner. The benefits of these elements include: 

  • Open space in a go-kart track allows for a variety of corner shapes that challenge a driver’s ability to choose a racing line. They also provide additional benefits such as displaying memorabilia, setting up a DJ stand for weekend racing, and providing safe areas for marshalls to stand while supervising customers. 
  • Wide lane widths for a go-kart allow passing of slower drivers in a safe manner. Protex track designs target 6 to 7 meter wide lanes which allow 2.5 to 3 karts to drive side by side without incident. This allows skilled drivers to pass around the inside or outside of the track even if the driver in front is in the middle of the track. There is nothing worse than being stuck behind a slow driver! 
  • High speed corners allow go-kart drivers to feel the g-forces in a corner that they cannot experience in a standard street car legally. The sensation of speed and adrenaline rush are addictive and a surefire way to guarantee a loyal customer base! 

 

Go-Kart Barrier Safety 

Many go-kart track businesses gather drivers from a wide variety of backgrounds and skill levels which require the utmost care when designing a track and safety system. Single level track designs tend to have higher speeds compared to a multi-level go-kart track due to the increased traction of driving on concrete or asphalt. This makes safety even more important to your customers and your profit margin. 

The Protex Karting Barrier system uses springs that are 18 inches (about 40cm) long and mounted directly to the barriers to absorb the impact forces before spreading them through the system and around the track. This system has been shown to reduce the number of insurance claims a Protex user may need to file which can help reduce insurance premiums as well. Many other barrier systems use shorter springs with stiffer spring rates or rubber blocks that shove users back on track after an impact which may discourage users from going back on track again. 

Other key factors of the Protex Karting Barrier system that contribute to overall track safety include lower barrier height to increase visibility of drivers that need assistance and different color barriers to differentiate braking and turn-in spots. 

 

Conclusion

When developing the business plan for a go-kart track business, it is important to have a complete understanding of the project’s initial investment, monthly go-kart insurance premiums, ongoing maintenance, and how your customer will ultimately be affected by your decision making in these early stages. 

Single level go-kart tracks are perfect for Arrive and Drive karting businesses or Family Entertainment Center locations that are looking to challenge their drivers skills, reduce their initial start-up investment or installation expense, and/or increase the speed of their track through higher grip surfaces. These tracks can be incredibly fun to drive for all ages and skill levels. 

Are you ready to get started on a single level go-kart track design for a new karting business? Contact the team at Protex by contacting info@protexkartingbarrier.com for your no deposit track design and quote today!