Top Go-Kart Racing On The Front Range
Today's go-kart race tracks are not at all what you remember from your childhood; they go up to 55 miles per hour and often require full racing gear and safety training. These go-karts are fast, extreme and tons of fun. Many of today's tracks have age-appropriate karts, with special lessons and options for younger kids. No matter your age or experience level, get ready, get set and drive at the Front Range's best go- kart tracks.
Speed Raceway
8532 Concord Center Dr.
Englewood, CO 80112
(303) 790-9195
www.speedraceway.com
Price: $20 adult 12-lap race/$18 junior nine-lap race
Hours: Mon to Thurs – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri – 11 a.m. to midnight; Sat – 10 a.m. to midnight; Sun – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Speed Raceway is is one of the newer kart racing facilities in Denver, and it is absolutely extreme. This indoor raceway is a .25-mile track with karts racing up to 50 miles per hour for 12 laps. It has a state-of-the-art timing system so you can rank with your friends and other racers to achieve the utmost in bragging rights. Speed Raceway allows racers of all ages on the track, though there is a minimum height requirement of 48 inches and, of course, anyone younger than 18 must have a parent or guardian present.
Heritage Square Amusement Park
18301 W. Colfax Ave.
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 727-8437
www.heritagesquareamusementpark.com
Price: $10 for nine tickets
Hours: (weather permitting) Sat and Sun – 11 a.m. To 6 p.m.
Heritage Square is a staple of family and fun in Colorado. As a more traditional go kart experience, it includes wonderful activities for all ages and three tracks for all ages. Young children, ages 4 to 8, may race together on the kiddie track, while ages 8 to 12 may race on the junior track. Those 12 and older have their own track with faster karts and a slick surface. Its a great place for parties, families and general racing fun.
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Unser Racing & Entertainment
7300 Broadway
Denver, CO 80221
(720) 282-5000
www.unserracing.com
Price: $25 includes special training for junior and youth
Hours: Mon to Thurs – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri and Sat – 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Unser Racing is another area great in indoor kart racing. Named for Johnny Unser, the first Unser to race at the Indianapolis 500, Unser Racing features a .25-mile indoor race track with gas-powered karts for ages 6 and older. It features specially built, custom karts for younger racers, and provides all of the equipment for a total racing experience. Enjoy the full treatment including helmets, safety systems and even race suits. Just arrive and drive, and let Unser Racing do the rest.
Boondocks Fun Center
11425 Community Center Dr.
Northglenn, CO 80233
(720) 977-7312
www.boondocks.com
Price: $25.95 for unlimited fun/$19.95 for junior unlimited fun
Hours: Sun to Thurs – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri and Sat – 10 a.m. to midnight
Boondocks is a great stop for family fun in Northern Colorado. It has three go kart racing experiences, perfect for any age. The hottest new kart course, the King Scorpion, is a 1,100-foot long, 30-foot wide track with hairpin turns and lots of speed. Also enjoy one of its two other tracks, the slick track featuring a 440-foot specially surfaced option for lots of speed, or the rookie track for the younger racers. Boondocks also boasts bumper boats, an arcade, miniature golf and laser tag, making it idea for the whole family.
Action Karting
3051 South Rooney Rd.
Morrison, CO 80465
(303) 781-4483
www.actionkarting.net
Price: $40 for the first session, which includes 10 laps
Hours: daily – 9 a.m. until dusk
Located on the grounds of the famous Bandimere Speedway, Action Karting is a fast, adrenaline-filled ride that is sure to be a fantastically fun time. Its karts include a 6.5-horsepower Honda engine that gets up to 55 miles per hour. Its .63-mile course features 17 turns, so it is challenging enough for even the most advanced drivers, but still offers options young racers can handle. Racing is only available Monday through Thursday for children ages 5 through 7 to ensure that they get the most out of their racing experience.
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Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
