Jaye tries: go-kart speed racing
The most common go-karts can be found at fairs, carnivals and amusement parks all over the country. They are electric bumper cars that have a large rubber bumper on all sides, which prolongs the impact and diffuses the force of the collision. Non-bumping go-karts can have a battery-operated or gas-powered engine with brake and gas pedals like a car.
The go-karts at Gateway Kartplex are supercharged and go anywhere from 60 to 70 miles per hour.
Don’t be fooled by the name “go-kart.” The cars at Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison are not your average go-karts. The gas-powered go-karts at Gateway Kartplex, a public track, are supercharged and go anywhere from 60 to 70 miles per hour. There are four professional race tracks at Gateway Motorsports Park, and one of them is reserved for these performance vehicles.
Drivers must be at least 8 years old to operate the karts. The Ignite K2, or the Rookie, is a smaller and slower version of the kart and is designed for drivers betweeen the ages of 8 and 12. The Ignite K3, is a full-sized kart that is for those older than 12, and are grouped into either junior class (12 to 15 years old) or senior class (older than 15).
The body style of the go-karts and the design of the track is very similar to professional stock car racing. Safety precautions are taken before any driver gets behind the wheel. A helmet and gloves are required for everyone who wants to drive. Racing jackets are also available upon request, but are not necessary.
Track attendants are there to help you make your way around the multi-loop track. The attendants also will help you out in case you spin out of control (which is really fun). A quick reset and engine restart and you are back on your way to racing like Mario Andretti or at the least Lightning McQueen.
The track is open Monday through Sunday after noon and is located off Interstate 55 in Madison. Cost is $32 for 10 minutes on the track; a three-pack race is $86.
For more information on go-kart speed racing, visit Gateway Kartplex or call 618-219-8515.
This story was originally published July 26, 2016 at 9:54 AM with the headline "Jaye tries: go-kart speed racing."