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CONCESSION CORNER

MORE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Again, this month, Peter Olesen, our resident “expert”, answers e-mail questions from readers. If you have questions about any aspect of concession karting, send them to karting@msn.com.

QUESTION: Is it true that the kart manufacturer that supplies the karts should design concession go-kart tracks? Bill Wright, via e-mail

ANSWER: Most of the better track facilities being constructed in this country are designed by firms specializing in track design with engineering staffs that can address the various elements involved in creation of track plans.

In the past, many tracks were constructed without provisions for proper material and construction specifications, surface preparation or proper grades. Other problems included poor geometric alignment, insufficient bridge clearances, lack of effective drainage provisions for the track surfaces, incorrect sawing of joints and mounting of tires and barrier plates. Often they were constructed without consideration of proper placement on site for exposure to roadway traffic, exposure to guests on other attractions located on the site, easy movement of guests on site, access for service vehicles and other problems that could easily have been avoided by the use of an engineering firm experienced in concession track and family entertainment center design.

A good track plan should provide for the owner’s changing kart models as well as kart manufacturers. What would happen if a manufacturer failed to meet the needs of the operator in terms of service, parts, model continuity or other reasons? The change in karts by a given manufacturer, for other than highly specialized go-kart facilities, should be seamless in terms of pits, tracks widths, barriers, operating requirements, etc.

In the past decade, engineering design firms have been instrumental in upgrading and improving track construction methods, material specifications, controlled layout procedures, better site configuration and related issues. Unfortunately, there are tracks still being constructed by eyeball, rather than with specific details. This invites the potential for track failure, excessive equipment problems and potential legal problems in the event of liability lawsuits.

QUESTION: Why should I use an engineering firm experience in track design? Susan Grove, via e-mail

ANSWER: A good track design prepared by an experienced firm will blend into the overall site design in such a way as to minimize grading costs, drainage problems and related issues that have not always been addresses by other track designs. The construction specification, construction details and related construction document elements will have been specifically tailored to the individual site, greatly enhancing the overall customer enjoyment of the facility (thereby increasing potential revenues) and reducing the overall short and long term costs of the owner and operator.

The adage “pay now or pay later” certainly comes to mind when considering the options that face the person making a decision as to whether it is beneficial to hire an engineering firm with no extensive track design experience. If you have any doubts, check out its “track record” (no pun intended) with respect to a number of completed facilities. Also check out other facilities that were constructed with stock plans or by firms that did not use design consultants with engineering expertise.

We feel strongly that every track plan should be specifically developed for the site on which it is to be constructed. The fees for designing tracks to conform to specific site configurations may or may not be higher than manufacturer or design/build firms fees. Any comparison should take into consideration what is actually included in the total package the owner will be getting for his/her dollar. When reviewing the projected fees, keep in mind the potential cost savings that can be accrued through the engineered design by a professional design organization. This can include a reduction in maintenance and repair costs of not only the tracks, but also the karts that will operate on them.

QUESTION: At what speed should we set our karts? Sandy Curtis, via e-mail

ANSWER: Each track has its own set of grades and geometrics, specific karts and relative driver skills. Therefore, in setting speeds for a specific track, the average age of the clients (drivers), insurance carrier guidelines, kart manufacturer recommendations and related issues should all be taken into consideration. Some manufacturers ship their karts with the governors set at 18 MPH for family track operations and lower for rookie karts. If possible, reduce the speed even further. It is far easier to increase speed on a track than to decrease it. Reducing speed on a track after customers become used to a given speed can result in disgruntled customers and possible loss of business.

Test drive your track and try to visualize the ability of less skilled drivers to handle the speed you want to set. Not only younger drivers may have problems on a track that is too fast. There are many adults who have never driven a go-kart before. If the speeds are too high, you will have an excessive number of spinouts and traffic jams that result in reduced through-put (number of rides per hour or day).

It is important to remember that the potential for injury to your guests or damage to your equipment increases greatly with every small increment of speed increase.

About the author: Peter Olesen is president of Peter F. Olesen and Associates, Inc., 500 West Central Road, #205, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056 USA. Olesen has written articles on concession go kart and family entertainment center planning and design and has participated in numerous industry seminars. Mr. Olesen will be exhibiting in booth #217 at the upcoming 2001 Kart Expo, St. Charles, Illinois.

END

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Wheaton, IL 60189 USA
Telephone: 630-653-7368
Fax: 630-653-2637
Email: karting@msn.com

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