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CONCESSION CORNER

DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE BUILDING A CONCESSION TRACK
By Kim Davis

As designers of go-kart facilities, our clients most frequently ask us these questions: Who makes the best go-kart?
What is the best design for a track?
What is the best type of rail system?
What is the best style of pit facility?

There is not a single best answer to any of these questions. It is a process of understanding the needs at hand and then making the right choices based on research. Sources of information include the kart manufacturers, trade associations, publications including the Karting Industry Buyer’s Guide, web sites, operators of existing facilities and industry consultants.

The research guidelines should identify safety characteristics, take into account operation/management methods, maintenance practices, budgetary limitations, local market conditions, reputable insurance carriers and applicable permitting/development guidelines. We will cover go-kart selection first, since it has the most significant effect on track design, rail systems and pit facility.

GO-KARTS
An analogy can be drawn between selecting a go-kart and purchasing an automobile. Most likely before your purchase an auto, you will visit several dealerships and make test drives. The same should be true for selecting go-karts; visit go-kart facilities and drive as many different karts as possible. Not only compare different makes of karts, but also drive new and older models of the same kart. Each manufacturer’s karts have different handling characteristics. The key is to select a kart that will compliment the style of track that you desire.

It is not advisable to put a kart that handles best on long straightaways on a tight, twisting track, even if it is your favorite kart. Avoid purchasing a kart based purely on looks or body style. Research the ability of the manufacturer to deliver the product on time and to stand behind the product in terms of customer service.

Other considerations in selecting a kart type include:
A. Durability and maintenance requirements
B. Budget constraints
C. Type of brake systems and steering systems
D. Kart bumper systems
E. Availability of various engine sizes
F. Type of rail systems required
G. Compatibility with other manufacturer’s karts (if you desire to have flexibility in using various karts on your track)
H. Type of rear axle and drive system

TRACK DESIGN
Many factors contribute to deciding on the “best” track design. Designing a track involves more than simply drawing up a track to fit within a given space; A track should be reflective of the determined target design. Done correctly, a track will have a unique personality and character, ensuring long-term success. Following are a few items that influence the character development of a track:
A. Predominant type of kart to be used
B. Relationship of length/width of the track to the number of karts intended to operate at one time
C. Intended operational speed of the karts
D. The relationship between the length and placement of straightaways compared to the radius of the curves
E. The grading of the track should be reflective of the desired type of ride: changes in vertical grades will produce different characteristics than a track that has very little vertical movement
F. Compliance to governing codes and regulations
G. Direction of operation
H. Lighting levels
I. Whether or not to use a bridge
J. Accessibility

In general, tracks with the most character result from an original design which is developed on a site-specific basis, rather than trying to fit a pre-designed track to a site.

SAFETY RAIL SYSTEMS
When debating the “best” rail system, the most important thing to remember is the purpose of the rail system. The primary purpose is to contain the karts within the track area in a safe manner. The method in which the containment is achieved and the type of materials used are valid concerns. A secondary consideration, which cannot be systematically controlled, is the ability of a rail system to cushion impact. How these two considerations work together will determine the effectiveness or safeness of the rail system. Other considerations include:
A. Type of karts used
B. Maintenance practices
C. Budget
D. Local availability of components
E. Local codes

While researching the most appropriate rail system for a specific project, take the time to speak with several insurance companies that insure concession tracks to discuss the insurability of the desired system. At times, there is too much emphasis on the aesthetic appeal of a rail system. While aesthetic appeal is of some importance, one must not lose sight of the ultimate purpose of the rail system as a safety device. This can be especially difficult when dealing with public hearings or zoning cases, but in these instances there is an opportunity for educating the public as to the importance of a technically sound rail system.

PIT FACILITIES
In developing a pit area, one must understand the function of the facility. A pit area should provide a safe area to load and unload riders. It should be located out of the main traffic flow and provide good visibility of the track. Likewise, the access into the pit area should be easily visible from the track as traffic approaches the pit. For safety reasons, refueling of karts should not occur in the pit areas. Pit facility design should take into account:
A. Easy in/out traffic flow
B. Total number of karts
C. Type and size of karts
D. Size of queuing area
E. Management and operational techniques for safety
F. Local codes
G. Budget
H. Climatic conditions/seasonal storage of karts
I. Fire prevention

As with rail systems, there are many styles and types of pit facilities. Each should be designed to serve the needs of a particular project. What may be appropriate for one project may not be for another.

In conclusion, by performing background research and being educated to the various options available, the decision-making process will be much easier. Once again, there is not a single “best” answer to any of these topics. Keeping the standard considerations in mind, the “best” decisions are made by determining what is most appropriate for each individual situation.

About the author: Kim Davis is an architectural planning consultant with the firm Davis and Davis Inc. Recreational Planning Consultants. The company is a multi-purpose design firm specializing in the field of wet and dry family entertainment centers, including go-kart tracks, arcade facilities, bumper boats, batting cages and non-regulation golf facilities. The firm offers architectural, engineering and landscape architectural services for master planning and complete construction drawings. Davis and Davis can be reached at 817-274-3871 or fax: 817-274-3875.

END

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