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International Karting Industry Buyer's Guide

GO KARTING!
A Guide To The World's Most Popular Motorsport.

Kart Expo International

Over the years we have received a number of suggestions for improving race tracks and we would like to share them with our readers.

A. Make sure you have a telephone at your track. The cost of installation is low and the immediate need in case of an emergency will pay for itself. You can also discontinue service during the off season usually for a slight fee. 

B. With a track phone, you can also have a voice-mail recording with track information, dates, special notices, etc. 

C. By using suggestion #A, you may now be able to accept credit cards at the track for services, product, and entry fees. This is the age of plastic, so why not make it easy for customers and racers to part with their “cash”.

D. Explore computer registration and electronic scoring. You will be surprised what has been developed and what it costs nowadays. It will also make sign-in and scoring simple and easy.

E. With very strict EPA laws and regulations, please make sure your track has a receptacle for dumping used oil and extra fuel. A 55-gallon drum is ideal. The drum should be in a secure area with safety signage. Racers should be encouraged to dispose of their used oil in this container rather than dumping it on the ground, which IS against the law. You can also make arrangements with a local petroleum dealer to pickup the container when full. We all have to work together to keep out environment safe and clean.

F. Design and sell club and/or track souvenirs: T-shirts, caps, karting magazines, etc. You’ll be surprised how this will supplement your income so your club can afford track and club improvements. Selling items and making income will not effect your non-profit status.

G. Washrooms: Does your track have clean washrooms? Nothing turns off spectators quicker than dirty, smelly washrooms. Assign a club member or committee to make sure the washrooms are clean and stocked with supplies. You may want to check into the “portable potty” services, too.

H. Signage: Does your track have a sign telling the public there is, indeed, kart racing at your location? Look into renting or purchasing a 4’x8’ lighted sign (permanent or on a trailer). If you do not have room on your property, make arrangements with a local business nearby to put up a sign. 

I.  Supplier Signage: You may also ask your local Coke or Pepsi distributor (of course, you do sell one or the other, right?) about a sign. They usually have special deals available for their dealers. Another option is to contact a local business and ask them to donate a sign if you allow them to put their name on it, too. 

J. More about signs: Before you run out to buy or rent a sign, be sure to check with your local government about any sign ordinances in your area. Better to have the facts before you spend money and then not be allowed to put up your shiny new sign. Once you have your new sign in place, you will be very surprised at the increase in spectators and new members/racers you will achieve. Little cost/huge benefit!

K. Dress up your back straightaway and make income for your club by selling 4’x8’ plywood signs to local businesses. Prior to EACH season, solicit local businesses to “purchase” signs to be placed around the track. Again, you’ll be amazed at the amount of income that can be derived as well as how the signage will spruce up your track. Make arrangements with a local sign painter to paint the signs for a nominal fee or trade-out a sign at the track for him/her, too!

L. And finally, don’t be afraid to charge admission to watch kart racing at your track, either per person or a parking charge, per auto. You won’t scare anyone away and in fact, when someone pays for an event, it makes it a bit more special than something that is free. Take advantage of what you have and make it pay.

Note: If you have any suggestions to help clubs or tracks, please e-mail it to: karting@msn.com. We will be printing additional suggestions in the future.
 

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