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International Karting Industry Buyer's Guide

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Kart Expo International

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INDOOR KARTING – SOME BASIC CONSIDERATIONS
- PART TWO – THE DESIGN PROCESS AND MUCH MORE

Opinion by Peter F. Olesen P.E.

Author Note: This article is written with the assumption that the primary purpose for developing indoor karting facilities is to create a profit center. Should the reader only be interested in club or purist operations, none of our comments will have any impact on the direction they take. While kart racing enthusiasts may disagree with this article, or at least portions of it, we feel it is prudent to give very consideration to the points we seek to make.

Publisher note: When the ASTM voted on voluntary concession karting standards on January 28, 2000, the ASTM F24 Committee established a new work group which would allow the indoor karting industry to establish its own criteria which may result in changes, exceptions and/or additions to the newly established standards.

As stated in Part One, the indoor go-kart market is still evolving throughout the United States: both in the number of facilities and the concepts being applied. There are facilities that have operated for many years as indoor concession go-kart tracks as well as others following the indoor kart racing concepts similar to those used in Europe. Some are successful while others have not been. Detailed information is scarce, as both successful and failed operators are reluctant to share specific data. In this, the second part of the article, we will discuss the design process and other important aspects of preparing an indoor karting facility. (See August, 2001 Archives for Part One)

Once a building has been selected, the design process may proceed. The following items will become very important in charting the future course of action.

1. WHAT FORMAT IS TO BE USED?
As there are a number of approaches that can be taken, the first decision to be made is which format will be used in developing detailed designs.

a. Indoor Kart Racing – This format can be designed as an indoor road course or as an oval. Current preferences seem to favor a road course layout, unless space limitations dictate an oval. Within this concept there are still many decisions to be made pertaining to method of operation, racing format, timing and scoring systems, marketing format, supplemental or support attractions, and related issues.

b. Indoor Family Go-Karting – This format is normally developed with a road course layout, using less drastic curves than an adult racing course. Again, it is possible that space limitations will dictate an oval configuration. Indoor family go-kart facilities should be supported by additional attractions in order to maximize the marketing potential. Consideration should be given to birthday party and group functions.

c. Dual Operation: Indoor Kart Racing and Family Go-karting – Under this concept, an operator can determine whether his local market will support one or both indoor karting formats. The track will be designed to accommodate both types of karts or karting operations. Depending on the specific karts used and the operating format adopted, it is possible to stagger operations during the day or to have separate daytime/evening operations for the two systems. This concept may require two sets of karts if gasoline-powered karts are used. We are not aware of a quick-change control that is currently available on gasoline-powered karts to set karts at various speeds, depending on the riders’ age and skill levels. The technology is available for quick changing maximum speeds on electric karts, permitting the use of a common kart for both operations.

2. WHAT TYPE OF KART WILL BE USED?
This decision concerns whether the karts will be powered by gasoline, methanol, propane, electric or other fuel systems. In many areas, local ordinances will be the determining factor, while in other, the cost factors will reign supreme.

We understand that some indoor kart racing facilities using electric karts have had to double up their kart inventory to permit longer charging periods due to the drain on batteries. If the proposed method of operation requires longer race times, this could become a deciding factor in selecting a specific kart.

3. WHAT TYPE OF BARRIER SYSTEM IS TO BE USED ADJECENT TO THE TRACK?
At the present time a number of barrier systems are or have been in place at existing indoor tracks. These include, but are not limited to:
a. Steel plate/automobile tire/anchor plate systems
b. Steel plate/tire/sand bucket anchor systems
c. Industrial belting backed by automobile tires with sand bucket anchors
d. Polyethylene paneling backed by automobile tires
e. Sand or water-filled polyethylene barrier wall forms
…and other systems combining some or all of the above elements and even others which we have no present knowledge.

While the primary intent of track barrier systems is to keep karts on the track, they are also intended to absorb some of the impact when karts strike the barrier. While most, if not all, current barrier systems in use meet the containment requirement, some of the barrier systems in use today don’t do a very good job at softening impacts. This is especially true of several sand and water-filled wall sections in use. It appears that at least one type may have the potential for causing some karts to flip, under certain conditions.

At a recent FunExpo trade show in Las Vegas, this writer saw one possible alternative barrier system with components that could be assembled to rival the tire system. It consisted of the use of multiple proprietary “D”-type Urethane moldings and mounting assemblies used with a composite barrier used as stand-offs. This barrier rail system needs to be tested under actual operating conditions before its effectiveness can be determined.

4. SHOULD THE TRACK DESIGN BE PREPARED WITH ISLANDS IN THE PIT AREA?
The use of islands has long been a subject of discussion among a number of designers. At the present time more people tend to leave them out, whether as a convenience issue due to conflicts with building columns (as a high percentage of indoor tracks are currently being constructed in existing buildings) or in the misguided feeling that omission of islands increased safety in the pits.

We prefer raised islands because they separate the karts, making it far easier for guests to get in and out of the karts, provide a safe zone for pit personnel and, in general, make it far easier to maintain through-put. For those planning to use electric-powered karts, it provides a more controlled area in which to carry out loading, unloading and recharging.

Islands greatly reduce the potential for guests or staff members having their legs cut out from under them by careless karters, with potentially serious consequences. They also keep karts from getting entangled with each other and restricting entering or leaving the karts (such problems can greatly reduce the total throughput of your facility). Some designers feel that islands increase the potential for sprained ankles and stumbles, and dismiss our concerns. Facilities are designed both ways.

As more electric karts are used indoors, especially those with pickup plates under the karts, the islands will become more popular. This is because it is easier to locate pick-up plates on the pit lane floor at positions that will permit karts stopping at the right locations to recharge. It also enables more controlled use of cord charging systems. As the battery systems of more karts become capable of taking quicker charges and removing the need for dual sets of karts, the value of the pit islands should become even more apparent.

5. SHOULD A TRACK BE DESIGNED TO OPERATE IN BOTH DIRECTIONS
Reversibility permits a facility to offer two separate driving experiences. In the outdoor concession go-kart industry, many tracks have been quite successful in reversing the direction of operation on weekdays to increase business during historically slower periods. Offering a different driving experience could also benefit the indoor kart racing market.

To accomplish the reversible concept for indoor kart racing would require a modified timing system to accommodate the two directions of travel. This concept requires both ends of the pit being designed to serve as entrance or exit. Undoubtedly, it will require some modification to the timing system as well as an additional loop for any remote kart shut-off system.

6. WHAT SPECIFIC BUILDING CODE AND ZONING CODE ELEMENTS WILL DICTATE FINAL FACILITY DESIGN AND WHAT LOCAL AGENCIES MUST BE DEALT WITH?
One of the first steps in planning any facility must be a visit to the local agency having jurisdiction over the construction of the proposed facility. In most communities this will be one or more of the following:
a. Planning Department/Planning Commission
b. Public Works Department
c. Engineering Department
d. Community Development Department
e. Environmental Protection Agency

These agencies will have either the local zoning ordinances, building codes or engineering standards that must be met prior to any project being approved. Depending on the zoning of your site, you may be required to attend planning commission, zoning board, village, town, city or county board hearings as well.

Identify the bureaucratic process that is required to obtain required approvals. Identify the potential areas of delay or conflict that could arise because of your proposed project.

7. ESTABLISH POTENTIAL ALLIES THAT MAY BE CALLED ON FOR SUPPORT
Having neighbors and other business venues supporting your entry into the local entertainment market will definitely increase your potential for initial acceptance.

8. ASSEMBLE POSITIVE INFORMATION SUPPORTING YOUR PROPOSED PROJECT
It pays to be prepared, in terms of having information supporting your project and the attractions you are planning, prior to publicizing your facility. Review the possible objections local agencies may have, as well as the potential concerns of local residents.

9. BE PREPARED TO DIFFEREFTIATE YOUR PROPOSED FACILITY FROM ANY EXISTING BAD EXAMPLES OF SIMILAR PROJECTS IN THE AREA
It is natural for media representatives, agency personnel and the public in general to equate any new project with similar existing facilities. If there are any “bad” examples, or even acceptable examples of similar facilities in the area, be prepared to separate yourself from being perceived to be of the same quality. Have positive answers to potential questions.

In conclusion, your project represents not only your “sweat equity” in terms of work performed, but also a financial commitment on the part of yourself and possibly others. Take the time and expand the effort required to assure that your proposal is well thought out, based on sound information and supported by recognized community and staff leaders. Remember – failing to plan is planning to fail!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Peter Olesen is a Licensed Professional Engineer in eight states and President of Peter F. Olesen and Associates, Inc. 500 West Central Road, Suite 205, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056 USA. The firm provides consulting services to concession go-kart and Family Entertainment Center clients. Project span 35 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico and Brunei. Service range from preliminary site evaluations, feasibility studies, concept development, master planning, design and construction engineering services for project that include concession go-kart tracks, miniature golf courses, indoor and outdoor family entertainment centers and theme parks. These services apply to new facilities as well as renovation or expansion of existing facilities. Mr. Olesen has written many magazine articles on the industry and has made presentations at numerous industry seminars.

END

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