• HomePage / FYI
• Now That I Have Your Attention
• Eye On The Industry 
• News Briefs
• Neat Stuff 
• Shop Talk
• Book Nook 
• The Racer's Edge 
• Concession Corner 
• Inside Info 
• Fun Times 
• Sponsor Search 
• Classified Ads
• Calendar of Events
• The Last Laugh 
• Archives 
• Advertising Info
• Feedback
• Legal Stuff
• Kart Expo Update
• Association News
• Weather Updates
• Kart Links

International Karting Industry Buyer's Guide

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

Kart Expo International

1.  What go-kart is to be used? 
As there are a number of approaches that can be taken, the first decision 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 preference seems to favor a road course layout, unless space limitation force using an oval. In general, this would entail use of karts with fairly high speeds and would address an “adult market” as opposed to the “family market”. Our experience has been that such a market will take a greater marketing effort and would be limited to fairly large population centers. 

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 limitation will dictate an oval configuration.

Properly designed and marketed, this format will generate far larger attendance figures in most markets. It is possible to operate exclusively as a kart venue. However, the inclusion of additional attractions appealing to a broader market, will help maximize the marketing potential.

c.  Dual Operation - Indoor Kart Racing and Family Karting - Under this concept, an operator can determine whether his local market will support one or both indoor karting formats concurrently, or if he/she would be better served by a dual usage design. Under this concept, 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 operation 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 speed control currently available for gasoline powered karts.

The technology is currently available and in use for changing the maximum speed of battery powered or electric karts by pushing a button on a master controller. This permits the use of a single kart for both operations.

2.  Which type of kart will be used? 
This decision concerns whether the karts will be powered by gasoline, propane, methanol, electric or other system. In many areas, local ordinances will be the determining factor, while in others, 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 barriers systems is to be used adjacent to the tracks?
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 steel plate rails, automotive tires and anchor plate systems, steel plate/tire and sand bucket anchor systems, industrial belting backed by automotive tires with sand bucket anchors, polyethylene paneling backed by auto tires, sand or water filled polyethylene barrier wall forms and other systems combining some or all of the above elements and possibly others of which we have no present knowledge.

While the primary intent of a track barrier system 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 them don’t do a very good job of softening impacts. This is especially true of 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.

Authors Note: New barrier systems are constantly being developed both in the USA and overseas. At the 1999 FunExpo trade show in Las Vegas, this writer saw one possible alternative barrier system with components that could be assembled into a barrier system that might 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 do to conflicts with building columns (a high percentage of indoor tracks are currently being constructed in existing building) or in the misguided feeling that omission of island increases 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 also 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 through-put 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 pick-up plates under the karts, the islands will become more popular. This is because it is easier to locate pick-up (recharging) plates on the pit lane floor as positions that will permit karts stopping at the right locations to recharge. It also enables more controlled use of corded charging systems. As the battery systems of more karts become capable of taking quick charges and removing the need for dual sets of karts, the value of the pit islands will become even more apparent.

5.  Should a track be designed to operate in both directions? 
Reversibility permits a facility to offer 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 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 different directions of travel. This concept requires both ends of the pit being designed to serve as entrance and 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 requirements 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:
                              Planning Department/Planning Commission
                              Public Works Department
                              Engineering Department
                              Community Development Department

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 hearing as well.

Identify the bureaucratic process necessary 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 upon for support. 
In most communities, there are organizations that support increased recreational and family-oriented entertainment for the local area. Seek out such support. Also seek to identify local elected officials and administrative staff members that are favorable to your project. In most communities, if you can convince the staff planner that the project is beneficial, you are off to a good start. They can have a positive impact on the way many of the planning commission members view your project.

Local media people can also become strong supporters. Try to convince them that your project will have a positive impact on the teenage population in terms of providing a positive recreational outlet and jobs, as well as meeting a need for family-oriented entertainment within the local community.

There may well be many local businesses that would support your venture, as you are not going to be in direct competition with them unless they offer the same attractions. Some may even become future cross marketing associates as well.
 

8.  Assemble positive information supporting your proposed project.
It is always a good idea to create a presentation package that not only presents the site and the proposed improvement, but also includes support information based on data developed for the industry, magazine and newspaper articles, video tapes and related items that can be read by the reviewing staff and approval board members permitting them to better understand your project. Positive information that can be submitted to the press, local television and radio for use in creating feature stories can generate additional community support.

9.  Be prepared to differentiate your propose facility from any existing bad examples of similar projects in your area. 
Be prepared to present positive elements of your project in terms of benefits to the community and serving an existing need for this specific form of entertainment. Differentiate between the positive benefits of your proposed facility and previously observed negative elements of existing facilities. Be prepared to address the positive aspect of your proposed facility in order to distance your proposal from any present unsatisfactory facility.

As can be seen in this and last months portion of this article (which can be found in Archives), the decision to develop and operate an indoor go-kart facility involves a number of very important steps to be taken, if a project is to be successful. Do not take any of them lightly. Seek out the services of a firm and/or individuals that have sufficient expertise to keep you moving in a positive direction. Spending relatively small amounts of money to make certain you have addressed the many issues that face you can result in saving huge sums in proceeding with a faulty premise.

Take the time and expand the effort to assure that the proposal you present is well thought out, based on sound information, supported by recognized community and staff leaders. Remember, failing to plan is planning to fail.

About the author - Peter F. Olesen, P.E., is president of Peter F. Olesen and Associates, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in the design of indoor and outdoor concession go-kart tracks, family entertainment centers and related family-oriented entertainment facilities. Check them out on the web @ www.olesen.com. You can also reach them by phone at: 847-253-1515 or by e-mail at: polesen@flash.net. 
 
 
 

END
 

View Past "The Inside Info" Articles