Karting Nation Blog

Karting Nation is now on Facebook!

To celebrate we’re offering you the chance to win a FREE GP experience session, at any of our karting circuits around the UK.

For your chance of winning this fabulous prize, simply visit facebook.com/kartingnation and click ‘like’.

Once you’re a fan of the page, you’re in with a chance, plus you’ll be able to stay up to date with the riveting world of motor sports, and any other brilliant karting discounts and offers as soon as they happen.

There’ll be news, reviews and interviews; all right there on your computer screen. All you have to do is give us the thumbs up, and ‘like’ the page.

Hope to see you there soon!

The wait is over. Formula 1 is back. It’s time for engines to roar, war to be forged and new stars to be born.

No less than 5 world champions will compete in this year’s tournament, plus they’ll be joined on the tarmac by a host of familiar faces, and some hotly anticipated rookies.

Here’s the Karting Nation guide to what promises to be another pulsating series of races.

The Players

Sebastian Vettel returns as reigning driver’s champ, behind the wheel of the heavily fancied Red Bull car. Red Bull took home last year’s constructors championship and once again set the pace during pre-season tests in Spain with their RB7. With Vettel and a resurgent Marc Webber behind the wheel the Red Bull team looks formidable.

The Ferrari team have been right there with them during the tests and are likely to be their biggest rivals throughout the campaign. The team missed out on a championship chance at Abu Dhabi last year, and they’ll be chomping at the bit this time around. As will their main man Fernando Alonso. He’s still one of the best driver’s in the game and he’ll be out to knock Vettel from his perch.

Don’t write off Mercedes just yet. Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg are no mugs, and after a slow start, the team ended the practice runs on a high, following some timely tweaks to their new MGP W02.

After disappointing practice performances McLaren and Renault are expected to battle it out for fourth place. Technical problems and a lack of track time have hampered progress for McLaren and their MP4-26 doesn’t look ready for a title push. But appearances can be deceptive and both Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button have expressed their confidence in the car once all the pieces of their preparation fall into place. The guys at Renault are reeling from the loss of Robert Kubica but certainly won’t be bringing up the rear come November.

A little further down the pecking order, competition is sure to be tight, and there’ll be plenty of interest in teams like Williams, Force India, Sauber and Toro Rosso, not least because of promising new drivers like Pastor Maldonado (Williams), Paul Di Resta (Force India) and Sergio Perez (Sauber).

Team Lotus, HRT and Virgin look, arguably, stronger than ever to round off a very competitive field. But don’t expect them to pose a great deal of problems to the big guns. All in all the standard of racing is set to be as high as spectator pulse rates.

The Game

Tension is building in the final days of preparation before the season opener in Australia, not least because of a number of rule changes. The game continues to evolve and organisers guarantee that the action will be as competitive as ever.

One of the biggest talking points has been the introduction of a movable rear-wing. The controversial addition is activated remotely at certain points of the circuit when a signal is given. Once activated, a gap is opened between the upper and lower wing planes, reducing drag and increasing speed. Crucially only the signalled car is able to activate the rear wing, offering a temporary advantage over the driver in front. This in turn makes overtaking a greater possibility.

Out go front wings, double diffusers and F-ducts, not to mention Bridgestone tyres. This year, burning rubber will be provided by Pirelli. Much has been said about the new tyres and in particular the fact that they degrade much quicker than their predecessors. For this reason, a busy year for pit crews seems likely. Last year Ferrari and Virgin managed to record 3.6 second pit stops. Will that time be bettered in 2011?

Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) make a return this year. This technology transforms the waste energy produced by braking into additional power at the driver’s disposal throughout the race.

Perhaps most ominous of all the changes takes the form of the new 107% rule, which states that tailenders won’t be allowed to race if they finish more than 5 or 6 seconds outside the top qualifying time on Saturday afternoon.

For a great number of reasons it’s sure to be yet another great campaign in the world’s most high profile motor sport.

For the inside track on everything that happens check the official Formula 1 website.

For a wheel-spinning Grand Prix in which you’re in the driving seat, book a great go-karting event at any of our racetracks around the UK. To take a look at the impressive selection of venues, race types and special offers click here.

Tomorrow, we’ll take a closer look at the opening meeting, the magnificent Quantas Australian Grand Prix 2011. Don’t miss it.

“When my best mate told me he was getting married, it was up to me to give him the perfect send off…’cause it was all down hill from there!

We’re a sporty bunch of lads, and I knew he’d want the chance to let loose and act like a bit of a big kid again. I wanted the weekend to be a hundred mile an hour and chock full of laughs and stories to tell. As fans of the Formula 1, go karting was an obvious choice but we still wanted more.

When I spoke to one of the guys at Karting Nation, about places to kart in Birmingham, they suggested we try paintballing too and found places we could do both within half an hour of one another!

They even put us up in a hostel in the city centre which matched our budget. Ok, we were in bunk beds but seeing the groom’s dad try and get on the top bunk after a few beers was worth the money on its own.

Saturday morning, was when battle commenced at the amazing paintball facility in Coventry, just half an hour outside Birmingham! Nothing wakes you up like a bit of fresh air and a hail of paintballs flying right at you! The site was huge, a massive outdoor war zone with 5 different gaming areas, each with their own design and strategy. The games were great! We were split into two teams and each given missions to carry out. It was like being a soldier, ducking for cover while the bullets (well, paintballs) flew past in every direction!

The lads were rolling around in their army gear, like Rambo, getting really carried away. Plus, we’d signed up for the Stag Hunt package, which meant we got more paintballs and even a smoke bomb each! It also meant the stag was in for some special treatment. The poor lad was getting pelted from every direction, but he gave a few good hits back too!

Paintballing is a brilliant idea for a stag weekend. It gives the lads who might not know one another that well a chance to break the ice while storming the enemy base, and it gives the lads who do know each other a chance to splat the hell out of one another for fun!

In the afternoon we headed to the karting place in Birmingham city centre. Paintball was a team sport…but this was every man for himself! We all took part in a massive Grand Prix event, which gave us exclusive use of the facility’s 700m track.

The venue uses the fastest indoor karts in the UK and the adrenaline rush, as I sped around the track, was amazing!

We raced in a series of heats and then the best drivers made it into the grand final. The rest of us cheered on from the spectator’s area and the atmosphere was fantastic! I’d have rather been out there, but I’m no Jenson Button. The lads flew around the circuit and the outcome was really close! The stag even made it on to the podium in 3^rd place…and got the winner’s bubbly over his head.

The party continued long after the brakes had been slammed, at the venue’s licensed bar. We all got a print out of our lap times and they all had a good laugh at mine. Then it was off into town with my mate showing off his bronze medal to any girl that would look! Everyone had a great time and the whole weekend was a massive success. If it wasn’t for the guys at Karting Nation and Go Ballistic, I’d have had a much harder time putting the whole thing together, they did all the leg work and I just had to worry about getting all the blokes together on the day.

If another of the lads is soft enough to take the plunge, I won’t hesitate to get in touch with these guys again, and you should definitely do the same!”

Lee – Best Man & Karting Nation Customer.

Are you organising a Stag Weekend? Give the team a call at Karting Nation on 0844 745  5006

Go karting is accessible motor racing madness that’s taking the nation by storm! But not everybody has the inside track on this super-speedy social event, so we’re here to provide the answers to all your nagging karting queries.

What should I wear?

Few of us drive like The Stig, and even less of us share his fashion sense! But when it comes to the big race there are some definite clothing DO’s.
All racers are required to wear a helmet which covers the face, a set of fireproof overalls and protective gloves. Sometimes waterproof overalls may also be appropriate, if racing outdoors in bad weather. These items will almost always be provided by the karting facility, however, you will be asked to bring sensible footwear. This means no flip-flops, sandals or heels…save those stilettos for the post-race party!
It is generally accepted that a comfortable training shoe be worn once you hit the track, though it’s believed that a thick sole can reduce our control on the pedals and our ability to judge how much pressure we’re applying.
The thinner the sole, the better control!

How old do I need to be to race?

While some go-karting experiences may be reserved for adult kart racers of 16 years+, the majority of venues will provide an option for junior drivers.
Kid karting events are usually offered to children between the ages of 8 and 15, and can involve karts with lower spec engines or separate racing circuits. Often minimum height requirements can also apply…because it’s difficult to put your foot down, when your foot doesn’t reach the pedal. Height restrictions may vary, and are often upwards of 4’6’’, but our helpful Karting Nation staff can inform you of any requirements concerning your preferred events. This information is also available on this site.

Are there any height/weight restrictions?

Some facilities may impose certain restrictions on their adult experience. These requirements can vary from one karting venue to another but are mostly common sense. You’ll have a hard time winning a fast and furious kart race if you can’t reach the accelerator!
Many venues impose a minimum height restriction of 4’6’’. And for those of us who are more chocolate button than Jensen Button, the generally accepted weight limit of most karts is around 18st, though this figure can also alter.
If you’re unsure whether you or one your group will meet the requirements of your local facility, the Karting Nation team are on hand to clarify. This information is also available via the site.

How much time should I allow for my event?

Karting Nation offer a variety of exciting racing formats and the duration of your experience will depend upon the activity. The vast majority of karting events will take between 1 and 3 hours to complete.
Grand Prix events are epic, group competitions which play out over a series of races culminating in a spectacular grand final, and take around two hours in total, if you’re good enough to go the distance!
Endurance races can take longer to complete and involve being the first team or individual to accumulate the target number of laps. Alternatively, you may be required to complete as many laps as possible within a rigid timeframe of up to 3 hours.
For the racer in a rush, our GP Experience options are a great way to have some fun in a shorter spell of time. The vast majority of karting venues offer these ‘Arrive and Drive’ packages, which allow the driver to tackle the circuit for a designated period of time, be it 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes. These options serve as a great introduction to this zany pastime, or a chance for the committed racer to briefly practice and shave some seconds off their lap time.
However much time you intend to kill, there aren’t many better ways to do it than slamming your foot down and conquering your local course.

Is karting a good activity for corporate events?

Go karting is a fantastic option for your corporate hospitality event! Motor races can be team sports or individual battles. Either way, the adrenaline-fuelled action of the kart track is the ideal way for your colleagues to loosen their ties and blow off some steam!
There’s a bit of a Top Gear fanatic in all of us, and this is a chance for people to taste the excitement of high speed motor racing, have tons of fun, and get to know one another better in the process.
What’s more, most reputable karting venues offer conference facilities, catering and corporate event packages so that all the firm’s needs can be met under one roof, in a presentable and professional manner.
There is surely no better way to liaise with a client or colleague than having them eat your dust afterwards! Don your overalls, hit the gas, eat up the track and take the chequered flag! Although, you might prefer to let the boss overtake you on that final straight…or it may cost you your job!

Does karting accommodate stag or hen groups?

Kick start that last night of freedom with an action-packed karting experience! It’s the most fun you can have with your clothes on! These events are ideal for groups of friends and have been a popular staple of the stag and hen party industry for years.
The stag may think he’s The Stig, but once the lads get behind the wheel of our motorised monsters, it’s anybody’s race. This is the chance to let loose and leave mirror signal manoeuvre at the door…this is a fast, furious frenzy that’s sure to give your mates plenty to talk about long after your big day.
Karting is the perfect mixture of all the things that make a great stag do: the lads, the adrenaline, the excitement and lots and lots of laughs!
But this isn’t just for the guys, and most karting arenas offer hen party packages too! The wedding day is all about perfect hair and stifling dresses. Hen party karting could not be further from that experience! Get into your helmet and your overalls, get behind the wheel, and get your adrenaline pumping!
With so much to plan in the run up to the big day, let our fantastic Karting Nation staff handle the planning process and secure an arrangement with the local track of your choice. And with party and catering facilities at many venues nationwide, you’re sure to find the perfect experience for your group.
Don’t walk up the aisle, until you’ve powered down the track!

Is there a karting circuit/track close to me?

With go kart facilities available nationwide, you’re bound to find an activity to suit you. Punch your desired location into the Karting Nation search engine to find a venue in your area. From there you’re free to book a place online or do so through any of our helpful team of Karting Nation staff.
If you’re geographically spoiled for choice, we can provide comprehensive information on each karting site, which allows you to make an informed decision. Then you can relax in the knowledge that your foray into the thrilling world of motor sports could not have been better suited to you and your team of karting kings!

Are there differences between indoor circuit and an outdoor circuits?

There are several differences between the indoor and outdoor karting formats, but ultimately both are guaranteed to provide an electrifying day out and plenty of memories to take away with you.
Perhaps the most obvious difference is that outdoor karting is very much beholden to the elements and bad weather can greatly alter your racing experience, where as indoor karting will be the same regardless of the time of day and year.
Many outdoor facilities boast all-weather circuits but kart handling will still be affected by wet weather, and you’ll have to exercise much better control if you want to avoid a stack of tyres! And heavy rain will also affect how you dress for the big race and waterproof clothing is recommended throughout much of the year, here in the UK.
Outdoor tracks tend to be longer and, thanks to twin-engine go karts, they’re most often faster too. It’s possible to reach ridiculous speeds of almost 70mph on an outdoor course!
Indoor circuits, while shorter, are generally more intricate and challenging. If outdoor karting is about raw speed and power, indoor karting is about skill and manoeuvring. These karts may have single engine power, but hitting speeds of up to 40mph on a tight indoor course can be just as exhilarating. These indoor tracks tend to offer slick, slippery surfaces which add to the competitive nature of the drive.
If you can demonstrate control, if you can manage the corners, if you can power into the straights but not overshoot, you could race to victory.
Karting is always challenging, competitive and tons and tons of fun. Choose your experience, choose your environment, hit the accelerator and never look back!

What’s the difference between karting and off-road karting?

While regular karting often features on track competition, off-road karting is all about one driver versus the elements. Drivers race against the clock over uneven and sometimes unpredictable terrain.
Off-road karts are larger robust vehicles, built to withstand a much more physical and action packed run.
Regular karting is much more akin to conventional track-based motor sports, which can be enjoyed as an individual or as part of a team. Off-road karting is a solo-rollercoaster ride, but a competitive element can be introduced through a time-trial format.
These two formats require a different set of skills, as well as a different build of vehicle. Off road vehicles feature much larger wheels and greater suspension as they are geared for an immensely bumpier ride.
To recreate the excitement and electricity of professional motor racing, look no further than go-karting. But if you want to test yourself against the clock, the elements and the British countryside off-road karting is engine-powered experience unlike any other!

Do I need experience?

Karting is the most accessible of all motor sports!
Our karting facilities require racers to take part in a comprehensive safety briefing before they take to the track. These briefings generally last for 15 minutes, after which even the complete rookie can hit the accelerator and blast around the track!
The exhilaration of karting is available to everybody. You don’t even need a driving licence to be a motor racing champion!

Can I go on the course with my kids?

Age requirements may differ, not only from one facility to the next, but also between racing formats. Many competitive races will be strictly for adults and most facilities’ junior karting options will have minimum and maximum age requirements.
But if you really want to show your little ones who’s boss there are ways that you can take to the course together thanks to the GP Experience format.
GP Experience is a non-competitive karting format. It is a chance for drivers to enjoy some time on the course to practice or test themselves against the clock, without a competitive element. Age requirements are generally lower for these sessions, meaning that you and your tiny terrors can take to the track in tandem!
But do beware…they may be able to show you a thing or two!

How fast do the karts go?

The top speeds of our karts can vary from location to location, and is as dependent on the layout of the track as the engine size of the kart.
In most indoor venues, where tracks tend to be shorter or more intricate with fewer straights, karts generally reach speeds of 35-40mph (which still feels incredibly fast when you’re seated inches from the floor).
In bigger outdoor facilities, with larger straights and twin-engine go karts, it is possible to reach breathtaking speeds of 65-70mph!
These karts might not be Formula 1 rockets but they pack more than enough punch to get the adrenaline pumping through your veins!

What are open racing events?

While many of the racing packages on offer guarantee exclusive use of the circuit for your firm, or your friends and family, you don’t need a team to take part in this sport.
Open races are competitive events in which members of the public can come along to a karting event and test their driving skills against a line up of strangers.
Often these drivers have some karting experience already, meaning that these races can be incredibly competitive and intense. They are a fantastic way to recreate the buzz of competitive motor racing. So, if you fancy yourself as a wheeled-wizard, open races give you the perfect chance to prove it.

Still have questions?
Give the extremely knowledgeable team at Karting Nation a call on 0844 7455006 – they will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about karting and our circuits.

Give this DIY project a go…….but make sure you wear some safety gear when you take it out for a spin!!

…….then come a try out the real thing at your local karting circuit!