Ready. Set. Race!
The engine revs. Drivers tighten their grip on the steering wheels. A pensive mood of anticipation builds up in the air. The right foot rests on the accelerator pedal. All eyes fixate on an impending light of green that signals the start of it all.
No, this isn’t Formula One.
This is not a case of world-class drivers competing with each other, but amateur drivers aspiring to greatness, driving beasts far less powerful but potent nonetheless. Or, this scene could simply involve folks engaging in the activity for nothing but recreation and joyous competition.
This is the world of go-karting.
The younger cousin of Formula One has garnered a huge fan following among the urban populace of India, most notably in Bengaluru. Whether it’s the idea of racing peers, the opportunity to drive a high-powered vehicle or the sheer thrill of being in a competitive yet safe environment, go-karting is certainly grabbing eye balls.

Its appeal can be attributed to three factors. For starters, it’s a group activity, and there’s nothing that attracts people more than an activity that engages multiple people simultaneously, preferably in a frivolous competitive environment. Secondly, the novelty of driving high-powered miniature vehicles is itself enough to attract an enthusiastic bunch to give it a go. Not just once, but over and over again. Thirdly, the safety standards of this activity are top-notch minimising risk.
‘Thrill’ and ‘Safety’ is a combination likened to water and oil, but in this case, an exception can be made.
Aside from the recreational offerings of go-karting, the rise of its appeal lays a bearing on the Indian motor sport community. Go-karting is the first step towards a career in Formula One racing, and the growing appeal of this sport could open up avenues for future F1 drivers to take on the mantle from the likes of Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandok have paved the way for Indians.

Go-karting competitions have already sprung up around the country, giving kids and parents a glimpse into a world of sport previously unexplored. It certainly helps that driving a go-karting around a track is exhilarating in itself, but the pure ecstasy of whizzing around in a go-kart is miniscule in comparison to what it could mean for the future of Indian motorsport. Things are certainly looking up.
Have you ever managed a sharp turn or calculated overtakes on a go-kart? We highly recommend you do and our go-can’t wait to smell some burning rubber. It’s safe to say that PLaY Arena is knee-deep in the go-karting madness already!
