Indoor vs Outdoor Go-Kart Tracks
Introduction
If you’ve decided to open an electric karting center, congrats! Electric karting centers offer an attractive ROI and are always a fun and exciting industry to be in. Choosing between having an indoor or an outdoor track could be challenging though.
Your track could be indoor, outdoor or even a combination of both. So, what are the questions you need to ask yourself when choosing between these options?
Unfortunately, there is not a single right answer to these questions. It really comes down to your business necessities, location and the experience you want to offer to your customers.
In this article, we will do our best to assist you in making an educated decision by explaining the benefits and challenges that either option represents.
Outdoor Tracks — Pros
- Outdoor karting is an excellent option for sunny days.
- Outdoor tracks can be outstanding for their great landscapes.
- You’ll be offering a more authentic racing experience to your customers.
- Outdoor tracks are generally longer and wider than indoor tracks.
- A wider track design gives racers more freedom to maneuver and show off their skills.
- The average speed is usually faster than on an indoor track.
- Caters to professional and semi-professional drivers.
- Hosts professional and semi-professional leagues and events.
- A perfect stepping stone for improving competitive driving techniques.
Outdoor Tracks — Cons
- Subject to climate conditions. Rainy days are no-race days / no revenue :(
- Your business will be seasonal and controlled by the environmental circumstances and debris.
- Possible difficulties for development.
- Locations are usually isolated in a rural area with less access to high traffic.
Who needs an outdoor track?
Ask yourself these questions:
a. Is your location in an area with great weather year-round?
b. Do you want to appeal to a more advanced karting market?
c. Are you looking to reduce utility and construction costs?
If you answered yes to at least 2 of these 3 questions, then an outdoor track is a good option for you.
Indoor Tracks — Pros
- Rain or shine, race 365 days a year. Great for revenue!
- Indoor karts usually offer additional safety features compared to regular outdoor karts.
- Indoor karting is great for friends and family, birthday parties and corporate events.
- Attracts a broad market, from beginners to experienced racers.
- Indoor track design can be more technical than outdoors.
Indoor Tracks — Cons
- The size of an indoor track is limited to the building’s layout.
- Race speed is usually slower than on an outdoor circuits.
- It is hard to build banked turns in an indoor building.
- Retail locations and warehouses can be susceptible to higher rents and utilities.
Who needs an indoor track?
a. Is your desired location at a shopping mall or a high traffic area?
b. Is your business purpose to entertain?
c. Is operating your business year-round a top priority?
If you answered yes to at least 2 of these 3 questions, then an indoor track is a good option for you.
Our Conclusion
By now you should be familiar with both the benefits and challenges of choosing between an outdoor and an indoor karting track.
As you can see, the right decision really depends on your business preferences. Outdoor tracks will foster an advanced karting environment, while indoor tracks seek to provide an entertaining experience.
Any option you choose we hope you have great success in your karting venture.
Karting Resources and References:
OTL Electric Karts
Protex Karting Barriers
Kart 1 — One-Stop-Shop for Karting Centers
Sakamoto Tires — Cost Efficient Karting Tires
12 Minutes of Sebring Kart Racing — VIDEO
K1speed — Indoor Karting Center — Google Tour
