In addition the karts become tatty and rusty, and equipment spoils easily. Most customers also want to race at night, and through the winter, which demands good lighting, which is very difficult to achieve on an outdoor track without great expense.
Moving indoors solved all these problems, and allows customers to enjoy a lively, colourful atmosphere with viewing terraces, PA systems, lap timing displays, cafe and heating – it’s a fun place to be, everything is clean and the track is more predictable. In addition it allows us to build flyovers and ramps for even more excitement!
If it’s indoors it must be quite small?
Many indoor tracks are in small units, but ScotKart offer you the choice of two of the largest tracks in the U.K, housed in huge 50,000 and 55,000 sq ft. buildings. Both tracks are about 400m long, which means the average race is over 2Km long, and we can run up to 12 - 14 karts on them quite comfortably.
We feel these are the perfect size for indoor karting – smaller tracks can only have simple layouts, and 15 second lap times make you dizzy, whist any bigger and the karts become too spread out, making for boring racing.
Karting is something you do at the fun fair!
ScotKart offers a real race experience – using light weight racing chassis made by Biz, with impressive handling and performance, they are real flying machines.
Apart from using a 4 stroke engine (you can’t use 2 stroke indoors), it’s the same type of kart you would buy to race, and It’s a world away from the heavy box section go-karts you get at amusement parks!
It appears to be expensive?
Indoor karting offers the best value motorsport available – your all inclusive price covers all your equipment, the opportunity for head to head racing, and a full afternoon or evening of non-stop action which would cost you thousands on a race track!
ScotKart attempts to keep our prices as accessible as possible, despite large staff costs (we employ 49 people), rent, rates, Insurance, utilities, kart and equipment repair and replacement etc
Are there any height or weight restrictions?
Kids Karts (ages 8-11/12), min height 4’ 2”, 1.3m.
Adult karts, min height 4’11”, 1.5m.
If your over 19 stone, or over 6’5” you are going to have trouble fitting into a kart, sorry!
If you are in any doubt please visit us, and ask to try a kart for size, it’s no trouble we want you to enjoy your visit.
Do I need a driving license?
No – it’s not necessary. We provide a thorough briefing and practice laps before you race. However if your nervous come down for a practice session first – it will make a big difference.
Do we need special clothes?
We provide race suits, helmets, headsocks and gloves so all you need are comfortable clothes to wear underneath, and flat shoes or trainers.
Lockers are available in the changing rooms for valuables.
How many people do we need for a booking?
You have a choice of ‘Open events’ where you are not committed to numbers, you can book 1 place or 20, and you race against the other groups booked in. Then you have Exclusive events which are available for groups of 8 upwards, though it might be 20 or 30 at peak times.
Is it O.K to drop the kids off?
Due to the potential risks of karting all drivers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, and the disclaimer must be countersigned by them.
If I’m not very good will I be Knocked out early on?
All drivers receive the same amount of racing during the heat races. The only race you have to qualify for is the Grand Final.
Is it safe?
Karting by its very nature is potentially dangerous, and you should be aware there are risks attached which is why we ask you to sign a disclaimer. However we do everything we can to prevent accidents, and have achieved an excellent safety record over the last 20 years due to some of the following measures:
National Karting association video safety briefing
Race directors briefing prior to race events
Safety wear provided, approved full face helmets, race suits, gloves and neck braces for children
Practice laps to get used to the karts and track prior to racing
Karts have wrap around bumpers to prevent interlocking wheels
Karts checked prior to racing to ensure brakes & steering are working
Karts have a low centre of gravity so the chance of rolling one is very rare
Highly trained marshals in radio contact with the Race Director
Operate RAC Motorsport flag system to warn any dangerous drivers, or black flag them for dangerous driving
Warning lights around the track to slow or stop karts in case of marshals on the track, or karts spun out
Race Director has completed the National Karting Association course for Race Directors
At least one member of staff is First Aid trained
Barrier system is designed to absorb impact and prevent karts crossing over the track
Frequently Asked Questions
Why indoors?
Karting as a sport runs on outdoor circuits, however it was only when it moved indoors with the advent of Honda powered four stroke pro- karts did it become really popular and accessible to the public. The reasons are quite simple – hanging around in the wind and rain is not a lot of fun, and even more unpleasant to drive in.
Even the Glasgow summer can be pretty wet and cold!
