16 Dec 04
Okay, let's suppose you've been asked to organise an outing. It might be a stag night, a corporate team-builder or your Gran's 90th, but you're in charge. What you really want to do is karting and, as it turns out, the old dear's up for it too. Result.
The first choice is the biggie really: do you race indoors or outdoors? Indoor kart tracks are usually smaller, with tighter corners than their outdoor counterparts. Outdoor tracks often make better race circuits, though - they tend to be longer, with faster corners and straights, and maybe a gradient or two. The flipside is that indoor karting often works out cheaper, the racing can be closer (less daunting tracks means novice drivers can be nearer to the pace) and, of course, you don't get wet if it rains.
4Car took the indoor route just last week, when we challenged our paymasters at Channel 4 to a head-to-head festive showdown at Playscape Pro Racing's Streatham Kart Raceway in, er, Streatham, funnily enough. Like most indoor kart companies, Playscape uses single-engined Prokarts, with GX160cc Honda four-stroke engines putting out 5.5bhp. They'll reach up to 40mph or so, while outdoor circuits typically employ twin-engined karts, good for the north side of 60mph.
We took ten drivers in all and exclusively hired the circuit, but if you've got fewer drivers, entering an open race can prove more affordable - although you'll be racing random people, not just your mates, colleagues or your Nan. The Streatham track can be hired out for a shade over £700 all-in, for up to 20 people (so around £35 a person). That buys two hours on the track, and believe us, any longer than that and the novice will be hard-pressed to continue. The track costs a bit more if you sign up for an evening session, and longer and Mini Grands Prix events (sometimes working out cheaper) can also be specified. There's even a Le Mans-eqsue 24-hour marathon if you've got the bottle...
