K1 Speed is your place to race! Whether you’re interested in our casual Arrive & Drive race experience, looking for more competition with our monthly Challenge GP race league, want to learn more about our special events, or just have questions, this page is your K1 Speed racing resource!
All new riders will receive a mandatory briefing session on indoor kart racing safety and regulations. K1 Speed recommends racers wear closed-toe shoes, and long hair should be pulled back into a ponytail. We will provide you with all the racing gear needed. Please remember that indoor Karting is real racing and not an amusement ride. Accidents can happen if you do not follow the rules and pay attention to flags.
We cannot emphasize enough that indoor kart racing is a non-contact sport. We do not tolerate any bumping or blocking of go-karts. If you are unable to pass a kart, there is no excuse for contact. K1 Speed has a strict, zero-tolerance policy regarding alcohol and/or drug abuse. Anyone who appears to be under the influence will not be permitted to race.
Women who are pregnant can not race.
Kart racing poses special risks to those with neck or back problems and heart conditions. Anyone who should not be in a stressful or physically demanding environment should not race. If you have any doubts, please check with your doctor prior to racing.
K1 Speed Racing FAQs
How much is K1 Speed?
Prices vary by location. To see the pricing at the location near you, please start by visiting our Location page.
How fast are K1 Speed’s go karts?
K1 Speed’s 20-horsepower electric adult go karts can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour – the fastest in the industry. The Junior karts can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.
How tall do you have to be to race at K1 Speed?
All junior racers will need to be at least 48” (4’) tall to race on track. All teen/adult racers will need to be at least 58” (4’10”) to race our larger, faster go-karts.
IMPORTANT: Meeting the height requirement is not a guarantee you’ll be able to race our karts. Drivers will be measured at the location and must be able to safely operate all elements of the kart. Final approval will be at management’s discretion.
Can adults and kids race each other on the track at the same time?
Adults and kids can not race on the track at the same time, unless the child meets the requirements for our Adult Karts. Otherwise, for a safer racing experience, Junior Karts and Adult Karts are never on track together.
Can I race go-karts at K1 Speed if I am pregnant?
For safety reasons, individuals who are pregnant are not permitted to race go-karts at K1 Speed. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
How long is a race at K1 Speed?
Arrive & Drive races are up to 12 laps at most K1 Speed locations. Once someone completes 12 laps, the checkered flag will fly for everyone on track. This means some racers may get fewer than 12 laps, but will have the same amount of track time as everyone in their race.Do K1 Speed races expire?
No, K1 Speed races purchased either online or at the store never expire. So you can always save some of your races for a later visit.How old do you have to be to race at K1 Speed?
There is no age requirement to race at K1 Speed, just a height requirement of at least 48″ for our junior karts, and 4’10” for our adult karts.
Can a child ride with an adult at K1 Speed if they do not meet the minimum height requirement?
No, all karts at K1 Speed are single-seaters. If your child is not at least 48”, they will not be able to race on track. We do, however, have an arcade to keep the little ones entertained.
Is there a military discount at K1 Speed?
Yes, K1 Speed offers a military discount. Discounts are available at the location for active-duty military, police, fire, and EMS personnel with valid ID.
Qualified personnel will receive 10% off their in-store purchase (cannot be combined with any other offer/discount, does not apply to group events)
Do I need a membership to race at K1 Speed?
You will need to purchase an annual license if you are looking to race at K1 Speed as an Arrive & Drive racer. If you book a party, you and your guests will have the license requirement waived, however you will need to purchase one if you return for Arrive & Drive racing.
How long is the Annual License valid for?
The K1 Speed Annual License is valid for one full year after purchase (e.g., if you purchase your license in March, it will remain active until March the following year). After the license has expired, you will need to purchase an additional one if you want to race, which will last for another 365 days.
What happens if I have an existing license and I purchase a package that includes a license?
If you already have a K1 Speed Annual License and you purchase a package with a K1 Speed Annual License included, your expiration date will reset to 365 days after your most recent license purchase. For example, if you were to purchase a license on 3/1/26 and then buy a promotion or package that included a license on 8/1/26, your new expiration would be 8/1/27, not 3/1/28.
Is my K1 Speed Annual License still active?
If you don’t know when you last purchased your K1 Speed Annual License, a simple trip to your local K1 Speed is all you need to do. The cashier at the front desk will be able to pull up your information and let you know if your license is still active or expired.
Can I Use My K1 Circuit License at K1 Speed?
Your K1 Circuit annual license can not be used at K1 Speed, as they are two separate businesses. If you do not possess a K1 Speed annual license, you must purchase one at the location.
What is the maximum weight and height to race at K1 Speed?
The maximum weight for our adult karts is around 300lbs, and maximum height is around 6’7”. The junior karts have a maximum height of around 5’3” and can only accommodate children – sorry, no adults in Junior karts even if you meet the height requirement!
Does Weight Make a Difference in Lap Times at K1 Speed?
Do you need a Driver’s License to drive at K1 Speed?
No, you do not need a driver’s license to drive at K1 Speed. However, you will need to purchase a K1 Speed Annual License ($7.95 at most locations) if you don’t have already have one.
Do you need a reservation at K1 Speed to race?
A reservation is not required to race at K1 Speed. However, for groups of 8 or more, reserving a group event is highly recommended as “Arrive and Drive” racing is strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. To begin planning a group event please visit our Groups and Parties page.
Are the karts at K1 Speed gas or electric?
All of the go-karts at K1 Speed are 100% electric. This means faster acceleration and no noxious fumes – a win-win situation! We pride ourselves on our electric karts, visit a center and find out why!
How long is the track at K1 Speed?
Each location offers a unique track available only at that location, so there are some slight differences depending which K1 Speed you visit. However, the majority of our tracks are around a quarter of a mile in length.
Is K1 Speed go-karting like bumper cars?
K1 Speed is NOT like bumper cars. Our go-karts are much quicker, more responsive, and more expensive! That’s why we discourage any sort of contact with our karts out on the track. If we find someone intentionally bumping, they may be ejected from the race.
Do you need experience to race at K1 Speed?
No prior experience is required to race at K1 Speed. All drivers will be briefed on track safety, rules, flag/sign meanings, and kart operation prior to their first race.
Is K1 Speed safe?
While racing has its inherent risks, K1 Speed takes every measure possible to ensure all customers enjoy an authentic racing experience in a safe environment. All go-karts are routinely checked and serviced, our PROTEX barriers are the safest in the industry, and any driver found to not be racing responsibly can either have their go-kart speed decreased remotely by a member of our track staff or can be ejected from competition to ensure the safety of others. Prior to each race, every driver is given a safety briefing that goes over track safety, rules, flag and sign meanings, and kart operation. In addition, each racer is required to wear a current DOT approved helmet with a full-face cover and equipped with a visor or goggles (provided for every racer).
Read more: Why Go-Kart Racing is Safer at K1 Speed
Can I wear my own helmet?
Yes, you can wear your own helmet at K1 Speed as long as it is Department of Transportation (DOT) approved with a full-face cover and equipped with a visor or goggles. As long as it meets those requirements, show off your individuality while you race at K1 Speed!
What clothing should I wear to K1 Speed?
All drivers must wear closed-toe shoes at K1 Speed. Sandals or any other open-toe shoes are not permitted on track and you will not be able to race. Loose-flowing garments such as dresses should not be worn. We recommend dressing casually in a shirt with pants/shorts. Shoes are required for all guests inside the locations. No bare feet allowed.
What do I need to bring to K1 Speed?
All you need to bring to K1 Speed is yourself, a form of payment, and the appropriate attire (see previous question). We’ll provide the headsock, helmet and kart!
Can my child race at K1 Speed without an adult present?
All drivers under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian with them and the parent/guardian will need to sign our Minor Liability Waiver prior to them racing at K1 Speed. This waiver can be signed in-store.
Can I use a GoPro or other video camera while racing at K1 Speed?
The use of GoPros or other personal videos cameras while racing at our facility is prohibited, however you can rent Viewpoint video cameras at K1 Speed to record your races.
How long is the wait at K1 Speed?
Wait times at K1 Speed can vary considerably based on location, time, day, and other factors. You’ll typically wait less during the week as opposed to the weekend.
Can my group all race together on track at K1 Speed?
It may be hard for K1 Speed to allow everyone in your group to race together during busier periods, as we will fill any vacant race positions with the next racers in the queue. However, during slower times you may always ask the front desk cashier to see if they can accommodate your request. If you have a group size of 8 or more, we recommend booking an event with us which will provide private racing for your group. Just note, Junior and Adult karts are never mixed on-track.
Is there anything else to do at K1 Speed besides go-kart racing?
Yes! All K1 Speed locations typically have an arcade and some table-based games such as billiards or foosball to keep the action going while you’re off the track. Read out blog that details everything you can do at K1 Speed when not racing.
Is there a place to eat and drink at K1 Speed?
Yes! All domestic K1 Speed locations have a Paddock Lounge that offers a selection of food and beverage options to recharge in-between races.
How long does each race take to complete at K1 Speed?
It usually takes between six to ten minutes to complete a race at K1 Speed, but it just depends on how fast the racers are going and whether or not there are any caution periods. So the time can vary.
Can I drink alcohol at K1 Speed?
Yes, K1 Speed serves alcohol at most of its locations. However, K1 Speed maintains a strict anti-drinking and driving policy at all of our locations. If you wish to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, you must do so only after you have finished racing for the day – not in-between races. BRINGING IN OUTSIDE ALCOHOL AND/OR DRINKING IN THE PARKING LOT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. If we have reason to believe you are under the influence, you will not be allowed to race on track.
Are all of K1 Speed’s go-karts the same in each race?
Yes, typically all go-karts in a race will be similar in almost every way and are regularly maintained and serviced by our in-house mechanics. There are various power settings, however, so those who are more experienced at K1 Speed may have a slightly higher power setting than those first starting out.
Can I reserve a time at K1 Speed?
The only way you can reserve a time at K1 Speed is by booking a Group Event. These require a minimum of 8 people.
What is K1RS and How Do I Get K1RS Points at K1 Speed?
K1RS is K1 Speed’s proprietary scoring system that is used at all of its locations worldwide. The system rewards points based on each racer’s performance and how often that racer races at K1 Speed. Here’s the specific breakdown of points rewarded, based on category:
Every racer starts at 1200 K1RS points at the beginning of the calendar year and receives points for the following:
2 – points for each race
2 – points for each racer you beat
2 – bonus points if you had the fastest lap in your race
2 – bonus points if you had the fastest lap average in your race
To check on the current K1RS Points Championship leaderboard, please visit our National Leaderboard.
Locations
Where is K1 Speed located?
K1 Speed has over 100 locations around the world and counting! To find the location that is nearest to you, visit our Locations page.
When is K1 Speed open?
K1 Speed is open seven days a week, 364 days a year (we’re only closed on Thanksgiving). Please check the webpage of your nearest location for specific hours of operation.
PLEASE NOTE: All Junior Races end by 8pm on Friday and Saturday. We often have full location buyouts. Please check our Closure page to verify the location is not closed due to a rental.
What is the admission cost to go to K1 Speed?
Admission to K1 Speed is free if you’re looking to just spectate. Of course, there is a cost for the karting, food/beverages, merchandise, arcade games, pool tables, etc.
Are there franchise opportunities available?
Yes, K1 Speed has franchise opportunities internationally. For more information, please visit our Franchise page.
Does K1 Speed Offer Sponsorships for Drivers?
K1 Speed currently does not offer sponsorships for drivers; however, our sister company, K1 RaceGear, does offer sponsorships. Applications must be submitted between October 1st through February 28th. For more information, please visit: https://www.k1racegear.com/pages/sponsorship