Lake Garnett Sprint Track

About Lake Garnett Sprint Track

Lake Garnett Sprint Track is a one third mile asphalt kart sprint track in North Lake Park, Garnett, Kansas. It is city owned, member operated and run entirely by volunteers, and it has hosted KART Nationals among many other events over the years. Karting has been running on this property for more than fifty years, and the sprint track sits alongside a 2.6 mile road racing course in the same park.

Fifty Years of Karting on the Same Ground

Lake Garnett Raceway covers both tracks, the one third mile asphalt sprint circuit and the 2.6 mile road course, with continuous racing across the two for over half a century.

The sprint track was completely rebuilt in 2007. That project brought a new track surface, new pit road, new off road areas, new corner curbing and an enlarged asphalt hot pit area, which is why a track with decades of history still races like a modern facility.

Racing here is organized through the Karters of America Racing Triad, the Midwest sprint, oval and enduro karting organization founded in 1994 that puts its emphasis on camaraderie and the family atmosphere of kart racing. The Kansas City Karting Association also runs events at the track, including the Lake Garnett Shootout.

Racing for All Ages

Kart racing at Lake Garnett takes drivers of every age. Race day schedules follow the standard sprint format, with gates opening early in the morning, registration and a drivers meeting to follow, then practice sessions by class before racing begins.

Entry fees are structured separately for members and non members, with hot pit passes and spectator admission priced modestly and reduced entry for children. Spectator cost is low enough that a family can watch a full day of racing for very little.

The competition level is genuinely strong. The track is described as offering some of the most competitive kart racing in this part of the country.

A Park Setting

What makes this venue unusual is where it sits. Both tracks are inside North Lake Park, surrounded by a lake and a golf course, and the park also holds the Anderson County Fairgrounds, a football stadium, tennis and basketball courts, a swimming pool, sand volleyball, a skate park, a children’s fishing pond and RV campsites.

Camping is within walking distance of the tracks, which makes a weekend of racing straightforward. The park hosts a long list of other events through the year, including the Anderson County Fair, the Cornstock corn festival, tractor pulls and a demolition derby.

The sprint track is open to the public on most days, and the facility can be reserved for group events through Garnett City Hall at 785-448-5496.

The Lake Garnett Grand Prix Revival

The other reason motorsports people know Garnett is the road course. In the 1960s and 1970s the Lake Garnett Grand Prix drew drivers including Carroll Shelby, Ken Miles, Don Yenko and Dick Thompson to this small Kansas town.

Each October the historic ghost track is brought back to life for the Lake Garnett Grand Prix Revival, when vintage sports cars and high performance machines from every era return to the park. It is a different event from the karting, but it runs on the same ground and it is worth knowing about if you are planning a visit.

Getting There

The track is on North Lake Road in Garnett, in Anderson County in eastern Kansas, roughly an hour southwest of Kansas City and an hour south of Lawrence.

Race schedules and event announcements go out on the track’s Facebook page, and registration and kart rules are handled through KART at kart.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the sprint track?

One third of a mile, paved in asphalt.

Is there another track at the same site?

Yes. Lake Garnett Raceway also includes a 2.6 mile road racing course in the same park.

Who runs the track?

It is owned by the City of Garnett, operated by members and run by volunteers.

What organization sanctions the racing?

The Karters of America Racing Triad, founded in 1994, with the Kansas City Karting Association also running events there.

Is the track open to the public?

Yes, on most days. Group events can be reserved through Garnett City Hall at 785-448-5496.

Is there camping?

Yes. RV campsites in North Lake Park are within walking distance of the tracks.

When was the track last rebuilt?

2007, with a new surface, new pit road, new curbing and an enlarged hot pit area.

What is the Lake Garnett Grand Prix Revival?

An October vintage racing event on the park’s historic road course, reviving the sports car races that drew Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles here in the 1960s and 1970s.

Where is Lake Garnett Sprint Track located?

North Lake Road, Garnett, Kansas 66032, in North Lake Park.

More information on Lake Garnett Sprint Track; Click here https://www.facebook.com/LakeGarnettSprint/

For kart venues click here: https://www.plainspowersports.com/category/karts/

For more venues click here: https://www.plainspowersports.com/category/auto/