I can now happily tick off another event off my list of 100 things to do before I die, as I went go-karting in Lancing/Hove (I was a bit lost). For anyone that needs the address, it was Unit 2, 30 Chartwell Road Lancing Business Park, Brighton BN15 8TU.
The go karting is run by Team-sport, while the track has a Monaco style tunnel and some really fun sharp turns (great for overtaking people). We went as a group of 12, which is the maximum capacity on the course at any time, which meant we had some great rivalry.
The track stretches 450 metres, with ‘multiple levels’ (I think that’s a bit of an exaggeration but sure). The karts are 200CC biz karts, meaning they can go up to 40 miles per hour. Then again, with the corners coming thick and fast, you can never really stretch the engine to its maximum.
This is one of those events that I have always meant to get around to completing which can be done close to home, like surfing or paintballing, but it never truly jumped out at me. Now being a bit older, I can safely say this has just become another stag do activity.
The straight stretch is amazing, as you can really pick up some speed and its always tempting to dare yourself and see how fast you can go into the big turn.
My scores were constantly near the bottom, however my final race I went all out and managed to complete a lap in 35 seconds, the second best out of our group. Having said that, I did a bit of research and the average person completes the lap in 34 seconds at this course, meaning I must have a very pedestrian friendship group. I’d definitely recommend giving go karting a try!
Cost
We went on the Sunday evening where they have an infinite session (which actually means five sessions at 10 minutes a time) and it cost £30. Apparently you can get the tickets £5 cheaper if you like them on Facebook.
You can also book yourself ‘unlimited karting’, so you can go all day, when the track/kart is available and other people aren’t booked on. This is a good option if you find just a couple of races isn’t enough, but I wouldn’t recommend that for a stag do as it does become a bit tiresome for some members as the laps go by.
My friend Ervin also let me have a go driving his car in the car park, which is the first time, so it was a weekend of achievements for me, woooo!
The ultimate go karting venue is also here in England, the Lydd Kart circuit in Trent, which is 1.2 miles long. This will have to sneak onto my list very soon!
Go Karting is part of my list of birthday party ideas in Brighton, being a great day time activity, however the location is a bit of a nuisance, not being close to civilisation at all, so you will need a driver in the group.
You might have recognised the name, Team Sport have go karting venues all over the country, but do be aware they are very different to each other and charge different prices. You can also sign up to membership, which I’m sure will get you some kind of discount if you go regularly, as well as access to member only events.