3 circuits in Essex run birthday parties events. The single thing that decides whether this works is age and height, and it catches people out constantly.
Brentwood, Essex
Brentwood Karting runs an 825-metre floodlit outdoor circuit at Warley Gap, about fifteen minutes' walk from Brentwood station and half an hour from central London. It holds the International Rental Karting Award for Best Customer Experience.
Price not published
Basildon, Essex
TeamSport's Basildon track is in Unit 3 on Festival Way, Basildon. The indoor circuit is about 500 metres long with 12 corners and ramps linking its levels, and up to 16 karts run in a session.
Price not published
Harlow, Essex
TeamSport Harlow is an indoor kart track on River Way in Harlow, west Essex, reached from the M11. The 500-metre circuit has 14 corners over more than one level, with changes in height along the lap.
Price not published
The thing that catches groups out. Below the minimum you either pay for absent drivers or book an open session instead.
Always check both. The gap between a 1.20m and a 1.40m minimum is the difference between an eight-year-old driving and watching.
Purpose-built junior karts fit smaller drivers properly. Some tracks also fit remote speed limiters so staff can build a nervous child up gradually.
Children mixed in with adults have a worse time. Ask whether junior sessions run separately.
Food, a private room, a podium and a trophy make it a party. Without them it is a driving session with cake in the car.