3 tracks in County Antrim run grand prix events. The full race weekend in miniature: qualifying to set the grid, heats, then a final with a podium at the end.
Doagh, County Antrim
Need 4 Speed is an indoor karting track on Kilbride Road in Doagh, between Ballyclare and Antrim. Every booking is given sole use of the track, with no more than seven karts out at once.
Crumlin, County Antrim
Nutts Corner Circuit is an outdoor kart circuit on Dundrod Road at Nutts Corner, near Crumlin in County Antrim. The operator describes the track as a resurfaced international-standard layout of over two kilometres, and it runs two circuits on the site.
Price not published
Ballymena, County Antrim
Raceview Karting is an indoor hire kart track on the Woodside Road industrial estate in Ballymena, County Antrim. It opens Thursday to Sunday, with evening sessions through the week and longer hours at weekends.
Price not published
The thing that catches groups out. Below the minimum you either pay for absent drivers or book an open session instead.
Bangor, County Down
Eddie Irvine Sports is an indoor karting centre on Balloo Road in Bangor, County Down, about 15 minutes from Belfast. It has been open since 2003 and is owned by former Formula 1 driver Eddie Irvine.
Kilrea, County Londonderry
K-Team Karting is an outdoor track on Movanagher Road near Kilrea, south of Coleraine in County Londonderry. Each group has the circuit to itself, and booking is required.
Ask how many laps the final is. A 30-lap final is a proper race; a 10-lap one is a sprint with ceremony attached.
Six drivers is typical. Some formats need ten or more to fill a grid properly.
Some tracks run junior versions of the same format at the same price. Others set race events at 14 or 16 plus.
Printed results and a podium are what people remember. Live timing screens make the qualifying session matter.