About the track
Daytona Sandown Park sits inside the Sandown Park racecourse complex at Esher, just off the A3 and about ten minutes from junction 10 of the M25. It is one of three Daytona circuits, alongside Milton Keynes and Tamworth, and the closest serious outdoor circuit to south-west London.
The kart ladder is unusually well defined. Bambino karts take 6 and 7 year olds from 107cm, starting with a 40-minute induction to earn certification. Cadets and juniors race from 8 at 125cm in 45mph karts. Adults move into 50mph four-stroke SODIs from 14, and the 70mph two-stroke DMAX from 16.
There is a genuine progression path built in. Experienced 12 to 13 year olds can take an assessment to drive the adult SODI karts, and experienced 14 to 15 year olds to drive the DMAX, provided they are tall enough. Daytona also recommend a four-stroke practice session at the same circuit before anyone tries a DMAX.
Formats run from a 20-minute practice up to the D40, which is ten minutes of practice and a 40-minute race, and on to team endurance events of three, six or even 24 hours. Sandown Park is the only Daytona venue running a Masters League for older drivers, and the only one with the two-hour Junior Tuition Programme.
One rule catches families out. An adult can only race alongside a child in an open race or practice session if that child is over fourteen. For anything younger you need to book a private hire event, which is worth knowing before planning a family day.
Which circuit can they drive?
Different circuits here take different ages, so the headline minimum isn't the whole story.
The karts
- SODI four-stroke, 50mph
- DMAX two-stroke, 70mph
- Junior kart, 45mph
- Bambino kart
Sessions and prices
Set by the track. You book direct — we don't add a fee.
Good for
Opening hours
Opening times vary by day and season. Check the booking system for actual race scheduling, since you cannot turn up without a booking.
Planning your visit
Accessibility
- No maximum height or weight, with XXL seats in the adult karts.
- Outdoor spectator areas with race commentary and live timing on screens.
- Karting is unsafe for expectant mothers and for anyone with a heart condition, visual impairment, epilepsy or an existing injury, and the operator reserves the right to refuse participation.
- Dogs are not permitted at any Daytona venue.
- No alcohol is served or permitted on site.
- Esher station is a five-minute taxi ride or a 25 to 30 minute walk.
Questions people ask
How young can children drive at Daytona Sandown Park?
Six, in Bambino karts, provided they are at least 107cm tall. Cadets and juniors race from 8 at 125cm. Adult SODI karts are 14 and over at 142cm, and the faster DMAX karts 16 and over.
Can my child drive an adult kart?
Possibly. Experienced 12 to 13 year olds can take an assessment to drive the SODI karts, and experienced 14 to 15 year olds to drive the DMAX, as long as they meet the 142cm height requirement.
Can I race with my child?
Only if they are over fourteen. An adult can race alongside a child in an open race or practice session from that age. For a younger child you would need to book a private hire event.
How fast are the karts?
The four-stroke SODI karts reach 50mph, the two-stroke DMAX karts 70mph, and the junior karts 45mph.
I have never karted before. Where should I start?
A 20-minute practice session, which is non-competitive. For adults that means a four-stroke SODI rather than a DMAX. For children aged 8 to 13, a Junior Practice is the place to begin.
What is the longest session available?
The D40 gives 50 minutes: ten minutes of practice and a 40-minute race. Beyond that there are team endurance events of three, six or 24 hours.
Can I film my race?
With your own helmet you can use your own GoPro if it is securely mounted, and a chin strap is recommended. With one of their helmets only a ViewPoint camera can be fitted, hired from reception for £10. Chest mounts and cameras fixed to the kart are not permitted.
Do they race in the rain?
Yes. Wetsuits are provided free of charge and events are designed to go ahead. They stop only for severe snow, fog or lightning, or where the race director judges heavy rain unsafe, in which case you are contacted beforehand and offered a reschedule.
Is there a maximum height or weight?
No. The operator states there are no maximum limits, and the adult karts are fitted with XXL seats.
Can I bring my own kart?
No. Daytona run no owner-driver events at all. The only way to drive your own kart on their circuit would be to hire the track exclusively.
Is there food, and can we drink?
There is a restaurant serving hot food that can cater for large parties, plus barista coffee, cold drinks, snacks and slushies. There is no bar, and alcohol is not permitted on site.
Can I just turn up and race?
No. Every session must be booked in advance, online or by phone on 033 033 27870 during sales office hours.
Does karting count towards a Duke of Edinburgh award?
Yes, as a Skill rather than a Sport.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not permitted at any Daytona venue at any time.
Getting there
Esher, Surrey, KT10 8AN
033 033 27870
Where this came from
- eligibility, karts, policies, addresses, formats — https://daytona.co.uk/faqs/ (Operator's own site, covering all three venues)
- venue — https://daytona.co.uk/locations/sandown-park/ (Operator's own site)