About the track
Red Lodge Karting is a floodlit outdoor circuit in Suffolk with short and long layouts, running up to 24 karts at once. The operator describes it as flowing and technical, and it is unusually well equipped for a hire venue: solar-powered digital flags on every marshal post, a large LED message board past the tower, and live timing shown in the viewing area.
The kart fleet is graded by height as much as age. Cadet karts take drivers from 8 between 119cm and 147cm. The GX200 is also from 8 but needs 147cm, so a tall eight-year-old skips straight to an adult-sized kart. The GX270 is 14 and over and quoted at 60mph, which is fast for a hire kart.
It runs seven days a week, every week except Christmas and New Year, opening at 09:30 with first sessions at 10:00 and closing anywhere between 17:00 and 21:00 depending on bookings. Sessions run in all weathers, stopping only for fog, lightning, flooding or deep snow.
There is no charge for safety equipment. Helmet, race suit, gloves and balaclava are all provided, along with waterproof overalls in bad weather. Owner-driver testing runs during the week and at weekends, and there is a monthly mini-motos evening for two-wheelers.
Top speed of 60mph is the operator's published figure, not an independent measurement.
Racing your own kart
Own safety equipment must be approved by the Race Director. Helmets must be full face with a visor, and race suits must cover neck to wrist to ankle and be of proper racing construction.
The karts
- Honda GX160 Cadet on Biz Evo 2 Cadet chassis, 35mph
- Honda GX200 on Biz Evo 2 chassis, 40mph
- Honda GX270 on Biz Evo 2 chassis, 60mph
- Corporate GX270 on Biz Evo 3 chassis with sliding seats and adjustable pedals, 60mph
Sessions and prices
Set by the track. You book direct — we don't add a fee.
Good for
Opening hours
Open seven days a week, every week of the year, apart from Christmas and New Year. Closing time varies between 17:00 and 21:00 depending on bookings, so check availability before travelling.
Planning your visit
Accessibility
- Balcony and viewing area with live timing for spectators.
- Soft rubber seat inserts available if the kart seat is too wide.
- Test fits offered before booking for anyone concerned about size.
- Free parking on site.
- No pets permitted anywhere on site, including left in cars.
Questions people ask
How young can children drive?
Eight, in the GX160 Cadet karts, which suit drivers between 119cm and 147cm. A child over 147cm goes into the adult-sized GX200 instead, which is also available from 8.
What is the fastest kart?
The GX270, quoted at 60mph, for drivers aged 14 and over who are at least 147cm tall. The Corporate version uses the same engine on a newer chassis with sliding seats and adjustable pedals.
Is there a maximum height or weight?
No official limits, but the operator says anyone over 125kg or taller than 6ft 4in may be uncomfortable, and offers a test fit before booking. Soft rubber seat inserts are available if the seat is too wide.
Do sessions run in the rain?
Yes, in all weathers, with waterproof suits provided. They stop only for severe fog, lightning, a flooded track or deep snow.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes that fit under a race suit, and enclosed footwear. Trainers are ideal, and bulky shoes are best avoided. High heels, sandals, flip-flops and Crocs are not permitted.
Do I need to buy a balaclava?
No. Helmet, race suit, gloves and balaclava are all provided, which is more than most tracks include.
Can I bring my own helmet?
Yes, subject to Race Director approval. Helmets must be full face with a visor, and race suits must cover neck to wrist to ankle and be of proper racing construction.
Do I need to book ahead?
It is advisable, so they have enough staff and karts available, and payment is taken at booking to secure the session. Exceptions are sometimes made at very short notice.
Can spectators watch?
Yes. There is a balcony and viewing area overlooking the circuit, with live timing displayed.
Are there two-seater karts?
No. The operator says it is something they would like to add in future, so a passenger option is not available at present.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Pets are not permitted on site at any time, and the operator asks that dogs are not left in cars either.
Can I test my own kart or bike?
Yes. Owner-driver testing runs during the week and at weekends, and a mini-motos evening runs monthly for two-wheelers.
Getting there
Red Lodge, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 8LE
Where this came from
- opening hours, eligibility, policies — https://www.redlodgekarting.com/faqs (Operator's own site)
- karts — https://www.redlodgekarting.com/karts (Operator's own site)
- circuit — https://www.redlodgekarting.com/rlk-circuit (Operator's own site)
- pricing — https://www.redlodgekarting.com/practicesessions (Operator's own site)