About the track
Surbiton Raceway at Worcester Park runs three separate outdoor tracks, which is more than almost anywhere else we list, and it means the age bands are properly catered for rather than fudged with restricted karts.
The bambino track takes 4 to 7 year olds at 5mph. The 300 metre cadet track is for 8 to 12 year olds at 130cm, running at 25mph with up to eight on track. The 450 metre main track is 12 and over at 150cm, with ungoverned Sodi 270cc karts quoted at 50mph and up to fourteen drivers.
What makes it unusual is the licence system. The fast 270cc karts are normally 15 and over, but a 12 to 14 year old can earn access by racing at least three restricted Youth and Family sessions and setting a lap of 30 seconds or under. Staff assess track discipline, knowledge of the flags, racing line, overtaking and speed before issuing a Surbiton Raceway race licence. No other hire venue in this directory has anything like it.
Two practical notes. Gloves at £2.50 and a balaclava at £3.50 are both compulsory unless you bring your own, so budget for that. And unlike Brentwood and Lakeside, GoPros are allowed here, provided you wear your own helmet, because their helmets have no camera adapters.
Everything must be booked online in advance and every driver registers before arriving. Bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable, with no exceptions, so be sure of your date before paying.
Which circuit can they drive?
Different circuits here take different ages, so the headline minimum isn't the whole story.
The karts
- Sodi 270cc, four-stroke, ungoverned, 50mph
- BIZ 200cc, four-stroke, governed, 30mph, Youth and Family sessions
- Cadet kart, 25mph
- Bambino kart, 5mph
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 all year, closing only for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
Planning your visit
Accessibility
- Spectators welcome, though children must be supervised at all times.
- Dogs are permitted on a lead at the circuits.
- Free parking on site.
- Every driver must register online before arriving, so allow time for that as well as the 30 minutes on site.
Questions people ask
How young can children drive at Surbiton?
Four, on the bambino track, which runs to age 7 at 5mph with a maximum of four karts out. The cadet track takes 8 to 12 year olds from 130cm, and the main track is 12 and over from 150cm.
How fast are the karts?
Main track Sodi 270cc karts are quoted at 50mph. Youth and Family sessions use governed BIZ 200cc karts at 30mph, the cadet track runs at 25mph and bambino karts at 5mph.
Can a 13-year-old drive the fast karts?
Yes, but only by earning it. The Sodi 270cc is normally 15 and over, though 12 to 14 year olds can qualify through the circuit's own race licence: at least three restricted Youth and Family sessions and a lap of 30 seconds or better, with staff assessing track discipline, flag knowledge, racing line, overtaking and speed.
How long are the tracks?
The main track is 450 metres and the cadet track 300 metres.
Do I have to buy gloves and a balaclava?
Both are compulsory. Gloves are £2.50 a pair and balaclavas £3.50 from reception, or you can bring your own.
Can I use a GoPro?
Yes, if you wear your own helmet. The circuit's helmets do not have camera adapters fitted.
Can I just turn up and race?
No. All bookings must be made in advance through their online system, and every driver must register online before arriving at the venue.
What is the refund policy?
There isn't one. All bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable, and race fees are not refunded for late arrivals either. Everyone must arrive 30 minutes before their track time for the mandatory safety briefing.
Do they race in bad weather?
Yes, in all conditions other than severe snow or fog.
Can I bring my own kart?
No, their insurance does not permit it.
What should I wear?
Training shoes or similar, with no sandals, Crocs or sliders. Loose comfortable clothes that fit under a race suit.
When are they open?
Seven days a week all year except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Monday and Tuesday 10am to 5pm, Wednesday to Friday midday to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 7pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm.
Getting there
Worcester Park, Greater London, KT4 7QB
020 8337 5550
[email protected]
Where this came from
- eligibility, karts, circuits, policies, hours, address — https://www.surbiton-raceway.co.uk/faq (Operator's own site)