Go Go-Karts
Go-kart fans find electric thrills at new Richardson track
The fun times in Richardson continue with the arrival of K1 Speed, an indoor electric go-kart racing entertainment venue that's opening in early spring 2016.
The racetrack will open at 677 W. Campbell Rd., former home of the North Texas Automotive Museum (which is moving to a new location) and the erstwhile location of the Four Seasons Farmers Market.
Richardson is seeing lots of action with the opening of the CityLine complex and its dozens of restaurants and shops.
This is the second K1 Speed in the area; one opened in Arlington in 2014. A spokesperson said that the Richardson track would open in mid-February.
What makes the concept unique is its use of all-electric go-karts; most of the other go-kart facilities around Dallas — such as Speed Zone — use gas-powered karts.
The facilities are popular for private parties and corporate events, but also offer an "Arrive and Drive" option where you can go in any time and sign up for a race without a reservation. They also feature a lounge, racing memorabilia, video games, and pool tables. Most K1 facilities have two tracks, with races lasting about seven to eight minutes.
There are child karts and adult karts. Children must be at least 4 feet tall, and adults must be at least 4 feet, 10 inches. Drivers are required to wear helmets and seat belts, and the go-karts have emergency power shutoffs that allow employees to shut down a kart remotely.
The first K1 opened in California in 2003; there are now more than 30 tracks, including one in Mexico City.
