OT: SF Bay Area Karting, Which facility is best? Options

[Dave_Darling]

There are a few places around the southern end of the Bay where one can run karts wheel-to-wheel. Most of them are "arrive and drive" deals, where you show up with nothing but a fistful of money, and they provide the suit/helmet/kart/everything. I am considering going driving at one this weekend some time, and was wondering which one you guys prefer, and why?

The only two facilities that I can recall of the top of my head are Le Mans Karting in Fremont, and Speedring down in Santa Clara. I've actually been to Le Mans Karting, but did not drive. How does Speedring compare, and are there similar places around this area?

Thanks!

--DD

[lapuwali]

I've been to Speedring many times, and it's decent, and they generally try to treat it like actual racing, not just Malibu Grand Prix wheel to wheel.

There's yet another place in Millbrae or thereabouts. Can't remember the name off the top of my head, but it's very near 101.

Le Mans is cheaper than Speedring, last time I checked. The Millbrae place seems to split the difference. One nice aspect of Speedring is they do reservations, so you don't have to wait around a long time to get your turn. This is esp. nice if you're going with friends.

Take your own helmet. Speedring's helmets aren't bad, but...

For real fun, however, nothing beats the outdoor stuff, up at Infineon Kart Track (up the hill from Sears Pt). It's a VERY nice track, great elevation changes and a nice layout. While kart rental is expensive ($120/hr, and you supply your own gear) compared to the indoor places, the karts are VERY fast.