Outdoor
Karting category
139 active venues
22 museum listings
Outdoor Karting in United States
In the United States, Outdoor Karting is where the sport transitions from "entertainment" to "motorsport." Unlike the polished concrete and electric motors of indoor malls, outdoor karting is defined by asphalt, gasoline, and speed. It is the training ground for professional racing drivers (from NASCAR to F1), offering two distinct experiences: high-speed public rentals and competitive "Club" racing for private owners.
The US outdoor scene is vast, ranging from small local tracks to world-class facilities designed by Formula 1 architects.
The "High-Speed" Rental Experience: Outdoor rentals in the US are significantly faster than their indoor counterparts. Premier facilities like Trackhouse Motorplex (NC) and Atlanta Motorsports Park (GA) operate fleets of unrestricted gas karts (typically Honda GX390 or 270 engines) capable of 55mph+. These tracks are wide, grippy, and run rain or shine, offering a visceral experience with wind, engine noise, and higher G-forces.
Club Racing The LO206 Phenomenon: For those who want to race competitively without breaking the bank, the US has popularized the Briggs & Stratton LO206 class. This is a standardized 4-stroke engine class that is affordable, sealed (to prevent cheating), and reliable. It is the backbone of American "Club Racing," allowing owner-drivers to race at speeds of 50-60mph with a focus on driver skill (momentum) rather than engine budget.
The 2-Stroke Step Up: For the ultimate thrill, the US owner/driver scene progresses to 2-stroke engines like the IAME KA100 and X30. These water-cooled beasts produce 20-30hp and reach speeds of 70-80mph+ on full-size kart tracks, serving as the direct feeder series for open-wheel car racing.
139 kart tracks
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OutdoorJRP Speedway
Tulsa, Oklahoma
OutdoorSonoma Raceway Karting Center
Sonoma, California
OutdoorAll Star Karting Prairie City
Rancho Cordova, California
Indoor & outdoorALLIN1 Adventures Go-Karts & Lanes
Tupelo, Mississippi
OutdoorDesert Park Raceway
Reno, Nevada
OutdoorBrooklyn Go Karts & Miniature Golf
Brooklyn, New York
OutdoorKart Kountry
Shepherdsville, Bullitt County, Kentucky
OutdoorZao Island
Valparaiso, Indiana
OutdoorRocky Ridge Raceway
Williamstown, Orange County, Vermont
OutdoorKart Circuit Autobahn
Joliet, Illinois
OutdoorShasta Kart Klub
Redding, California
OutdoorMountain View Go Kart Track
Mountain View, Stone County, Arkansas
Map locations are approximate.
Outdoor Karting — FAQs
At premier facilities like Trackhouse Motorplex or AMP, adult rental karts can reach speeds of 55 mph (88 km/h). This is significantly faster than the 45mph limit typical of indoor electric tracks.
LO206 stands for "Local Option 206." It is a 4-stroke engine made by Briggs & Stratton that is sealed at the factory to prevent expensive modifications. It is the most popular entry-level class for Americans buying their own kart because it is cheap, reliable, and ensures fair racing.
Not always. Unlike oval racing, road course karting often continues in the rain. Tracks will typically only pause for lightning or severe standing water. Many racers consider wet conditions the best way to learn car control.
Yes, but only to specific tracks. Venues like Sonoma, Trackhouse Motorplex, and K1 Circuit have designated "Practice Days" for kart owners. You generally cannot bring a private race kart to a dedicated amusement/fun park track.
For rental karts, no—you typically just need a driver's license (to prove age) or parental consent. However, for "Owner/Driver" club racing, you usually need a membership to the local club or a sanctioning body license (like WKA or IKF).