Go-Karting is becoming more and more popular and the reason being is quite simple: it is a motor vehicle discipline that allows anyone to feel like a professional Formula 1 driver. In fact, most professional drivers started their career driving one of these vehicles at a very young age.
If you are one of those people who watch all of the motorsport programs on television, or just like driving, pay attention because this post gives you the essential guidelines to fully enjoy go-karting in Lanzarote.
But, what is a go-kart?
Generally, a go-kart is a small racing car (usually a single-seater, although some have two seats) with a small cylinder capacity. This kind of vehicle has no suspension and doesn’t have any bodywork or gearbox. Its most characteristic feature is that the driver is usually seated very close to the ground. It has four wheels, the front ones for steering and the rear ones provide the drive. It has two pedals, one for acceleration and the other for braking.
Therefore, driving is quite simple, even for novice drivers, who after a couple of practice laps begin to gain confidence and feel the adrenaline rush.
The speed it can reach depends on the model. There are some that do not exceed 35 kph (21 mph), usually for young drivers and first-time drivers, while other models can reach over 60 kph (37 mph), reaching up to 80 kph (49 mph).
Yes, if we look at the facts, saying that it is an experience similar to driving a Formula 1 can be an exaggeration. However, with the driver being seated so close to the ground and unprotected, as the vehicle is completely open, the feeling of speed increases considerably. Furthermore, the layout of these circuits, with their red and white tires on each curve and speed-reducing stripes, create an exciting competitive environment.
On the other hand, if you travel to Lanzarote in a group and feel like competing with your friends, we are sure that you will have a great time breaking at the last minute, finding a way to overtake the other drivers and going faster on each lap, as you will quickly become familiar with the circuit. Although, go-karting is a great activity to enjoy with friends, it can also be enjoyed as a couple and with children, as there are two-seater go-karts available that allow an adult and a child to share a vehicle.
Where can I drive a go-kart in Lanzarote?
If you want to enjoy go-karting in Lanzarote, you have these two options:
Gran Karting Club Lanzarote
Located near the airport and not far away from the touristic town of Puerto del Carmen, this circuit is about 2,500 metres long, noted for being very flat and having a track which is 10 metres wide. These features make it an ideal circuit for reaching high speeds. In fact, it has hosted national go-karting championships.
Gran Karting Club Lanzarote offers different types of vehicles:
- Go-Karts for children between the ages of 5 and 10;
- Junior Go-Karts, for teenagers between the ages of 10 and 16;
- Senior G-Karts, for drivers over 16 years of age;
- Two-seater Go-Karts, for children to be accompanied by an adult.
It also has tracks designed according to the driver’s skills and age:
- The main track, designed for children aged 10 and over;
- The special track, for children between 5 and 10 years old;
- The Gran Prix circuit, for over 16’s, as long as there is a group of 7 or more.
As major championships have been held at Gran Karting Club Lanzarote, it has first class facilities. These include: toilets, showers, 2 covered areas for events, a children’s area, radio control track—for model and remote-controlled cars—, a professional area with boxes and a parking area for specially equipped trucks.
In addition, they offer a free transport service from the main tourist areas on the island and have instructors that ensure security regulations are complied with.
Lanzarote Karting San Bartolomé
The great attraction of the Lanzarote Karting San Bartolomé is that its circuit is located on a hillside, allowing you to experience the excitement of driving uphill and downhill curves between straights. Therefore, it is the perfect alternative to enjoy a more skilful driving experience, although not as fast. However, it also has a flat track which is 600 metres long and 8 metres wide, for those who prefer to go faster, as well as one for children.
The site has a bar, a games room and a solarium, and they continuously broadcast sport events on their television whilst you are waiting. It also has a car park and a transport service from the main hotels on the island.
As you can see, the go-karting circuits in Lanzarote on offer are quite attractive. Get ready, hear the engines roar!