The next generation of auto racers is already getting behind the wheel, even if some budding drivers can’t see over the dashboards of most modern racing stock cars. Many a NASCAR driver got their start racing go-karts, whether at a dedicated track or on the street with a four-wheeler fashioned from a lawn mower and scrap metal. They could only dream of an indoor kart track like Pole Position Raceway, in effect making Pole Position a dream come true for any future Kurt Busch or Darrell Waltrip.
To qualify to get behind the wheel at Pole Position, aspirants need only be at least 48 inches tall. “You don’t need your own helmet,” says Brad Mark, who was an executive with Richard Petty Driving Experience before joining Pole Position Raceway as chief executive officer and expanding into Las Vegas. “Just a need for speed.”
That need is filled and then some. After suiting up and strapping in, the karts accelerate smoothly onto the track. Within a few laps the twists and turns become familiar. Steering, accelerating and optimal handling of the track become intuitive, and the drivers experience the full potential of g-force sensations that can be experienced by karting.
Then it’s time to race, when things really get fun. The thrill of overtaking someone by taking a curve just right is incomparable, and in a go-kart there’s not much risk of accident. Pole Position considers its 18-horsepower carts to be the best in the world. Electric motors allow speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, tires are fat, F1-inspired performance radials worthy of the competitive go-kart circuit, and hydraulic disc brakes are maintained to the highest standards.
Pole Position Raceway is actively introducing young people not yet qualified for a learner’s permit to driving through a program created in partnership with Chapman Las Vegas Dodge. “It’s a very cool way to get kids some real ‘road’ experience in a controlled environment, and it really does make them better drivers on our roads,” says Mark. “It’s been huge, and we see about 200 kids on the second Saturday of each month, along with organizations like Nevada Highway Patrol and Zero Teen Fatalities that are on hand to help educate our young drivers.”
That program takes place at 9 a.m. and is restricted to 13- to 17-year-olds, but as long as drivers are 4 feet tall and are accompanied by an adult (if necessary), they can come any day beginning at 11 a.m. and feed that need for speed. Once the black-and-yellow-striped railing starts whirring by, the appeal of racing automobiles around a track becomes immediately apparent. It’s addicting, adrenalizing and anxiety-proof, thanks to the safety considerations built into the design and supervisors with radio controls that can slow down the action if necessary.
But that won’t be necessary for you. You’re a speed demon with lightning-fast reflexes and a knack for indoor tracks. You’re light years beyond customized lawn mowers. You’re a karter, and Pole Position has your raceway.
Races start at $25.50, 4175 S. Arville St., 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-midnight Fri.-Sat.; 7350 Prairie Falcon Road 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun., 1-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-midnight Fri.-Sat. 702.227.7223
