Do you hunger to get on the track and tame some corners? Do you need to test your driving skills and compete against others, but don’t know where to start?
Ask any race car driver how they got started in racing, and you’ll probably get the same answer every time: Karting. Many Formula One drivers grew up racing karts, most prominent among them being World Champions.
Champions like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Räikkönen, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel.
Many NASCAR drivers also started racing in karts, such as Darrell Waltrip, Al Unser, Jr, Michael Andretti, Danica Patrick, Ricky Rudd, and Juan Pablo Montoya, Tony Stewart, and Jeff Gordon.
Those who understand racing see the advantage of karting to hone their driving skills. The question now becomes, what are the top three points you need to look for in a race facility, and how does Lanier Raceplex stack up?
What You Should Consider In A Kart Track
There are three essential points to consider when choosing the best facilities for kart racing. One of the first questions to ask is very basic. Do they understand racing? Is the track just for kids and weekend tourists, or are they concerned about the needs of those more serious?
The 2nd point to consider would be the track itself. Does the track layout change, or is it permanent? If it’s the same every week, ask yourself, how long will it be until you’re tired of it?
The 3rd and last point are the people at the facilities, both the track instructors and the racers who call the paddock area home. Those tracks with a strong sense of family, and real racing camaraderie, add a substantial benefit to the entire experience. Friendly, knowledgeable track instructors are vital as well.
Let’s take a closer look at these three essential points, and why they’re important to you as a kart racer.
#1 – A Racer’s Race Track
Lanier Raceplex is owned by a racer who understands what it takes to provide a safe, professional race facility. Few people know what a race track needs more than Jim Downing, the owner of the Lanier Raceplex.
As you may know, Jim is a five-time IMSA Championship winner. During his illustrious forty-five-year racing career, he won or scored high in races at Daytona, Sebring, Nürburgring, and Le Mans.
He won several Camel Lights championships, including 41 career victories. His awards include 2002 Phil Hill Award, 2008 Bob Akin Memorial Motorsports Award, 2012 Sebring Hall of Fame Inductee, and 2014 SCCA Hall of Fame Inductee.
Real racers understand the need for safety also. Jim Downing is the co-creator of the famous HANS device (Head and Neck Support), worn by professional race car drivers worldwide.
When it comes to a safe, immersive racing experience that challenges your skills, where else would you go but a track owned by a real racer?
#2 – Challenging Configurations
They say “variety is the spice of life,” which is certainly true when it comes to kart racing. Karting on a road course is fun for a while, what do you do when you’ve learned the course? When you’ve mastered the layout?
Where is the challenge when you can close your eyes and envision the perfect entry and exit points for every corner? More importantly, how much fun is it when everyone your racing against has dialed in the track as well?
Track variety keeps you mentally engaged, energized, and continually sharpening your driving skills. Lanier Raceplex is a 0.375 mile banked oval track that has the entire infield paved.
This black lake of asphalt allows the team to quickly layout a new track by arranging the plastic retaining wall. The instructors select from hundreds of the most famous road courses to bring a new challenge to you every week. New courses ensure you’re continually developing your driving skills and never bored.
#3 – Track-Worthy Instructors That Care
The racing instructors have been hand-picked by Lanier Raceplex to provide you with an exceptional karting experience. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned pro, these instructors share their insights into becoming a safer, faster, and more consistent driver.
These friendly instructors have logged considerable time behind the wheel of these Dino race karts. Those hours of seat time translates into valuable tips and tricks for quicker lap times for you.
For many of the more seasoned drivers, the instructors can guide you through each track layout’s subtle nuances. Often this real-world track knowledge can be the difference between winning or losing your race.
When we visited the track, we were impressed with the genuineness of the team’s customer service and their unbridled passion for racing. This passion is essential because a great racing experience is more than you and the track.
It’s sharing that euphoric adrenaline rush with others who are like-minded. There was definitely a racing camaraderie that was fueled by the staff and the other regular racers the night we visited. We had a lot of fun that night and you will too.
Lanier Raceplex Is The Best Kart Racing Choice
Ideally located, Lanier Raceplex is across from Road Atlanta in Braselton, GA. The facility owner is a Hall of Fame driver who knows how to transform the banked oval and paved infield into a challenging kart experience every week.
The track length can be varied between 0.3 to 1.2 miles and is typically around 1/2 mile. There are also track lights for night driving, which adds an entirely new level of excitement.
The energetic instructors are anxious to lend their support and share driving tips. The regulars are fun, easy to get along with and definitely add to the racing excitement.
When you consider the three essential points you need in a race facility, it’s clear why Lanier Raceplex is one of the best places north of Atlanta to sharpen your driving skills and experience competitive racing.
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