If you ever find yourself at an indoor go-kart track and spot a “K1 Speed” logo, you’re pretty much guaranteed to have a great time. Having been to many K1 Speed locations in the United States (they have 59 indoor go-kart tracks at the time of writing), I have always wondered if the Anaheim location holds up to that promise.
In this review, I have something awesome lined up for you guys. I’m doing a complete review of the K1 Speed Anaheim indoor kart track, where I share with you my thoughts on their facility, race track, go-karts, as well as food and beverage options.
Towards the end of this review, you’ll also find a special interview with Ryan Jurnecka from their corporate office. Here’s a list of what my review will cover:
Facility
K1 Speed Anaheim first opened its doors in 2007 and is now one of their most-frequented locations in the United States, receiving about 100,000 visitors per year! While their busiest days are Saturdays and Sundays, you’ll still see quite some action during the weekdays.
The facility is located within an industrial complex in Northeast Anaheim, just off Riverside Freeway. Upon arriving, you’re immediately greeted by a large “K1 Speed Indoor Karting” with ample outdoor parking spots.
I’ve visited this go-kart track a couple of times during my trips to California and to be honest, I’m torn between their facilities in Anaheim and Irvine – they’re both awesome! Their indoor track in Anaheim is located inside a large building that spans about 58,000 square feet.
Immediately upon entering, you’ll notice how huge the facility actually is. Apart from their main attraction – which is obviously go-kart racing – they also have pool and air-hockey tables, arcade games, prize machines, basketball hoops, and even several punching bags.
You’ll be able to purchase your racing tickets at the concession stand where their friendly staff will guide you through the various arrive-and-drive packages that are available. If you’ve been here before, you can also make use of their self check-in counters.
With various activities available, the K1 Speed facility in Anaheim is suitable for individuals or families with kids. I typically visit alone, but you’ll be surprised how many families enjoy their weekends here.
Right across the concession stand, you’ll notice their signature Paddock Lounge, a restaurant, bar, and cafe that overlooks the entire race track – more on that a little later.
Important Note: This is not a sponsored review. The information and opinions found in this review are derived from my own experiences.
Race Track
Let’s get to the main attraction – the indoor karting track! The race track is located inside the 58,000-square-foot facility and occupies most of it. After all, it’s the main attraction and there’s a mezzanine that gets you onto the other side.
The race track is a quarter of a mile in length, which is fairly standard for indoor kart tracks. Compared to longer multi-level tracks this design is fairly standard and features various hairpin turns, chicanes, and straight sections.
Track Layout
While I enjoy this track layout quite a bit, overtaking can be a little difficult as the straight sections are fairly short. However, you’ll definitely be able to practice cornering and other more technical karting skills on a track like this. Below is what the layout of the track looks like.
The track also features an asphalt surface, which is known to offer good amounts of grip when racing. Most indoor karting tracks either have concrete or an asphalt surface. I typically prefer asphalt, because it isn’t as rough, making your race a little more comfortable and you won’t need to sacrifice grip for it.
Capacity
While both youths and adults race on the same track, they race in different types of go-karts. This also means that the race at different times, for safety reasons. 12 go-karts race on the Anaheim track at the same time.
While I would personally prefer the maximum amount to be 10 go-karts on a track like this, 12 go-karts can feel quite a bit cramped – especially if you’re stuck behind slower racers.
However, race marshals will signal when racers are required to give way to others and if you know how to overtake, you’ll be able to leave the others behind!
Racing Leagues & Events
Another great thing I like about all K1 Speed locations (including the one in Anaheim) is that they cater to racers of all skill levels. Novice racers are able to enjoy their arrive-and-drive packages, where each race lasts for about 10 to 12 minutes.
More advanced racers are able to participate in racing leagues and events that are hosted by K1 Speed. Here are some leagues and events that you’ll be able to register for at the Anaheim location:
- Junior League (for kids younger than 13)
- Teen Cup (for kids aged 13 – 17)
- Challenge GP (for racers ages 18 years & older)
- Drift Night (quarterly event)
- Grid Night (quarterly event)
- King of Speed (bi-annual event)
Pricing
K1 Speed Anaheim has various arrive-and-drive packages available for adult and junior racers. Prices range from $27.95 for one race to $64.95 for three races. Take note that you’ll need an annual membership to race here (and every other K1 Speed track), which will cost you $7.95.
- 1 Race: $27.95
- 2 Races: $49.95
- 3 Races: $64.95
- Speedpass: $64.95
- Annual Membership: $7.95
If you already have an annual membership that you purchased from another K1 Speed location, you’ll be able to use that here. Below is a screenshot of their prices (taken from the website of the Anaheim location). Feel free to also take a look at the K1 Speed pricing list for all locations.
Take note that all racers are required to sign a waiver before their allowed to race. Waivers can be signed upon purchase at the concession stand. Minors (below the age of 18) require a parent or a guardian to sign the waiver.
Lap Timing & Safety Systems
As with all of their facilities the K1 Speed track in Anaheim features a lap timing system where you’ll be able to see your performance on large monitors throughout the course.
The track is also equipped with standard safety barriers, in case you veer off track and to ensure that go-kart racers are safe at all times.
- Lap Record (Adult): Just below 25 seconds
- Lap Record (Youth): Just below 29 seconds
Go-Karts
K1 Speed offers two types of go-karts across all their facilities, which also includes their Anaheim location. Adults race in OTL Storm EFD go-karts, and youths race in OTL’s Youth Karts.
OTL Storm EFDs
To race the OTL Storm EFDs (adult karts), you’ll need to be at least 58″ (147.3 cm). These go-karts are top-of-the-line electric karts that are imported from Italy. They’re equipped with paddle shifters, boost buttons, interactive touch screens, LED lights, and various safety features.
These go-karts are extremely fast and can reach speeds of up to 45 mph (72 km/h). However, it’s unlikely that you’ll reach these speeds at the K1 Speed Anaheim track, as the track is quite compact and features limited straight sections.
OTL Youth Karts
The OTL Youth Karts are for junior racers who meet the height requirement of 48” (121.9 cm). These go-karts are about 40% smaller than the Storm EFD karts but still pack quite a punch.
Not only are these youth karts fun to race for junior racers, but they’re also extremely safe. Features such as roll bars, three-point seat belts, and a sturdy bumper system ensure that racers are safe at all times.
Racing Experience
I had a lot of fun racing at the Anaheim location. While it isn’t the most technically demanding race track, it offers a fun and thrilling indoor racing experience. The surface felt smooth and was generally great to race on.
However, I wish that the race track was just a little longer. While the hairpin turns and corners were exciting, I also wished that there were a little more and longer straight sections to achieve higher speeds.
Nevertheless, it was great fun and the two back-to-back hairpin turns right at the start of the race really get you! I found the staff extremely friendly and always willing to help out. Before racing, the staff will assess racers to ensure that they know how to operate their go-karts.
Paddock Lounge
The K1 Speed Anaheim facility features its signature Paddock Lounge that offers great places to rest and relax, with great food and beverage options. Another thing that I love about the Paddock Lounge is that it offers great views of the race track.
There are plenty of different stools and tables, benches, and booths available, where you can enjoy delicious meals with your family and friends. During weekends, this place can get extremely busy, but that just adds to the fun and cozy vibe.
Here are some of the recommended items to try on their menu:
- Paddock Burger
- Loaded Nachos
- Mac and Cheese Bites
All private or corporate functions that are arranged at K1 Speed Anaheim include food and drinks (I’ve never tried this before, but probably should!). For most events, they use their Paddock Lounge, but they also have an outside caterer that can take care of breakfast, lunch, or dinner, depending on the event and the group size.
And the food you ask? Well, it’s absolutely delicious! There’s plenty to choose from so there definitely something on the menu for everybody. Here’s a quick look at some of the dishes:
Interview with Ryan Jurnecka
During my visits over the years, I’ve managed to mingle around with some fellow kart racers and community members. I had several questions that I thought were interesting to some of my readers so I reached out to Ryan Jurnecka from K1 Speed’s corporate office.
I’ve compiled a list of all questions that were submitted from the GoKartGuide reader base, added a few of my own, and sent them over. Ryan was kind enough to provide some detailed answers, which you can find below.
Question: Tell our readers a little bit about yourself and what you do at K1 Speed?
Ryan’s Answer: Well, first I’ve been a passionate auto racing fan from a very young age, when my father used to take my brother and me to Laguna Seca for the IndyCar, IMSA, and Historics races.
I’ve been casually karting since 2005 and have been a customer of K1 Speed since 2007. This year marks my fifth anniversary working for K1 Speed. I’m the copywriter for our marketing department.
I write our blogs, emails, advertising text, press releases, website text, the messages that play in our centers, and anything else that requires the written word. I also star in our social media videos from time to time.
Question: What’s your favorite aspect or feature about K1 Speed Anaheim?
Ryan’s Answer: It’s got to be the sections of the track where you drive underneath our Mezzanine – the “tunnels”. It’s a little difficult to see in the pictures, but we even have multi-colored lights going off in those tunnels, which makes it really cool to drive through. Overall, the track is fantastic.
It also has some fun technical turns. The Mezzanine is great as well – you get a bird’s eye view of the track from up there and is the perfect spot to spy on other drivers’ racing lines.
Question: How often are you at this location?
Ryan’s Answer: Not nearly as often as I’d like to be! I’m usually at our headquarters in Irvine, some 20 to 25 minutes south of Anaheim. So to be honest, I’ve only been to Anaheim a handful of times! If I lived or worked closer to there, I’d be there all the time.
Question: What made K1 Speed decide on the OTL EFD Storm Go-Karts?
Ryan’s Answer: They look cool, they’re fast, and they’re from the same country as Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, and Lamborghini. What’s not to love?
But in all seriousness, we’ve got a very close partnership with OTL – we’ve used their karts at K1 Speed since the very beginning. Ultimately, OTL has never let us down and each generation of their karts has been a pleasure to race, they always look fantastic, and can take all the abuse our racers throw at them.
Question: What food items are a must-try at the Paddock Lounge in Anaheim?
Ryan’s Answer: Our Paddock Burger is quite tasty. But our Loaded Nachos and Churro Bites are right up there too.
Question: Which other K1 Speed locations would you recommend?
Ryan’s Answer: I recommend all of them! Since every location features a different track layout, there’s something new to experience no matter which location you visit or how many you’ve been to in the past.
That said, I’m a little biased toward Irvine. Again, Irvine doubles as our HQ and happens to be the very first K1 Speed I ever went to. It has two tracks as well, and I really enjoy driving both of them.
Carlsbad is neat to visit since that’s “Location Number One” – the place that started it all for us in 2003, and Orlando currently has the largest arcade, a bowling alley, full-service bars, and more. But each location around the world has its own unique perks so definitely try to visit as many as you can!
