Sitting on Florida’s Gulf Coast and to the south of Tampa, Sarasota is a beautiful city known for many things.
Unfortunately, one of those things isn’t Go Karting.
Sarasota has no dedicated Go Karting facilities and just one Go Karting track, leaving those looking for the best racing experience with no option but to leave the city in search of the best places.
Luckily for you, that’s where we come in. If you’re looking for a Go Karting experience near Sarasota, you’ve landed in the right place.
In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about the best Go Karting facilities near Sarasota and explain what the one place in Sarasota has to offer.
We’ll show you what each place offers, look at the tracks and karts they provide, let you know if any group or party bookings can be made, and much more.
For some of the locations we look at, you might have to be committed to traveling a fair distance, but if you want the best experience possible it’s something you simply have to do.
Let’s dive straight in!
Livingston’s Amusements
Livingston’s Amusements is the only facility in Sarasota that offers Go-Karting experiences.
With a small, yet fast track, Livingston’s NasKart experience is perfect for beginners looking to have fun with friends without leaving the city.
State: Florida
City: Sarasota
Type: Indoor
Track: 1 NasKart style track
Karts: 1 and 2-Seater Go-Karts
Kart Top Speed: Dependent On Track Regulations
Requirements: Breathalyzer Test Required For Drivers 21 Years+
Onsite Food & Beverages: Yes
Entertainment: Yes
Party & Group Booking: Yes
Merch Shop: No
Price Range: $10 Per Ride
Overview: Livingston’s Amusements is a 50,000-square-foot fun and games center designed with families and friends in mind.
Equipped with an arcade, a prize center, Bazooka Ball, and billiards tables, one of the center’s biggest draws is its exciting race track that can be booked in groups or individually.
Location:
5947 Clark Center Ave, Sarasota, FL 34238, United States.
Opening Hours:
Mon: Closed
Tue – Wed: 10am – 5pm
Thu – Sat: 10am – 8pm
Sun: 12pm – 5pm
Tracks: Livingston’s Amusements has a pretty straightforward track suitable for any level of driver.
Made from concrete, the track has enough grip to make overtaking fairly easy and only features a small number of turns and corners that don’t present too much difficulty.
Karts: This facility has 1-seater and 2-seater go-karts. The 1-seater go-karts can be used by those confident enough to race on their own, whilst the 2-seater karts are great for juniors who want to race with their parents.
Speeds: This depends on the rules set out by the track.
Food & Beverages: Livingston’s Amusements has a bar and grill where visitors can choose from a wide range of food and drink including pizzas and sandwiches.
Booking: One race at this Go Karting track costs $10. Alternatively, visitors can make group bookings and party bookings that incorporate a variety of different attractions the site has to offer.
These range in price from $19.99 to $35.99.
Restrictions: A breathalyzer test is required by those 21+
Entertainment: The center also has an arcade, billiards table, prize center, and Bazooka Ball.
Contact:
You can call Livingston’s Amusements at (941) 925-7665 or email them via [email protected]
Andersen RacePark (20 Miles Away From Sarasota)
Located just 20 miles outside of Sarasota, Anderson RacePark is arguably the best Go Karting facility near the city. The track gives every level of a racer the chance to learn and race.
State: Florida
City: Palmetto
Type: Outdoor
Track: One Outdoor Track
Karts: Birel ART N-35
Kart Top Speed: 50mph
Requirements: Contact The Track First
Onsite Food & Beverages: Yes
Entertainment: Yes
Party & Group Booking: Yes
Merch Shop: Yes
Price Range: $22.50 for 10 minutes
Overview: If you’re looking for a Go Karting center that has something for everyone, Andersen RacePark is the place to be.
Providing experienced racers with competitive racing opportunities and practice laps, this facility also offers Go Karting lessons. Parties and group bookings can also be arranged for fun-filled days out.
Location:
10101 US-41 N, Palmetto, FL 34221, United States.
Opening Hours:
Mon: Closed
Tue – Wed: 10am – 5pm
Thu – Sat: 10am – 8pm
Sun: 12pm – 5pm
Tracks: The Andersen RacePark Track is 0.6 miles long and made from asphalt.
Featuring 13 tight turns, racer skills are put to the test. With few places to overtake, those wanting to finish first will have to time their overtakes perfectly.
The track can also be reconfigured to give visitors a new experience and challenge.
Karts: Drivers are given Birel ART go-karts to drive when racing at Andersen RacePark. These high-quality karts have reliable safety features and are 100% electrically powered.
This makes them faster and a lot quieter.
Speeds: Up to 50mph.
Food & Beverages: You’ll find a small cafe on-site that sells a good selection of snacks and beverages that will keep you refueled in between races.
Booking: Each race at Andersen RacePark costs $22.50 and lasts 10 minutes. Drivers are also required to pay a $5 insurance fee on top. All races can be booked via email, over the phone, or online.
All classes, parties, and group bookings can be booked in the same way.
Restrictions: Visitors should inquire about any restrictions before their visit.
Entertainment: Every party booking has access to one of the track’s party rooms perfect for more fun and games.
Merchandise: Andersen RacePark has a simple merchandise store selling a small selection of racing apparel, equipment, and accessories.
Contact:
You can contact the RacePark by giving them a call at (941) 723-3900. You can also book your races and parties online or by dropping them an email at [email protected].
Pro Karting Experience (40 Miles Away From Sarasota)
Aiming to give Go Karting enthusiasts a professional race experience, Pro Karting Experience has an incredible track found just 40 miles outside of Sarasota.
With regular competitive race events taking place, this is a great place for more experienced racers.
State: Florida
City: St. Petersburg
Type: Outdoor
Track: One Single, Adjustable Track
Karts: Sodi Karts
Kart Top Speed: 50mph
Requirements: Must Be At Least 52” Tall
Onsite Food & Beverages: Yes
Entertainment: No
Party & Group Booking: Yes
Merch Shop: No
Price Range: $18.69 – $65
Overview: Pro Karting Experience has a highly trained team that prides itself on delivering the very best Go Karting lessons.
If you’ve raced thousands of times or never set foot in a go-kart before, this center has something for everyone.
With a comprehensive race calendar, experienced racers love the exhilarating league races the site runs. The center also has party and group bookings available and sessions designed for toddlers.
Location:
4770 34th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33714, United States.
Opening Hours:
Mon – Thu: 11am – 9pm
Fri – Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 11am – 9pm
Tracks: This Go Karting facility has one track that can be configured in four different ways.
This provides drivers with a new experience the next time they pay the center a visit.
The hardest track at Pro Karting Experiences is the Super Grand Prix track.
This track has a variety of hairpin bends and tight corners to contend with.
If super-fast racing is on your agenda, we highly recommend the Speedway Oval track as it offers fast, competitive racing.
Karts:
Pro Karting Experience uses Sodi go-karts. Sodi karts are up there with the very best, so drivers can expect a fast, yet safe ride.
Durable, reliable, and very safe, these karts will keep you secure as you tear your way through the course.
Speeds: The Sodi karts have a max speed of 50mph.
Food & Beverages: There is a good range of food and drink available at Pro Karting Experiences snack bar.
Booking: Single races at this Go Karting facility cost $18.69. League races cost $65.
All of your races can be booked on the Pro Karting Website or over the phone.
Those of you wanting to book a party, corporate event, or other group bookings will have to fill out an inquiry form in order to organize your races. The center will then reach out to you with a price.
Restrictions: All racers have to be over 52” tall.
Contact:
You can give Pro Karting Experience a call by calling (727) 525-5278. You can also book your sessions on the Pro Karting Experience website, or by filling out an inquiry form.
Kidstar Park (43 Miles Away From Sarasota)
Kidstar Park is the perfect place for the whole family. With one adult track and one junior track, everyone gets the chance to take part in exciting races.
Juniors can also join their parents on the adult track thanks to the park’s 2-seater karts.
State: Florida
City: Port Charlotte
Type: Outdoor
Track: Two Tracks
Karts: 1-Seater and 2-Seater Go-Karts
Kart Top Speed: Track Dependent
Requirements: Adults Must Be At Least 56” Tall
Onsite Food & Beverages: Yes
Entertainment: Yes
Party & Group Booking: Yes
Merch Shop: No
Price Range: $6 – $25
Overview: Situated in Port Charlotte, Kidstar is an attraction center that has something everyone can enjoy.
Some of the site’s main attractions include the vintage arcade, iCombat, mini-golf, and of course Go Karting.
Giving everyone the chance to race, Kidstar Park lets juniors and adults take part in thrilling races that take place on their long, winding track.
With group and party bookings available, spending a full day at the park is a must.
Location:
18505 Paulson Dr, Port Charlotte, FL 33954, United States.
Opening Hours:
Mon – Thu: Closed
Fri: 4pm – 11pm
Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 7pm
Tracks: Kidstar Park has two excellent Go Karting tracks. One track is only small and dedicated to juniors only.
The other is long and winding, giving adults the chance to experience something more challenging.
The junior track gives youngsters the chance to experience Go Karting for the first time, with the aim being fun and enjoyment.
While the adult track is still fun and enjoyable, there is more focus on winning.
Karts:
This Go Karting facility has two types of go-karts. These are 1-seater and 2-seater karts.
Of course, there are also 1-seater karts that are junior-sized. The 2-seater karts are normally used on the adult track when a junior wants to ride with their parents.
Each kart comes with reliable safety measures to keep every driver safe. This includes a bumper.
Speeds: This depends on the rules of the track.
Food & Beverages: Kidstar Park has its very own restaurant called Stars Bistro. This bistro sells a wide range of excellent food and drinks for both children and adults. This includes pizza and fried chicken.
Booking: Prices at the park vary depending on what you want. If you simply want to race, you can expect to pay $6 for a junior and $9 for an adult, for one race.
Alternatively, you could purchase a $25 super pass that gets you one race, one round of mini-golf, one Hero Blast, and one Repeat Spot.
Party bookings cost $22 to $25 per person and include a wide range of the park’s attractions.
Restrictions: All adult racers have to be over 56” tall.
Contact:
The park is easily contacted by calling (941) 255-7827 or by filling out an inquiry form on the Kidstar Park website.
Final Thoughts
While the Go Karting options in Sarasota may be quite limited, there are plenty of fantastic options not too far away.
Those of you looking for a simple, enjoyable experience will love what Livingston’s Amusements has to offer.
Those looking for a more exhilarating experience will have to leave the city in order to find what they’re looking for.
This article has shown you what’s on offer near Sarasota, as well as what to expect. Whether you’re looking for a professional experience or a fun day out, there’s a center out there for you.
All you need to do now is decide which one to visit first.
If you enjoyed this article, you might enjoy our post on ‘The 4 Best Places For Go Karting In Austin‘.
