WALLINGFORD – Racers are revving up their engines this winter at On Track Karting on Route 5 behind Wallingford Bowl.
“It’s a true racing experience that even kids as young as 7 can enjoy,” said co-owner Marty Tyrrel.
The business has been busy during the holidays, with many eager to race the 1,800-foot long track.
“We do have heat...so it’s a good time to come in and get away from whatever you have going on and do some laps,” said Chris Guzhnay, track manager.
The track operates in an “arrive and drive” mode, meaning customers can come in anytime the facility is open and join an eight-minute race called a “heat.”
First-time On Track racers register and are then booked into a heat. A six-minute briefing video about rules and safety procedures is shown before the race.
“Safety is our number one top priority here,” Guzhnay said. “We make sure you have the right size helmet, your neck brace is also the right size going the right way.”
Racers are fitted into the equipment and strapped securely in a 6.5-horsepower GT5 Sodi kart that goes up to 40 mph.
Junior racing is available for drivers 7 to 14 years old.
Average times for beginner racers range from 41 to 42 seconds.
Guzhnay said the best time he’s seen in adult racing was about 36 seconds.
Every Wednesday, the facility offers an open race night where participants 15 years or older race in a four-minute qualifier and a 25-lap race.
Once a month, the track holds a Sodi World Series race, an international event for top drivers to earn points and get a chance to compete in Europe.
“We’re trying to get more involved with that,” said Kyle Cocco, team leader at On Track Karting.
NASCAR racer and Middletown native Joey Logano has even visited On Track.
Last year, On Track Karting teamed up with Foxwoods to open Monza World Class Karting at the casino.
“They ended up selecting us,” Tyrell said of the more than two-year project. “It’s doing very well.”
He said his main focus is still on On Track Karting and “making the best possible karting experience.”
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