NEW ORLEANS MOTORSPORTS PARK KARTING EXPERIENCE

ARRIVE N DRIVE: When I chose to make the trip to the New Orleans Motorsports Park just outside of New Orleans, La, I did so considering the monumental efforts that have been put forward to date to create such a monumental complex. While I have had the experience of Go Karting in other venues, I knew I would only get more anxious with anticipation knowing what I was about to see.

My son Nick and I wanted to go once I received an email notification that they were holding "Arrive and Drive" events for those who wanted to get immersed in the karting experience. Well we weren't disappointed! While the complex is still in the midst of construction, the karting tracks were pretty much done and in great shape. The entrance is still under construction, multiple building are still frames, and dirt roads are mingled with paved areas. But, with the minds eye, one can easily envision a great facility.

The registration process is relatively easy, and is done at a computer terminal/ kiosk like area. After you pay for your 10 minute session, they will line you up, give you equipment such as a head sock, full visor helmet, and neck device. Then you get a thorough introduction to the rules and the process of driving their karts. Once you are assigned a kart, they set you off to go through your paces until you get the green flag.

Once you get a few laps behind you and learn the course, you soon get focused and drive as fast as the kart and road will let you. It was great! The staff maintained the rules of the track and nobody appeared to be too aggressive or bullying the younger, inexperienced drivers. The thrill and feel of the track is great, and you only want to go again before you even pull back into the staging area! (see the video below) Almost everyone went back to pay for another 10 minute session.

Once you complete your race, you can get a print out of your times, and place amongst the drivers. Then you get an email as well! We had a blast comparing ourselves not only amongst other racers during that session, but also other racers during the weeks prior.

TEST N TUNE: Next to the public track, they had racers driving their own karts for test n tune sessions. The speed of these karts are incredible! All the kids were riveted to the karts as they screamed past to only burn through a turn like they were stuck to the pavement. I can only imagine the feeling of going 80+ mph while passing, turning, and racing through the course. (see the video below) It is something I will definitely make an effort to do soon.

At the days end, we were completely impressed and already planning our next trip. You have to experience it to know that its worth the effort.

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