The powerful engine of your Bowman Storm racing go-kart rumbles just behind you as your gloved hands grip the steering wheel in anticipation. You eye your competitors through the shield of your helmet, and the only sounds you hear beside the engine is your own breathing and your quickening heartbeat.
Suddenly, the green flag waves and you’re hurtling down the racetrack at what feels like breakneck speed, ripping past other drivers and whipping around hairpin turns. By the time the checkered flag is thrown to signal the end of your race, you’ve officially caught the racing bug.
Welcome to LeMans Karting Center in Fremont, where the thrill of motor racing comes alive. Silicon Valley’s only premier indoor go-karting venue offers wheel-to-wheel racing action with top-notch vehicles that reach a top speed of 40+ miles per hour.
While the outside of the 31,000-square foot center has the deceptive look of an office building, it houses a racer’s paradise inside. The 1/5th mile-long race track’s high-grip surface allows faster racing, with sharp curves and hairpin turns adding to the excitement. The course is the width of four karts, allowing easy passing during races. To maximize safety, the track has an advanced barrier system that absorbs impact, a safety-light system and flag-equipped safety marshals to monitor driver behavior.
All driver levels are welcome at LeMans, which offers several racing options, including Arrive and Drive racing, where you can have a 20-minute race with up to 10 drivers; league and team endurance racing; and junior driver’s school, which trains young racers from ages 13 to 17 in technique and safety. After your race, you also receive “Bragging Rights,” a printout detailing how well you performed on the track. LeMans Karting is also a popular corporate and private events venue, and holds summer youth camps as well.
Whether it’s your first or hundredth time hitting the track, LeMans’ friendly and helpful staff will put you at ease. The team, led by newly appointed general manager and avid racer Rob Crowell, exudes an infectious passion for racing that is palpable even to the most seasoned driver.
Think you’re too young or old to race? Drivers flock from all walks of life—from corporate execs to high school students to retirees—and while competition is the name of the game at LeMans, the key is to relax and have fun. You never know—you just might find yourself shopping for racing gear at LeMans’ pro shop and coming back for more. —Stephanie Soong
Hours:
Mon, 3-10:30; Tues-Thurs: 12-10; Fri, 12-midnight; Sat, 10am-midnight, Sun, 10-9
Address:
45957 Hotchkiss St.
Fremont, CA 94539
More info:
(510) 770-9001; www.racelmk.com
