Speed Raceway’s clean, environmentally-friendly facility features energy-efficient lighting and is free from oils and fuels.

By Patte Smith with photos provided by Speed Raceway

Tom Cruise made his mark on the big screen in the movie “Top Gun” with his famous words, “I feel the need…the need for speed!” Well, now there is a fun and safe way to bring out the Maverick in all of us and there are no F-14 Tomcats required – just a Speed Raceway pass and a sense of adventure.

Speed Raceway is a brand new 55,000 square-foot indoor electric kart racing facility located just a few miles north of Castle Pines off I-25 and East County Line Road in Englewood.

Adrenaline junkies young and old are challenged to test their motor racing skills by driving high-performance, Italian-made electric karts that reach speeds up to 50 mph. The quarter-mile European style track is completely protected by a barrier system that can be reconfigured, offering returning drivers a new experience throughout the year.

“It is affordable, safe, and fun for race fans of all ages,” explains co-owner Howard Picker, who founded the business with his childhood friend Michael Hoeper. “Sports enthusiasts can fulfill their ‘need for speed’ in an exhilarating, energetic and thrilling atmosphere,” said Picker.

The raceway’s state-of-the-art timing system tracks racers’ scores and displays the results on television monitors that surround the track. Drivers get printouts of race results with finishing place, best lap, average lap and more. Racers can even track stats online to see results for the week or month.

According to Hoeper, he and Picker are in the smiles business. “The look on racers’ faces when they get off the track makes it totally worthwhile…it is a total rush,” stated Hoeper. “This is not just a guy’s sport,” he emphasized, “over 25 percent of our racers are females!”

There are no age requirements for racing, only driver height requirements to ensure safety. Junior drivers who are 48” to 56” tall may test their racing prowess with a nine-lap track experience, while future NASCAR and Indy hopefuls who are 56” and taller are invited to crush the 12-lap course.

Special tandem carts are available for less confident drivers or special needs drivers who wish to be accompanied by an adult during the race. All participants receive a mandatory briefing session on rules and safety as well as all the needed safety equipment. Speed Raceway features Italian made electric karts that reach speeds up to 50 mph.

In addition to the “arrive and drive” racing option, which allows individuals to visit anytime and experience the thrill of racing, Speed Raceway also offers racing leagues and a variety of packages for corporate events and private groups of almost any size, and birthday packages for all ages. They also offer discounts for active public safety personnel (fire and police with a badge), as well as active and retired military personnel.

A video gaming area, full-size sports car display, and snack bar help keep drivers and observers occupied between races.

Whether expert or novice, all who experience it have an appreciation for this genuine racing experience. This is not just kid’s play, but a chance to “turn and burn” and take the checkered flag!

For additional information, visit www.speedraceway.com or call 1-866-865-RACE.