WHAT TO WEAR FOR GO-KARTING
As you prepare for an exhilarating adventure around one of our go karting tracks, you might be wondering what to wear go karting.
Wearing the right clothing and footwear can be the difference between winning and losing…and we all know which one we’d prefer to be doing!
Whether you’re racing in Birmingham, Dundee, Newcastle or any of our other go karts tracks, before you let loose and leave it all out on the track, we need to make sure you, and your fellow racers, are going to be safe, secure and comfortable.
From what equipment we provide to what footwear to avoid, we’ve got all the information you need to know about what to wear for go karting to ensure you speed around the track in style without compromising on safety.
On your marks, get set… clothes!
WHAT GO-KARTING EQUIPMENT WILL YOU BE PROVIDED WITH?
When you arrive for your thrilling go karting experience, we will supply you with everything you need including:
- Protective overalls
- Helmet
What’s not included:
- You will need to bring a balaclava or purchase a reusable cotton balaclava from our venue for £3.79
If you’re a racing regular, you can of course bring your own helmet, race suit and balaclava. However, they must meet ISO standards and will be subject to checks by our track marshals before you get behind the wheel.
While we’re on the topic of protecting the head and face, any form of clothing or headwear that presents a risk we will ask for this to be removed before wearing a balaclava and helmet.
For drivers with long hair, please place it into a low ponytail, and if required our team will provide you with and ask you to wear a t-shirt-style balaclava. As you speed around the circuit and the wind rushes through your hair, you don’t want it to obstruct your view and cost you the gold medal.
WHAT CLOTHING TO WEAR FOR GO-KARTING:
Whether you’re gearing up for a stag or hen do, preparing for a corporate team building day or thinking about going go karting for the first time, to stand a chance of becoming a racing sensation, you need to dress the part.
We encourage our racers to wear comfortable clothes with lots of stretch in them. A t-shirt and jeans is the perfect combination to give you the flexibility required to take the circuit by storm.
If you’re celebrating a stag party, hen do or kid’s birthday party, you might be wondering if you can wear fancy dress for go karting. You are more than welcome to wear fancy dress off-track and under your race suit, but only as long as your overalls cover your entire outfit.
WHAT CLOTHING SHOULD YOU AVOID WEARING FOR GO-KARTING?
Thick clothing - Once the chequered flag has been waved and you start tearing up the circuit, the adrenaline can make you feel pretty warm, so it’s best to wear lighter clothing where possible.
Tight clothing - As you’re cruising around the circuit, you won’t want to feel restricted by tight clothing.
Loose items of clothing and hoodies - Loose clothing could get wrapped in moving parts or cause an obstruction on the circuit so it must be removed before entering the track. Plus, the last thing you want is to lose the race because your scarf is blowing in your face!
Accessories - Similarly to clothing, you don’t want any accessories to fly off during the race and slow you down or risk hurting your competitors. This includes: sunglasses, brooches, jewellery and sashes if you’re celebrating a birthday, stag or hen do.
CAN YOU WEAR SHORTS FOR KARTING?
In short (pardon the pun), no.
Shorts alone are not permitted on the race track. For safety, we recommend covering as much of the body as possible when racing.
Shorts are only permitted when walking around the circuit or spectating, you change into trousers or change into your karting overalls before stepping into your kart.
WHAT SHOES TO WEAR FOR GO-KARTING?
Footwear is just as important as clothing when it comes to go karting. When we say, leave it all out on the circuit, we don’t mean your shoes falling off.
If you’re wondering what shoes to wear for go karting, trainers are your best friend. Make sure you’re wearing comfortable trainers that fit you properly and aren’t likely to fall off while you’re living life on the wild side. Don’t forget socks so that your feet don’t rub - losing the race because of a blister won’t make you look cool!
Shoes with laces are fine to wear but ensure they are tied tightly and securely. If you’re putting the pedal to the mettle on a family go karting experience, you might want to consider velcro children’s trainers.
WHAT SHOES SHOULD YOU AVOID WEARING FOR GO-KARTING?
When thinking about what to wear on your feet for go karting, avoid the following as the wrong footwear could cost you pole position, and even stop you from being allowed on the track in the first place!
Uncomfortable shoes - You want to focus on having the time of your life speeding around the track, not on taking your shoes off at the end of it.
Shoes that are too big or can easily fall off - Can you imagine racing into a turn only to see your shoe go flying off? We don’t think so!
Open-toed shoes such as sandals and Crocs - If you turn up to one of our go karting courses wearing open-toed shoes, you won’t be allowed on the track.
Heels and wedges - Just like open-toed shoes, heels and wedges aren’t allowed on our courses - plus, trainers look much better with our stylish race suits!
Your favourite shoes - We’re sure they look beautiful but we want to keep them that way which is why it’s a good idea to wear shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty in.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
When planning what to wear go karting, be sure to wear comfortable clothes that will sit well under your karting overalls:
YES:
- Athleisure / Athletic wear
- Closed footwear
- Non-restrictive denim
- Gloves (Ideally)
- Balaclava (available to purchase on-site)
- Helmet (provided)
NO:
- Open-toe shoes
- Bare Legs (your suit should provide enough cover but we recommend wearing long bottoms underneath)
- Restrictive Clothing
- Accessories / Fancy dress wigs / Hoodies
- Favourite Shoes (You don’t want to risk causing any damage to your best pair!)
If you have any questions about what to wear go karting, get in touch with our team of racing superstars who will be more than happy to help.