Feel the need for speed

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May 6, 2012 at 3:01am

By Tyler Hemstreet Comments

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Ready to feel the wind in your hair? Here are some go-kart tracks to feed your need for speed.

Grand Prix Raceway

11015 Pacific Hwy SW

Lakewood

(253) 272-9000

www.grandprixraceway.com

Grand Prix Raceway, located in Lakewood, just received a fleet of brand new Italian racing karts. The racing karts are designed for competition and feature identically-prepared racing chassis equipped with powerful 200cc Robin/Subaru engines, centrifugal clutches and Dunlop racing slicks. Because the vehicles are identical, driving skill, reactions, and snap judgments mean the difference between victory and defeat. Computerized scoring, facilitated by individual transponders attached to the karts transmit a signal to the precision scoring system, giving racers an exact tally on how they performed. The indoor track also features a barrier system and includes a climate controlled viewing lounge with video display.

The facility also hosts racing events, and driving packages range from $17 for a 20-lap race for military to the $35 annual membership. Military members always receive 10 percent off.

Grand Prix Raceway is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. It's closed on Tuesday.

Sykart Indoor Racing

17450 W. Valley Hwy

Tukwila

(425) 251-5060

http://sykart.com/

A little further north is Sykart Indoor Racing in Tukwila. A regular walk-in heat is comprised of a ten-minute race session, with other karts all competing in head to head racing. It also offers Monday night Enduro races, which are 30 minute races where the winner is determined by position, not fast lap time. The track can handle a maximum of 12 to 15 karts on the track at once, so friends or family and enjoy exciting racing. Each lap is logged and everyone gets a race printout at the end, just to keep track of who really won the race. Prices start at $16 for a 10-minute walk-in race for non-members.

The lobby is equipped with big screen televisions where customers can see ongoing races and the hot times of the month. There are also arcade games and pool tables for those that aren't up to racing.

Sykart is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Go Karts Point Defiance

Point Defiance Park, Tacoma

(253) 752-6413

http://www.kartsandcages.com

For those who appreciate straightforward basic kart racing, Go Karts at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma offers perhaps the best experience for the money. Racing on the outdoor track is $6 per person. The facility is open Saturday and Sunday year round, and opens on Fridays starting this month. Memorial Day to Labor Day the facility is open from noon to dusk.

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