One of the new major attractions in Destiny USA mall is the Pole Position Raceway located on the most recent addition of the 3rd floor. It’s an awesome giant indoor race track for go karts. The Syracuse Tourism organization gave my family and I four tickets to try out go karting.
Check out our other review we did in Syracuse at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo!
As you come in the raceway to the counter, you are greeted by a friendly staff. My first question was what do we need to be able to ride a kart? We must wear closed-toe shoes, the driver needs to be at least 48 inches tall, and that racers under the age of 18 must have a parent sign a minor release liability form. If we don’t have proper footwear, we can rent them. I was concerned about the fumes from the gas powered engines, but realized after talking with the staff that they are actually providing electric karts. Much better for the environment and my health.
She directs us to fill out an online form on the computers provided at the Raceway. Once my husband, son, and daughter are done, we went back to the counter to give our tickets to reserve our spots, and take a seat alongside the race track. Drivers are paired with friends, individuals, or group of drivers. The maximum number of drivers I saw racing together were 10, while my family shared the track with 3 other racers. We waited about 45 minutes before our names were called. We were listed on the screen with the names of the drivers in the group, once we reach first, we are called to head out to the driver reserved area to watch an educational and safety video before we grab our helmets.
I stayed back to take photos and film a video. The time has come for them to have a seat in their kart and wait for the start. One by one, they slowly enter the track, but once they are all driving, the staff at the race track activate the karts, so they can reach maximum speed. Adult kart speed can go as much as 45MPH while a kid kart is up to 25 MPH. The race lasts about 10 minutes as they drive around the track 14 times. Every time a racer gets out of control, dismantles the circuit, or has an accident, a staff slows down all the go karts. Another staff will go to the scene and help the driver(s) or put the guard rail back in place. And they are back racing!
As they head out the race track, they are given a SpeedSheet. Pole Position Raceway uses a high-tech Apple-based timing and scoring system to keep track of race results. The result sheet shows their fastest lap time, average lap time, overall race results, and more.
KART SPEEDS UP TO 25MPH
48” and taller
- Members:$16
- Non-Members:$20
The Pole Position Raceway was a huge hit with my family and we will definitely go back next time we visit Syracuse!
For a more authentic feel of what racing with go karts is all about, you can watch this video of my family driving around the track.
Disclosure: I received free tickets to the Pole Position Raceway by the Syracuse Tourism Organization. However, my opinions are 100% my own , and only recommend products or services I believe will be beneficial to my readers.
This looks so fun!! My first thoughts were concerning the possible fumes, so I was glad to read these are electric. For the speed/car loving men in my life…this would be right up their alley! Will have to be sure to visit the Pole Position Raceway one day.
This place looks awesome, my girls went go-carting for the first time this weekend and LOVED it. I’m marking this on my list of places to go.
I’ve never been go kart racing, but it looks like a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing!! Hubby would probably love it if I ever suggested it. 🙂
Looks like so much fun. We love kart racing our family and have been many times. Kids love racing and driving something like a kart reminds them of driving a car. My youngest squeals with happiness whenever we take him 🙂
That looks like so much fun. I know my kids would love this. I love this post on what to do in Syracuse. Who knew it was so much fun to go?
My little one would be very excited to be there, he likes racing and this place is perfect for kids!