Get Racing at Speed Factory Indoor Karting

Think racing sounds like a fun way to spend the day? The Speed Factory, Spartanburg, SC’s indoor karting facility invited Kidding Around out to see what they have to offer. We had a spectacular time pretending we were “fast and furious” during our visit, and you will be thrilled when you go yourself!

Thanks to Speed Factory Indoor Karting for providing admission so that we could bring this review to our readers.

How many of us have watched movies like “The Fast and the Furious” and wished we could put our foot on the floor and drift around a corner without a care in the world? Just me?

Well if you’ve had that desire, then boy do I have the place for you! The Speed Factory Spartanburg can make you feel like Vin Diesel without the worry of a police chase. I was told, that no matter what you are worried about or what is going on in your life, the track will make you forget. For some people, that’s a tall order. How could getting behind the wheel of a go-kart make you forget about things like divorce, sick kids, money problems, the news – all the heavy stuff people deal with on a daily basis that causes them stress?

It wasn’t a lie.

Get Ready to Race at Speed Factory Spartanburg

I’m getting ahead of myself though. There are a few things between the front door and the nirvana achieved by getting behind the wheel. When you arrive be sure you have your driver’s license. Without it, you’ll be considered a junior driver and have restrictions on when you can be on the track (peak times).

After you fill out all the waivers and pay, you’ll need to watch a safety video. Just remember: “No Bumping.” This is mentioned more than a few times in the video, and it made me nervous.

What if I bump?
What if I can’t help bumping?
What if I want to bump, and can’t control the urge to?

Spoiler alert- I didn’t bump a single time.

After you watch the safety video, it’s off to the races. Unless there’s a group waiting ahead of you. If there is, that’s ok. Take that time to watch the other racers. Watch where people are getting stuck, so you can try to avoid the same. The go-karts lack a reverse function, so if you crash into something or someone you might need help getting back on track.

Something I noticed while visiting was how vigilant Jason and the other guys working the track are when it comes to helping drivers. They honestly care about everyone’s safety and it’s apparent. As soon as someone needs help, they all go sprinting over. The best thing I can compare it to is a mom with several kids. It’s like the guys have eyes in the back of their heads. It made me feel safe to know that they are so vigilant.

On the Track at Speed Factory

If you have been karting at an amusement park and think this is like that, it’s not. These are made to go fast, way faster than the ones at places like Disney. Plus, oftentimes those are on a track and there’s really little you can do to mess up. This isn’t hard to do, it’s just different.

They supply you with a head sock, neck cushion, and helmet. I know you’re going to want to throw them on and take the obligatory speed racer selfie, but wait. It gets hot in those helmets. 

When it’s time to put the pedal to the metal, just do it. Don’t be afraid! They told me a story of a granny that was so scared, that the little kids were lapping her. I did not want to be that granny! I smashed my foot down and went screaming around the corners. It was awesome, they were right. I wasn’t thinking about any of the grown-up troubles plaguing the world.

If I’m being honest, I was only thinking about two things. NOT BUMPING, and going as fast as I possibly could without crashing. I watched the lap time on the monitor, thinking I was doing pretty well. At the end of the race, I hopped up all excited thinking I had broken land speed records. Only to find out that I hadn’t even surpassed the average speed. So, that was embarrassing. But, you know what? I had so much fun, I didn’t care.

I can’t wait to get back out on the track and forget about my problems. If you’re looking for a cool date night or ladies’ night activity, this is it. Grab a meal downtown and then head over to the track. It’s just a block away from downtown.   

Things to remember before you head over to the track

• Closed-toed shoes are mandatory.
• Without a driver’s license, you will be a Jr driver. You can qualify to be unrestricted by taking a free driving test.
• The facility has two young child-size karts, call in advance to make sure they are available.
• The Spartanburg location is closed Monday and Tuesday, but open the rest of the week.

Let’s see who can beat my underwhelming speed record!

Speed Factory Indoor Karting
130 East Daniel Morgan Avenue
Spartanburg SC, 29306

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