FunKidsActivities

K1 Speed - Indoor Go Karts, Corporate Event Venue, Team Building Activities

800 Derita Rd #K, Concord, NC 28027, USA

Overview

Category:Spring Break Activities
Location:Charlotte, NC

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

K1 Speed offers an electrifying indoor go-karting experience, highly rated for its thrilling electric karts with no fumes or loud noise, making it a memorable outing for families and special occasions like birthdays. It's an excellent introduction to faster karts for novice drivers and kids, balancing excitement with managed safety. The core karting experience is consistently praised, even when other aspects fall short.

Key Highlights

  • Exceptional customer service from specific staff (e.g., manager Garie, employee Nate) who go above and beyond, accommodating needs, cooking food, calming nerves, and ensuring safety.
  • Staff actively ensures proper helmet fit and provides head socks and shirts for kids, with safety being a clear priority.
  • Electric karts provide a thrilling ride without smelly fumes or excessive noise, enhancing comfort for all ages.
  • Kids and adults are accommodated with small kids separated from adults in different karts and alternating sessions, prioritizing safety.
  • The facility is reported to be fairly clean, contributing to a pleasant environment.
  • Go-karting provides an unforgettable experience for first-timers and is a huge hit for birthday parties.

Standout Features

  • Electric Go-Karts: Offer a high-thrill experience without the unpleasant fumes or loud noise of gas karts, appealing to a broader audience.
  • Safety Equipment Provided: Helmets and disposable head socks are included, with staff actively assisting in proper fitting, especially for children.
  • Remote Kart Control: Karts can be remotely slowed or stopped for safety during incidents like spin-outs or minor collisions, and are safely slowed at session start/end.
  • Party Accommodations: Capable of hosting successful birthday parties and group events, with staff ensuring smooth operations and food availability.
  • Small Arcade: Offers additional entertainment, though game functionality can be an issue.
  • On-site Food: Pizzas and other delicious, satisfying food options are available for purchase, suitable for events and celebrations.
  • Existing Other Activities: Escape Room, Axe Throwing, and VR are mentioned as available options, though not extensively reviewed.
  • Single, Challenging Track Layout: Described as a fun challenge for drivers of varying skill levels.

Perfect For

Small kids: Specifically separated from adults into different karts and alternating sessions, ensuring age-appropriate racing and enhanced safety.
Novice drivers and older children (teens): K1 Speed is highlighted as a great introduction to faster karts, with teens (e.g., 15-year-olds) finding the racing thrilling and highly enjoyable.
Adults: Fully accommodated and can race alongside (or in separate sessions from) other adults, offering a fun challenge for various skill levels.

Ideal For

Birthday parties, especially for teens and older children (e.g., a 15th birthday celebration).
Families seeking a thrilling indoor activity, particularly on rainy days or when looking for an energetic outing.
First-time go-kart racers or novice drivers looking for a fun and managed introduction to faster karting.
Special occasions and group gatherings where a high-energy, exciting activity is desired.
Those who appreciate electric karts for their lack of fumes and reduced noise.

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

  • Budget for high costs: Expect $50-$100 per person per visit, or higher for family packages and memberships (e.g., $270 for 3 people, 2 races each plus memberships).
  • Arrive during off-peak hours: To avoid potential wait times of up to 1.5 hours, especially on evenings and weekends.
  • Confirm arcade game functionality: Before spending credits, quickly check if games are working to avoid lost money and frustration.
  • Seek out specific staff for best service: Managers like Garie and employees like Nate are noted for exceptional customer service and helpfulness, which can significantly enhance the experience.
  • Be prepared to self-navigate upon arrival: First-time visitors might need to actively seek out information on how to start the process as clear greetings are not consistent.
  • Helmets and head socks are provided: No need to bring your own.

Things to Consider

  • High cost: Expect to pay between $50 and $100 per person for racing sessions (approx. 12 laps each); a family of three paid $270 for memberships and two races each.
  • Significant wait times: Can be up to 1.5 hours on busy evenings and weekends.
  • Inconsistent staff friendliness: Some employees are described as annoyed, bored, or inattentive (e.g., on their phones), particularly upon entry or on the track, impacting the overall welcoming atmosphere.
  • Limited non-karting activities: While there's a small arcade and food, the venue is almost entirely focused on driving. Half of the arcade games were reported to be out of order, leading to lost credits.
  • Lack of clear guidance for first-time visitors: No greeting or clear instructions upon entry, requiring visitors to figure out the process independently.

Price & Value

Not cheap, with individual racing sessions (approx. 12 laps) costing between $50 and $100 per person. A family of three paid $270 for memberships and two races each. While the core go-karting experience is highly valued and considered unforgettable by many, the high cost is a significant factor. Arcade games, though available, can be problematic with non-working machines leading to lost credits, impacting overall value beyond the racing.

Accessibility & Special Needs

  • No specific accommodations for special needs or accessibility features were mentioned in the provided reviews.

🍎Food & Drink Policy

  • On-site food is available, including pizzas, described as delicious and satisfying, and perfect for birthday celebrations. The reviews do not explicitly state a policy regarding outside food, though the availability of on-site options suggests it might not be permitted or encouraged.

🚗Parking Info

  • Parking information was not mentioned in any of the provided reviews.

👥Crowd Levels

  • The venue can experience significant wait times, up to an hour and a half, particularly during busy evenings and on weekends. This indicates high crowd levels during these periods.

🛡️Safety Features

  • Helmets and disposable head socks are mandatory and provided, with staff ensuring correct fit, especially for children.
  • Small children are safely separated from adults by racing in different karts and during alternating sessions.
  • Electric karts are equipped with remote control capabilities, allowing staff to slow them down or stop them in case of spin-outs, crashes, or other incidents.
  • Karts are intentionally slowed at the beginning and end of each racing session for controlled entry and exit.
  • Staff on the track monitors races, though one review noted an employee being distracted by a phone instead of observing bumping incidents.
  • Overall safety is stated as a priority by staff.

When to Avoid

  • Visiting during peak evenings or weekends if you are short on time or dislike long waits (up to 1.5 hours).
  • If you're a hardcore racing enthusiast specifically seeking gas karts, multiple track layouts, or a larger, more complex track.
  • If you expect a wide variety of non-karting activities or consistently fully functional arcade games.
  • If a consistently warm and friendly greeting and highly attentive staff from all employees is a top priority.

Pricing/Package/Events

Pricing & Packages

Speedpass

$64.95

Our most popular! Save $17.90.

Includes:
  • 2 Races
  • K1 Speed T-Shirt
  • Annual License (Membership)
Ages: Adult, Junior

3 Races

$62.95

Save $17.90. Arrive & Drive format.

Includes:
  • 3 Arrive & Drive races
Ages: Adult, Junior

2 Races

$50.95

Save $2.95. Arrive & Drive format.

Includes:
  • 2 Arrive & Drive races
Ages: Adult, Junior

1 Race

$26.95

Arrive & Drive format.

Includes:
  • 1 Arrive & Drive race
Ages: Adult, Junior

Private Race Packages

Contact K1 Speed for pricing

For larger parties (8 or more guests). Ideal for special events, business meetings, birthday parties, corporate functions, team building events, bachelor(ette) parties, school events, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.

Includes:
  • Multi-heat race formats
  • Podium ceremonies for winners
  • Reserved race times
  • Exclusive access to track
  • Private meeting rooms (available upon request)
Ages: Kids, Teen, Adult, Corporate

Events & Schedule

Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)

K1 Speed E-World Championship

Qualifying through Challenge GP for 2026 World Championships

Pits the best drivers from K1 Speed locations in the US and internationally for one of the biggest karting prize purses. Top 3 Challenge GP standings at the end of the season qualify for the World Championships.

Drift Night

Event for those who love drifting, want to learn how to drift, or want to try something new.

Glo Karting

Race in a unique environment where the lights go down and neon LED lights turn up, creating an out-of-this-world experience.

Grid Night

Select number of days each year

Arrive & Drive format where you race for position against friends rather than fastest lap.

Corporate Events

Book in advance

Customizable packages

Premier destination for forging team bonds, customizable packages with private spaces and catering.

Birthday Parties

Book in advance

Customizable packages

For Kids, Teens, and Adults. Customizable packages with private spaces and catering. Fun for the whole family.

Bachelor(ette) Parties

Book in advance

Customizable packages

Premier destination for bachelor(ette) parties, customizable packages with private spaces and catering.

Team Building Events

Book in advance

Customizable packages

Perfect for forging new team bonds, offering customizable packages.

🍎Food Policy

  • Paddock Lounge offers a full-fledged restaurant-style lounge with snacks and drinks.
  • Food menu includes pizza, wings, smoked brisket nachos, hearty burgers, classic pizzas, appetizers, strawberry shortcake, and funnel cake fries.
  • Beverage menu includes sodas, teas, waters, Gatorades, Red Bull energy drinks, and Nescafe coffee for all ages.
  • For guests 21 and over who have finished driving for the day (strict anti-drinking and driving policy), a selection of beer and wine (domestics, imports, craft beer, red and white wines) is available.
  • Catering is available for corporate events and private party packages.

🛡️Safety Policy

  • Helmets provided for all racers.
  • Driving instruction provided to safely compete on the track.
  • Indoor tracks are smoothly graded, have high-grip surfaces for maximum cornering speed, and utilize high-tech safety barriers.
  • All-electric karts are zero-emission, providing an inviting atmosphere inside.
  • Strict anti-drinking and driving policy for guests consuming alcohol.

📅Booking Policy

  • Arrive & Drive races do not require reservations and are run on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Group reservations require a minimum of 8 guests (for Concord location) and must be booked in advance.
  • To book a group event or private race package, contact K1 Speed Group Sales department via online booking form or phone.
  • Submitting an online booking form is a request for information/availability and does not confirm an event or reservation.
  • Event confirmation occurs after contact with a K1 Speed Group Sales associate.
  • Group Sales office is open Monday through Saturday. Inquiries placed after 3:00 PM PST may be answered the next day.
  • Online purchased races are per-person and not transferable; each package is for a single racer and cannot be shared.
Information extracted from official website • Last updated: Oct 1, 2025

What People Say

What's Great

  • Friendly and helpful staff (mentioned in 7 reviews)
  • Safe environment for children (mentioned in 2 reviews)
  • Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 4 reviews)
  • Great for birthday parties (mentioned in 3 reviews)
  • Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)

Recent Reviews

India Blocker

India Blocker

3 weeks ago

Garie, the manager/supervisor was AWESOME!!! He was super nice. No matter what I needed he accommodated it. Garie even cooked our pizzas 🍕 😋. Made sure we was ok doing our time there. The other associates was great as well. Gave the kiddos their shirts and made sure the helmet was on correctly. Definitely, returning.

Ryder Spradley

Ryder Spradley

2 weeks ago

It was my first time riding and I was super nervous at first. Almost peed my pants honestly. Maybe even poop too. However the employee, I think his name was Nate… Super sweet gentleman helped calm my nerves. He said everything was going to be all right. After that I never looked back. Won the race and won the hearts of many women that day. It’s a memory i’ll never forget. I’ll never be able to repay that employee for what he did for me. Honestly I won’t ever go to a different track now that i’ve been here. Highly recommend. 10/10 service. 10/10 track. 10/10!

Andrew Patteson

Andrew Patteson

4 months ago

Looking for a fun indoor activity? Kids or adults, both are accomodated. K1 is not cheap (prepare to pay between $50 and $100 per person depending on the number of lapping sessions you buy. Each session is about 12 laps. Small kids are separated from adults in different karts and alternating sessions. Helmets and head socks are provided. These karts are electric so there is no smelly fumes situation and the noise is minimal. The facility is fairly clean. There might be a wait if you arrive at a busy time in the evening or on weekends. (Most we've waited is about an hour and a half.) There is a small arcade and food, but honestly there could be a lot more. Other karting facilities have better things to do besides the karts but K1 is almost entirely about driving. Staff is adequate but I can't find much to compliment in the warm and friendly department. Safety seems to be the priority (which is good) but the team seemed mostly bored and underwhelmed. They only have one layout but it's a fun challenge. Karts are controlled remotely for safety around incidents (spin outs or small crashes with each other and the barriers). They also keep you slowed down at the beginning and end of each session. Hardcore racing nerds (like me) or karting enthusiasts might prefer gas karts and larger tracks but for novice drivers and kids I think K1 is a great introduction to faster karts than your average arcade. My boys always have fun driving here.

Krissy Smith

Krissy Smith

3 weeks ago

My husband, son and I spent a few hours in here. We did have fun but.. as first time visitors, I was a bit turned off. We weren't greeted when we came in. I wasn't exactly sure what to do to begin. I figured it out on my own. After creating our profiles, I approached the first employee i came across. She seemed annoyed at first, then just directed me to the cashier. The cashier was extremely friendly. We paid for our memberships and two races each ($270) We went to the helmet room. The young guy there wasn't welcoming but did help us get the correct size helmets. First race went off without a hitch. We decided to take a break between races and go to the arcade part. Half of the games didn't work. Which means we lost credits (game card). The employee swiped a master-card? But those machines didn't work. (We had lost 3 ski-ball games worth of credits) he finally got one machine to work. (Still out 2 ski-ball credits worth) We went back to the track. Finished our laps. This time the employees on the track we noticed the employee in the back left corner was more interested in her phone and not paying much attention to the guys bumping into us. We decided to finish using the credits on our game cards. Once again, some games didn't work. Lost credits. Wasn't worth the hassle of tracking down the arcade employee again. We decided to call it day instead of doing the escape room, axe throwing & VR. We did have fun on the go-karts. And the one cashier that was friendly and had great customer service skills. Based on the review ratings, maybe it was just an off Monday for the employees. Maybe some of them need training in customer service.

Denise Coley

Denise Coley

8 months ago

Special acknowledgment to the manger of this location for accommodating our group and her high level of professionalism! I recently hosted my daughter's 15th birthday party at K1 Speed, and it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel welcome and ensured everything ran smoothly. The go-kart racing was a huge hit with all the kids; they loved the thrill of zooming around the track! In addition to the exciting races, the arcade games provided endless fun and entertainment for everyone. It was great to see the kids enjoying themselves so much. The food was another highlight—delicious and satisfying, perfect for a birthday celebration. The combination of thrilling racing, engaging games, and tasty treats made this party a huge success! I highly recommend K1 Speed for anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion. Thank you for making my daughter's birthday so memorable!

Contact Information

800 Derita Rd #K, Concord, NC 28027, USA

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Quick Stats

Overall Rating
4.4
Total Reviews2102
Recent Reviews5