Frequently Asked Questions
Where is VLK?
Victory Lane Karting is located at Interchange Park, the intersection of I-77 & I-85. We are minutes from everywhere in Charlotte. Our physical address is 2330 Tipton Drive, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC, 28206.
Please click here for directions to our facility from your location.
Is there an admission to get into Victory Lane Karting?
No. We do not charge admission to enter the building. All activities within the facility are sold separately.
What are your prices?
VLK prides itself on offering affordable pricing for world-class indoor kart racing as well as other activities. Please click here for pricing on all our activities.
What are your hours?
Here at VLK we are available for event bookings 24 x 7 x 362. As for arrive and drive racing, we offer longer hours than anyone. Click here for our standard racing hours. Click here for our event calendar and here to for our holiday calendar to see specific availability.
What else is there to do at Victory Lane Karting while waiting to race or for visitors who are not racing?
Our 100,000 sq. ft. facility is a conference and entertainment venue. In addition to the fastest indoor karting track in the Carolinas, we are also the home of Pit Road Bar & Grill (as seen on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives). Visitors can also enjoy any one of our 60+ Arcade Games. There is also Axe Throwing, Escape Rooms, Krazy Darts, and Virtual Reality offered! We have Catered Events, Private Meeting Space and private events, Outside food/drink is not allowed.
What are the rules?
Karting is a fun and adrenaline filled activity. While we want you to enjoy yourself, safety comes first. Please see our rules and regulations which are designed to make racing fun and safe for everyone. We ask you to accept the rules and enjoy.
What type of karts do you have?
We use Sodi karts. They are manufactured in France and are known to be the best purpose-built karts for indoor kart racing. They have a Honda 270cc engine. Our youth karts are a smaller version of the same Sodi Kart and have a Honda 160cc engine.
How fast do the karts go?
The adult karts are capable of speeds up to 35-40 mph.
The youth karts are capable of speeds up to 20-25 mph.
Please keep in mind that when you are racing you are only 2 inches off the ground! These speeds are extremely fast at that point of view.
Can I call ahead and reserve a racing session?
During open racing, drivers are assigned on a first come, first serve basis. It is always advisable to call ahead, or check our calendar, to determine if our facility is closed for an exclusive event or just to get advice on a time you might arrive to avoid delays. Conditions can change within seconds from your call but using past patterns our staff will give you their best guess.
Can you offer group racing to my small group or family other than open racing?
Yes. You may book an event with our event coordinator in advance of your party. We have many formatted race packages to offer. A minimum group size of 8 on weekdays, and a minimum of 10 on the weekends and a down payment is required. We do not book events for youth karting and adult karting together.
We ask for at least a 7 days’ notice to book an event. Subject to track availability. Check our group race formats. Fill out our ‘book your event form’ for more information.
Who can race at VLK?
Anyone can arrive and drive, as long as they read, understand and sign our waiver form, and pay the appropriate fees. Guests 18 and older are asked to bring a valid government issued ID for checking in.
(See next question for restrictions)
Are there any age or height restrictions for racing?
Yes.
In order to drive the youth kart (160cc engine) the racer must be at least 48 inches tall to safely operate the kart.
Maximum weight for youth kart racer is 200 lbs.
In order to drive the adult kart (270cc engine) the racer must be at least 58 inches tall and capable of handling the speed of it.
Any driver incapable of handling the adult kart safely will be required to drive the youth kart.
Can I leave my child at VLK, alone?
A minor must be at least 15 years of age to have the ability to stay here by themselves. Anyone under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult (18 years of age).
Are there any maximum height or weight restriction for racing?
The weight limit is 350lbs. The Sodi racing kart can also become uncomfortable for customers over 6′ 4″ tall, however there is no height limit.
The ultimate test is to see if the seatbelt fastens.
Do I need to bring anything to race?
VLK provides all equipment needed to race. We provide a head sock and helmet. You must wear closed-toe/closed-heel shoes to race. (No crocs, flip-flops, sandals, high heels, etc.) If you are not wearing the proper shoes, we do have shoes for you to borrow. Remember to bring your government ID as well.
Do I have to wear a race suit?
You are not required to wear a race suit.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
Yes, a helmet is required in order to race.
Can I use my own racing gear and helmet?
Yes. We require a full-face DOT/Snell rated helmet and you can provide your own race suit.
Is it required to have a membership at VLK?
Yes. All drivers are required to purchase a membership. The membership is valid for an entire year from the day of purchase and is $10 per person.
Can I purchase the membership and races online or over the phone?
No. All transactions must be done in person.
Is racing at VLK safe?
Yes, if you listen to, and follow the safety and operation instructions given by our staff. We allow you to race hard, but without contact with the barrier or another kart. VLK takes every precaution, has well maintained equipment and an excellent safety record since we’ve been open. Kart racing is an extreme sport, and we require that you use good judgment by racing within your ability and act in a sportsmanlike manner.
How long have you been open?
VLK has been in continuous operation at the present facility since May 2000.
What is a Head Sock?
A Head Sock goes over your head and is required to be worn when using a VLK helmet.
It keeps your head cooler while racing and makes it easier to wear the helmet in a comfortable manner.
Can I race with my child who will be in a youth kart?
VLK provides family races on request and subject to availability. Call ahead and/or get approval at desk before registration. This cannot be done on the weekends.
My child is a minor (under 18), do I need to sign a waiver to allow them to race?
Yes, anyone who is under 18 years old, must have a responsible adult sign a “Parental consent, release and waiver of liability” form. Click here to see the consent form and register online.
Do I need to come in to sign for my minor? Is there another option?
We do not require you to come in person to sign. If you are unable to come to VLK you can fill out the “Parental consent, release and waiver of liability” form at the bottom of the website or click here.
I have signed before for my minor child. Are they able to race?
If you signed before 03/15/11, you would need to sign again. We updated our waiver on that date.
If you signed after 03/15/11, they will be able to race.
My child is under 58” tall but has racing experience. Can they race the adult kart?
Your child will have to be evaluated by our staff for their ability to handle the adult kart. This can be done through summer camp or youth league.
My friend is from out of town and forgot their driver’s license; will they be able to race?
They can only race if someone over 18, with a valid driver’s license, is willing to sign our Co-signers Agreement, stating that all information provided is correct, that the racer is a licensed driver and that they assume responsibility and liability for the driver without identification.
Do I need to sign a waiver to race at your karting center and if so, how do I do so?
Every person who desires to race must sign a waiver. This is easily completed as you sign in at the computer terminals at the front desk. As a state regulated facility, we are required by law to have you complete this procedure. The City, State, and our insurance company want to protect us all. It can also be done online here.
What does a race consist of?
Each racer has 8 minutes to complete as many laps as they can in a particular racing session. Special Events and Corporate Racing formats may include multiple sessions or shorter or longer sessions depending on the type of event.
How many people can race at one time?
Victory Lane Karting maintains 31 high performance Sodi adult karts and 20 youth karts. The maximum number of drivers per race involves 12 people and will depend on the number of people in your party and the level of experience of people racing.
Is there training?
Each new customer is given a driver’s briefing with operating instructions before getting in a kart. A track official will assign you to a kart, adjust your seat, pedals and help you with your seat belt. As you gain experience on the track your competence increases, and the enjoyment and excitement of racing will follow.
Do you track my racing progress?
All drivers are automatically entered into our Club Speed Program when they sign in. This allows us to assign a driver to a kart and to track each lap time and your best overall lap. You can even automatically upload your score to your Facebook page. Just choose this option when signing in. Visitors in your party can watch live timing on multiple screens throughout the facility. Upon finishing your race session, we offer a printout showing you details of your driving experience!