A NEW £2 million e-karting track is set to open in West Yorkshire, the first of its kind in the North of England.
The circuit, featuring electric powered karts which can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, is set to open this summer and would be just the second of its kind in the country.
Gravity GT e-Karting, created by Gravity Active Entertainment, is set to open at Xscape in Castleford, with a two-tiered racetrack and karts fitted with Formula 1 style steering wheels complete with ‘boost’ buttons for an extra surge of speed, plus engine sound effects.
The raceway is set to have a Japanese theme and will be purpose built and designed by professional racetrack architects, and will have the latest safety features including the ability for the race controller to switch off karts remotely at the flick of a switch if the driver is not racing safely.
The new facility is set to create more than 50 jobs and follows hot on the tail of the first Gravity GT e-Karting track opened in London.
It will offer three kart options depending on the ages and driving abilities of racers, with options for under 12s, twin karts for parents and children, and full speed karts for adults.
Alongside the racing will be a large track-side café for spectators, along with state-of-the-art lighting; in-keeping with Japanese theme there will also be a karaoke area and electric gamebox.
Harvey Jenkinson, co-founder and chief executive of Gravity, said: “This is next generation pleasure leisure - easy, clean, bright, racing fun and doable on a whim.
“We opened our very first trampolining offer at Xscape Yorkshire back in 2015, so it’s fitting to be bringing the e-karts to Xscape Yorkshire, the first in the North.
“Gravity GT e-karting will change the whole face of karting in the UK and open up the market
“It’s in rapid growth across the USA and we’re sure the potential for the same exists here in the UK.
“If you’re into your karting you will absolutely love this, as the tracks are professionally designed by racing experts and the karts really fly, no more stalled engines and the need for a push start.
“And if you’re new to it there’s no worries about bulky suits and bruised backs, just adrenaline fuelled fun with friends and family.”
Jason Warren, Xscape Yorkshire general manager, added: “Xscape Yorkshire prides itself on working with visionary partners like Gravity to deliver ground-breaking activities and they’ve done it again.
“This has the potential to be massive and continue to grow for years to come.
“Bringing this exciting new activity to Xscape is the culmination of years of hard work, prepping and planning. We cannot wait for Gravity GT e-karting to start its engines.”
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