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Frequently Asked Questions
As soon as you mention Indoor Karting to anyone assuming that they have never been to an Indoor Kart circuit, their immediate reply is always "my kids would enjoy that" they seem to have this fixed idea that karting is for children, either that or they have given up on enjoyment for themselves!

If you have not experienced the thrills and excitement of Indoor Karting we would strongly recommend that you give it a try. The Karts themselves are powered by 200 c.c. Honda engines and can reach speeds of up to 45 m.p.h. but because you are riding only inches above the track it can seem like 140 m.p.h.

You can just book a session of either 10, 20, 30, 40 or 55 minutes duration and join in with others in what we term a practice session and while this is good fun and gives the driver an opportunity to sample driving a kart, with a computerised print-out of his/her lap times achieved, it cannot compare to competing in an actual race meeting. We would recommend that you bring along your own group and book an exclusive race meeting (or book yourself in one of our Open Race Events). We cater for groups from 4 to 60 in number at Gridline Racing, on Dunford Road, just off Canwick Road in Lincoln.
Q. What should I wear?
A. Casual clothes are recommended and flat shoes particularly for ladies, we supply race suits which you can slip on over your own clothes and helmets and gloves are provided Drivers with long hair are required to tuck some into their helmet or suit.
Q. Do you have any form of catering available?
A. While we have sweets, crisps and soft drinks machines, we can arrange catering, full details and choice of menus are available on our catering page.
Q. Do you have any transport available?
A. We can arrange a Limo or Mini Bus to pick you up and bring you to Gridline Racing and drop you off after your event. Please call for details.
Q. Supposing I don't like it or can't do it?
A. If after your practice session you do not want to participate in the race we will give you an immediate no quibble money back guarantee, we can afford to do this as is so rarely happens! (only applies in the Grand Prix or Endurance events)

Q. Will I be competeive as I have never driven a kart before?
A. We recommend that you listen attentively to our pre-race briefing, it is surprising easily and great fun providing you know the correct way to drive your kart. The whole secret is to slow down into the corners and fast out, the speed out of a corner determines the speed down the straight and it is the speed on the straights that give good lap times. Avoid sliding out the tail of the kart, because in doing so all you achieve is to scrub off speed and lose acceleration.

Q. Are there any age, weight or height restriction's?
A. Our adult karts have a minimum height restriction of 4ft 10” and a minimum age requirement of 12 years of age. If you are over 19 stones or 6ft 5” you are going to have trouble fitting into a kart, sorry! If you are in any doubt please pay us a visit and ask to try a kart for size, it’s NO trouble.

Q. It appears to be expensive?
A. Indoor karting offers the best value Motorsport available – your inclusive price covers all your equipment hire, the opportunity for head to head racing, and an event full of non-stop action supervised by our experienced marshals which at least one of them will be First Aid trained, this would cost you thousands on a race track.

Q. Karting is something you do at a funfair!
A. Gridline Racing offers a real race experience – using light weight racing chassis made by Biz, with impressive handling and performance, they are real flying machines. Apart from using a 4 stroke Honda 200cc 6.5hp engine (can’t use 2 stroke engines indoors), it’s the same kart you would buy to race in. And it’s a world apart from the heavy box section go-karts you get at amusement parks.

Q. It must be small if its indoors!
A. Our track is not the biggest in the world, although it is housed in a 25,000sqft ex-cash & carry so its not the smallest either, and we can fit 8 karts on the track comfortably and the track makes for exciting close head to head racing with plenty of overtaking opportunities instead of the larger outdoor tracks where karts become too spread out, making for boring racing. Come down and try to beat our fastest lap of the month, which is just under 19 seconds.

Q. Why indoors?
A. Karting as a sport runs on outdoor circuits, however it was only after they moved Indoors with the advent of Honda four stroke engines did it really become popular and accessible to the public. The reasons are quite simple – hanging around outside in the wind and rain is not a lot of fun, and even more unpleasant to drive in. In addition the karts become tatty and rusty, and equipment spoils easily. Most customers also want to race at night, and through the winter, which demands good lighting, which is very difficult to achieve on an outdoor track without great expense. Moving indoors solved all these problems, and allows customers to enjoy a lively, colourful atmosphere with viewing terraces, PA systems and lap timing displays – it’s a fun place to enjoy either taking part or just to come along and watch the racing.
Q. Is it ok to drop the kids off?
A. Due to the potential risks involved, all drivers under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, and a disclaimer must be counter signed by them.
Q. Do I need a drivers lincence?
A. No – it’s not necessary. We provide thorough briefing and practice laps before you race. However if your nervous come down for a practice session first…..it will make a big difference!
Q. Do you have any driving tips?
A. When you watch the faster drivers on the track you will notice how smooth they are, and how they stick to the racing line.
Skidding around the corners may look like fun but all you’re doing is scrubbing speed off!!! The secret to smooth driving is to control your speed into a corner by either lifting off the accelerator or braking (only brake when in a straight line, as the brakes only work on the rear wheels, otherwise you will spin), give yourself lots of room to steer round smoothly. Then accelerate once you’re pointing in the right direction. Take a corner too fast or too tight and you’re likely to spin out and lose the race. Remember SLOW IN – FAST OUT! It’s a good idea to use your practice laps before your race to try different race lines and speeds, rather than use it as an unofficial race.
OVERTAKING other drivers is the same as Formula 1 or any other form of Motorsport. If someone sticks to the racing line it can be difficult the get passed them, however if you put the pressure on and stick right behind them, they are more likely to make a mistake which will give you the opportunity to slip passed.
Other things to watch out for is DOUBLE PEDALLING, this is when you use your brake while still having your foot on the accelerator, this over heats your clutch and will affect the karts performance (especially acceleration) and in some case’s will get soo hot the clutch will cease up totally and then you will be out the race altogether.
Also keeps your hands well away from the exhaust at all times as these get extremely hot and will burn like hell. Always keep your hands and legs inside the kart, especially when you’ve spun as this could be very dangerous, always wait for a marshal to come and give you some help.
Finally, please remember that karting is a NON-CONTACT sport, and any deliberate contact could result in you getting Black Flagged by the marshal’s and being taking off the karts with NO refund!
Q. Is Gridline Racing licensed to sell alcohol?
A. Drinking & driving don’t mix – just as on the road! However we normally will have your event finished in time for you to head off into Lincoln town centre which offers a wide variety of clubs & pubs. We also offer a BYO policy which means your welcome to bring along your own beers and stick around after your event and have a celebratory drink and have a game of pool.
Q. If I'm not very good, will I be knocked out early in a G.P?
A. All drivers receive the same amount of driving during the practice and heats, which is the main part of the Grand Prix.

Q. How do I go about running a race for my group?
A. Simply get a group of between 4 - 60 drivers and ring 01522 539915 and book a date and time suitable for your group. The circuit will require a £10 per head booking fee and all major credit cards are accepted. We recommend where each driver in the group will be paying for him/herself, that a deposit of at least £10 be collected from each person by the organiser and retained by him/her, this avoids people pulling out of the group at a late stage. While we ask for an approximate number of drivers in each race to be advised when booking, more are welcome to join, though we would appreciate a quick call just to let us know.