Established in 2013 by co-founders Matthew Holyfield and Alastair Flynn in a derelict warehouse near Barking, the Capital Karts track was seeing over 500 visitors each weekend and had an annual turnover of £2m within 2 years.[1] Its former site in Barking was the largest indoor track in the UK at over Шаблон:Convert long[2] and had won multiple awards.
The Capital Karts track on Rippleside in East London was 1,050m long and underwent refurbishment in 2016[3] to increase average track speed, improve overtaking opportunities, and further enhance the safety barrier system. The karts reached top speeds of 45 mph and a lap took approximately 70 seconds to complete. There were 20 corners and the track had an average width of Шаблон:Convert.
A child died at the Barking site in August 2021 after her headscarf became caught in the kart she was driving. An inquest found that the kart "should not have been driven", and expressed concerns about the adequacy of checks on clothing performed by marshals. Capital Karts no longer lists the Barking track on its website.[4]
Kapital Karts has a track the Canary Wharf area of London. A Birmingham site is expected to open in 2024.[5]
Karting Challenge
The Johnny Herbert Karting Challenge has been held at the Capital Karts track since 2013. More than 100 drivers compete in a 3-hour endurance race with charitable donations being raised by teams, and additional donations raised during the trackside sale of racing memorabilia. The event raised more than £10,000 in its first year.[6] In April 2014, bookmakers Ladbrokes filmed their betting advert at the Capital Karts track.[7]
The Karts
RiMO Alpha karts used at Capital Karts feature a 270cc HondaLPG tuned engine.[8] The same karts are used in karting tracks around Europe[9]
The karts are suitable for adults, children and disabled visitors, and there are karts that are equipped for use by two people.
Awards
Since its inception in 2013, Capital Karts has won a number of awards.
2014 Barking and Dagenham New Business Of The Year[10]
