RPM Raceway | Race Play More — Attraction in Town of Babylon

This review is based on my experience here on Saturday March 16, 2024, from around 6 - 7:30pm.

I have been wanting to go to RPM for at LEAST 5 years bc of the posters in subway stations in Queens. I was sO disappointed and embarrassed when I arrived. I came with my friends to celebrate my birthday, but we ended up leaving (without racing) after an hour or so and went to Area53's Adventure Park in Brooklyn, which was WAY better value.

It is admittedly my fault for not continuing to scroll through the pictures here on G Maps, but I still feel nonetheless it is ludicrous that the RPM Raceway website aNd some of the pictures here advertise a cool, neon lit track with some parts of the track elevated - when that is NOT AT ALL what the track is like in reality. It is a simple, flat, concrete track like any old gokart track. I thought to myself "maybe the other locations are similar to the advertising pictures", so I checked the Stamford and Jersey City locations, but they are just like this one! Additionally, a learner's permit doesn't qualify for the licensed driver option, which I guess is understandable but still annoying. It was also disappointing to learn that the non-license driver and licensed drivers can't race at the same time, they would have to race separately. While it is I suppose valid that this is the case, it was disappointing and annoying to learn as I believe that is not explicitly stated on the website. We had concluded that the licensed and non-licensed drivers COULD drive together, the licensed ones could just go faster. That apparently was not the case. Lastly, as many people note here, the wait time is at least two hours, so it is advisable to pay and register for a race as soon as you arrive and THEN enjoy the arcade.

Speaking of the arcade, there were about 3 or 4 machines not in service, which is a decent amount as there actually aren't many machines to begin with. My friends and I had been waiting to use one of the air hockey tables - as the other one was already not in service - but once the table was available, it suddenly was out of service as well. I went to staff at the counter explaining how we had been waiting like 20 minutes to use the machine and asked if they could please send someone to check on it. They were polite and said they would and whomever they were going to send would try to make work it but it may not be possible. I was fine that! However, no employee came to check on the machine. It was also very upsetting to learn that not all the machines give points towards the prize redemption. The machines should say whether or not they give points!! We were sure we had at least 400 or 500 points, but when we went to redeem, we apparently only had 94 points. So we essentially had wasted at least $30 dollars at the arcade (I had paid for a $50 credit play card, which also costs $1 for the card lol). I think honestly the most fun thing at the arcade was the augmented reality tent as I've never seen something like that before and up to 6 people can play at the same time, it gets you and your friends dashing around, which is really funny 😂. However, it is only like 3 or 5 minutes and is 32 credits per person/swipe, very pricey.

There also is supposed to be a mini bowling alley, but I don't think I saw it myself. I think one of my friends said he saw it, but that it seemed to be out of service. Additionally, the billiards tables seemed unkempt and annoyingly required quarters. There was a machine to change bills into quarters, but I think it unfortunately didn't accept card, which is all we had. Also, I think there were just 2 VR machines and only 1 was working. I did want to do it, but my friends pointed out that the game it offered seemed kinda underwhelming, however that is just a personal preference thing. Lastly, the big, cool looking racing simulator near the entrance wasn't working either!! Apparently due to a...

I feel conflicted about RPM raceway in farmingdale NY.

Here are the things that were good about RPM raceway:

I felt the price per race was fair the duration of races felt good. The track layout was nice we went on a Monday so it was double the size and if you're planning on going I would say Monday would definitely be your best bet.

The carts can go wicked fast and the tracks hairpin turns and overall size feel very nice.

The staff at the front for customer service was really helpful for first time racers. There were affordable storage lockers to hold your valuables while your race so you don't lose them.

It had a sizeable arcade and what looked like venue space so if you needed to have a party this would probably be a pretty good bet.

And now for the downsides: The price was good for a Monday when the track is double size but for any other day of the week where it's two separate tracks the price is not great.

When we raced a bunch of people showed up to practice it looked like for an event, they had their own uniforms and helmets and were very aggressive while we were racing, bumping into us spinning us out of the way, It was pretty stressful & made my friend weary of going as fast as we would have liked for fear of being crashed into on purpose and the staff didn't seem to care.

Additionally after every race if you do more than one you have to switch carts presumably so they can recharge the problem is the carts are not nearly in well-kept enough condition to be cart hopping. I used three different carts and my friend used three other carts, of the six we used only two of them felt good with solid brake and acceleration performance good tires and a proper working steering wheel.

The other four had issues ranging from steering problems tires that felt like they didn't have enough rubber so they slipped a lot making it feel less safe, brakes getting stuck and parts falling off of one of the carts.

For a venue who's racing style is not positions but rather fastest lap, it's quite difficult to improve when you have to keep switching between carts that perform wildly different from each other due to poor upkeep.

Additionally if you buy more than one race as soon as one ends they instantly hop you over to the next car to move on to the next not giving you time to look at your stats for that run, so if you're looking to buy multiple races for a day I would recommend doing them one at a time AKA buy One race finish it and if you feel like another go back to the counter and buy a second etc to give you time between races to both look at stats for the race and to rest your hands as after a couple of races you start to feel the strain from turning the steering wheels.

I feel like in my experience this was more like a two-star time, but I'm giving it three stars because I feel this venue does have a purpose both if you're looking to have a group of friends split the price and have a party or a one-time event, definitely not some place for repeat racing though just not good enough for that.

That is of time of this review if in the future they improve cart performance so that they are all in similar states of performance & become stricter on the no bumping and spinning out rule I could see this going up to a four or five star establishment.

TLDR: this could be fun for a one-off party or event with a group of friends but definitely not a place to go often. (make sure you go on Monday when track size is double).

Also worth pointing out that this is a review from the point of view of a first-time customer...

I have been racing at RPM Raceway Farmingdale for the past seven years, starting in the junior karts on the original single-level track, then progressing through the teen karts and eventually to the adult karts. Watching both the facility and my own skills evolve over the years has been an incredible experience. RPM Raceway has consistently set the bar for excellence in indoor karting, and as the saying goes, “Every champion starts in a kart” RPM raceway proves that to be absolutely true. From the very first moment you step into RPM Raceway Farmingdale, you can feel the high energy and passion for speed that make this location so special. The atmosphere is electrifying, a perfect blend of excitement, precision, and cutting-edge style. The entire facility radiates an aesthetic appeal that complements the adrenaline-fueled experience, creating an environment that looks as impressive as it feels. The staff at RPM Raceway Farmingdale are nothing short of exceptional. From check-in to the final lap, every team member demonstrates a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction. They are consistently friendly, professional, and efficient, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning racer, the team makes you feel welcome and supported throughout your visit. The management team also deserves special recognition. Each manager goes above and beyond to ensure every guest’s experience is nothing less than perfect. If any issue arises, they are quick to assist, proactive in finding solutions, and always maintain a professional and positive attitude. Their leadership clearly sets the tone for the rest of the staff and contributes greatly to the Raceway’s excellent reputation. In terms of value, RPM Raceway delivers an experience that is worth every dollar. While racing can be seen as a premium activity, the level of thrill, precision, and enjoyment you receive makes it an exceptional value. The performance, environment, and overall quality justify the cost completely; it's an investment in pure adrenaline and unforgettable fun. The track itself is a true masterpiece. Featuring multiple levels, over 40 dynamic turns, sharp hairpins, and exciting elevation changes, it offers an unparalleled driving experience. Every lap challenges your reflexes and rewards precision, making it feel like a professional-grade circuit. The layout is not only thrilling but also visually stunning, truly a work of art that captures the essence of competitive racing. For those looking to take their experience to the next level, I highly recommend joining the RPM Raceway leagues. The seasonal racing leagues are an incredible opportunity to compete at pro speed, push your limits, and enjoy the thrill of structured competition. It’s a unique way to engage with the community and experience RPM in an even more intense and rewarding format. Simply put, RPM Raceway Farmingdale is the best indoor go-karting destination in the country. It combines energy, aesthetics, professionalism, and pure racing excitement in a way that no other facility can match. The attention to detail, the outstanding staff, and the remarkable quality of the experience set it far above the rest. I sincerely hope RPM Raceway continues to maintain this high level of excellence  it’s a truly special place that captures the heart of every racing enthusiast. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a loyal racer in the league, you’ll leave with one thought in mind: this is the ultimate indoor...