Andersen RacePark — Local services in Palmetto

I've debated getting back into racing for many years, but didn't know where to start, as all of today's go-kart tracks are fun-only courses that feel nothing like a real racing course.

Andersen Racepark is the real deal. The track is challenging and boasts a great straightaway where you can get some good speed and plenty of technical twists leading up to it. The track is also in great condition with no divots or potholes.

The N35 rental karts are plenty fast for a beginner or someone looking to re-tune their driving skills after many years off. The karts are just fast enough to make you consider braking and cornering speeds, but not so fast a beginner will feel insecure.

The karts are also in great shape. It's clear that Andersen's staff takes good care of them. Also, several karts have GoPro mounts for filming your sessions.

I loved it so much, I signed up for a one-on-one coaching session this week. I'll update my review with feedback on this offering.

Edit: I just finished my first-ever racing lesson with Andersen. It was far better than expected. Matt spent 1.5 hours of his day on the track with me and in session debriefs showing me how to use the track to my advantage and maximizing my driving lines.

It was a wonderful experience and extremely beneficial. I shaved over a second off my time in just three sessions. I plan to go back several times to continue honing my skills with passing courses and more in the near future.

Well...

One of the coolest experiences I've ever had.

I've always dreamed of racing as a hobby. I've always thought it would be one of the coolest things to get into, but where do you start?

Here, actually.

This is where you go to learn the basics of racing technique in a safer, more accessible environment.

To be sure, this isn't your 10-year-olds go-karts, either. These things get up to a ridiculous top speed, made to feel even faster by your proximity to the track and the open chassis.

Powering through turns and struggling against the G's is just a phenomenal experience. It's truly exhilarating to fight against your own time and navigate the presence of others on the track, and man if you even manage to pass somebody you feel like the fastest guy around.

As a newcomer to racing, this was exactly what I needed to know that this hobby is for me. I can't wait to delve deeper into it.

Experience aside, the employees at the facility were exceptional. They took care of us, explained the track and the techniques to shave off our time. The facility is clean, heck even the snack bar prices are reasonable.

Beyond all that, the facility manager sent me an email about a lost handkerchief, understanding how important it was to me.

I hope you take the dive into a racing experience and head out to there to see what it's...

Anderson no longer rents individual carts, but they will rent for groups of 8-15. Myself along with 8 other moms got our 16 year old sons a group rental for Christmas. It. Was. Worth it. One of the dads drove as well and he too had a blast. Anderson was professional and prompt. They had a nice sitting area with drinks and snacks for the spectators (although not good sitting while watching, just for waiting in between races). The carts are FAST and have a very low center of gravity so flipping isn’t really a concern. The boys would spin out when they took a turn too quickly but nothing scary. They had a great podium ceremony for the top three racers at the end and the boys absolutely loved it. Every single person who participates said they would do it Again.

As a side note, they are very serious about their waivers for minors. If you print it out and get it notarized ahead of time MAKE SURE IT IS IN COLOR. I sent one of the notarized forms via email ahead of time and it was rejected for being in black and white. It doesn’t hurt to send it to them ahead of time to make sure you have it right before you send a minor there without...