United Karting — Local services in Severn

United Karting was a true disappointment. I have been doing Indoor Karting for a few years. I don’t like indoor Karting location in Jessup with a passion. They run the place like it’s a privilege for customers to spend money with them. They don’t maintain the karts properly(lack of mechanic or under pay the mechanic) They also nickel and dime you with license fee or head sock fee. That is not posted anywhere online or at the track. I found that United Karting was very similar experience but more expensive on a outdoor track at a old BWI parking lot. The racing was much longer. 56- 60 seconds a lap on my first few races. Compared to 20-30 seconds a lap. Loved the elevation change, Much more open racing. I was not impressed with the customer service with the attempt to charge me for a head sock, no one doing any safety training(people need to be taught the flags), the threat to make us pay for barriers(break it, you buy it), poorly maintained karts( I had a vibrating kart in straight line that I had to fight to stay straight kart(#6), my brother had his left rear axle come off, my buddy has breaks that would be squishy and loose steering wheel) also we didn’t get our official times from the United Karting, I had to ask my brother to time me who refused to get into another death trap( kart, his words) Sadly I know this is a top down problem. Money over quality. The owner wants to make back his/her money and the karts and their Maintanence are probably a large part of cost. Well in the end, I hope it’s gets better. I really do...

I almost never post reviews but felt compelled to comment on my very positive recent experience at United Karting. I have been to this track as a kart owner for myself as well as my 11 year old grandson (racing since he was 5) since the inception of United Karting in late 2018, so I know the owners well, especially on the competition go kart owners side. These guys work hard to improve the karting sport in this area, partnering with other organizations, car clubs and tracks. However, my recent experience was with their relatively new Carolikart rental fleet. My other grandson, 22 years old from Texas was visiting and the three of us drove the UK rental karts. The karts are obviously well maintained and performed flawlessly. In short, our experience was the most fun we have ever had on a track. I have driven on indoor and outdoor tracks across the US as well as Europe for over 50 years. The UK layout is relatively long, safe and fast. It has numerous areas that are safe to pass. The experience was exhilarating and nothing like one would experience on an indoor venue. But there was more: Track personnel were courteous and most helpful. It had rained earlier that day and the track was drying out when we arrived. We were even provided with a personal cell phone to call for a status as the track dried, although we waited nearby. They even offered to take group photos. I highly recommend this place for anyone interested in true karting: ...

Really great facility in this day and age. The karts are well maintained, and while there's the usual parity in the rental karts (i.e., there's always that ONE rental kart with a fresh front tire or subpar engine), most of them are on very equal terms.

The track is very wide and the final sector is very conducive to passing opportunities, even in rental karts, because of the line variety available. Virtually every corner has a way for you to set up for a pass if you plan one or two apexes ahead though.

Also thought it was cool to see the popularity of Junior Kart races and the karting class for learning how to drive. I've never seen that offered at other karting facilities around NoVA in the past 15 years, and the instructor's explanation to the kids was really good.

My only wish is that blue flags were more vigilent when there is a substantial difference in driver pace, but I understand that it's difficult to keep track of when nearly everyone is wearing the same helmet. Drivers need to watch that the kart they're passing does an over-the-shoulder check before making a long-range attempt.

Overall, had a really positive first experience here. Loved that there are rental gas karts in the area still, and that they also have ROTAX 125cc 2-stroke leagues as well. Looking forward to coming back here...