Category: Blog

The Different Types of Go-Kart Racing

Written by on September 13, 2021. Posted in Blog.

Karting is renowned as one of the most popular forms of motorsport on the planet. A vast array of racing types and competitions are followed and competed throughout the racing season on a global scale. Seen initially as a family sport, and associated with kids karting has become a serious activity in the motor sporting world for all ages. Most commonly, karting is seen as an introduction to Formula One and other more high-level motorsports. Official racing formats include sprint, endurance and speedway races.

Endurance

Endurance races can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours and sometimes longer. As a long-term race, specific techniques are of the greatest importance, and drivers and crews must work together to perfect their pit strategy and driving skills. In these races, a mere few seconds caused by a tiny mistake can cost participants the race, so reliability is favored over all-out speed. This extensive, painstaking practice is what to do to become a winner in kart racing, however, it often takes years to reach the championship level of the sport.

Sprint

The most well-known competitions in karting, the Karting World Championship, and the FIA Championships use the sprint format. This format includes a series of short races with very few laps, with a combination of calculations to measure points scored. Due to the short duration of races, usually no more than 15 minutes, strong passing of other vehicles, and speed is essential. Sprint tracks generally range in length from 400 yards to more than 1600 yards. Since the small karts can be used on a variety of track surfaces, many tracks are custom-made by karting organizations.

Speedway

Taking place on clay or asphalt tracks, the main difference with these races is the number of laps. Most speedway races have between 10 and 20 short laps. These competitions focus on superior corner handling and acceleration. They can be some of the most difficult within the karting world.

The Biggest Questions We Get About Go Kart Racing

Written by on August 11, 2021. Posted in Blog.

1. Is experience needed for kart racing?

You will not need to be familiar with professional racing to enjoy karting. Every person is informed about the meanings of signs, flags and rules of the track for safety.

2. At what age should one be able to race?

There are requirements concerning adult karts. Children must be at least 36″ height. Also, if you aren’t certain you’re skilled enough for kart racing, then you can take an assessment. This is known as a race evaluation. You are eligible to race as soon as you’ve passed the evaluation.

The evaluation permits track personnel to inform you of specific road rules. They will brief you on driver safety and help to ensure that you’re compliant with basic road safety.

3. Are there any waivers that I have to sign?

In some states, signing a waiver for kart racing is always going to be a requirement. Your signed waiver benefits you so that you can receive insurance coverage for yours and the track’s protection.

Most Kart racing facilities also allow you to bring your own helmet. To be permitted for use, the helmet must meet DOT requirements. It should come attached with a pair of goggles, a visor and a frontal shield that is able to cover most of the face.

4. Are Go Karts really that fast?

Most go-Karts available standard for indoor use are quite fast. The industry doesn’t sacrifice speed in order to make karts safe. Most karts have an electric motor with a horse power of 24(hp). This makes your kart be able to hit speeds of at least 45 MPH.

5. Is there any training for go kart racing?

Although there is no racing experience needed, many who plan on going karting, may undergo a brief safety evaluation. Going over kart track rules will help drivers to better grasp each sign’s meanings as well as inform them on how to safely drive the kart. In most cases this evaluation is a requirement.

6. Is it necessary for me to make a reservation?

Reservations are not used much, especially if you’ll only be racing with a small group of three to four people. You’ll probably still not be needing one if your group included you and six others.

7. Do I have to bring my own equipment?

Even though you very well can bring your own equipment, the facility is expected to supply all necessary protective gear. The only thing that is required for you to bring with you, is a pair of close-toed shoes.

8. Is there anything that should not be worn on a go kart track?

Loosely hanging items such as chains or accessories are prohibited. Also any long articles of clothing such as scarfs or trench coats will need to be removed. If your hair exceeds a certain length, you must tie it up or even place it in a cap. Women must not wear dresses or skirts when kart racing.

It is completely inappropriate for you to wear high heels, sandals or any type of shoe that has an open toe. Bare feet are completely prohibited, you will be sent away from the facility.

How To Get Into Go-Kart Racing On Your Own

Written by on July 10, 2021. Posted in Blog.

For many people, it only takes being a spectator of a go-kart race a few times before they want to become part of this sport. It is an exciting one, and there are a few steps which must be taken to become part of the action.

Getting The Go-Kart

The first thing on the list to do is to purchase a go-kart which will be reliable. Some are enthusiastic and believe they can build their own. Ideally starting off with one that has been professionally made is the better choice. There is nothing wrong with buying a used go-kart. If doing so, make sure that it meets the racing standards. Look for one that is being advertised as being race-ready.

Safety is the Priority

Aside from having a suitable quality go-kart, proper safety attire is essential. The equipment worn should consist of:

Helmet which shields the entire face
Driving suit that is fire resistant
Neck collar
Gloves made for driving
Driving footwear

Proper Training

Go-kart racing has become so popular that there are now some training facilities where those who are new to the sport can learn to race properly. If these are not available, it is worth seeking out someone who is an experienced racer to see if they would provide a few lessons. Also, asking a lot of questions will help to become more familiar, and a lot of great tips can be learned this way.

Practice

There should be some go-kart facilities in the area where a new driver can practice their racing. It is well worth doing this before jumping into a race without any track experience.

Building Experience

Entering some local races is a good way to become familiar with what it is like to be a go-kart racer. Then, as experience is gained, the new racer can increase their activities.

4 Perfect Occasions For Go Karting

Written by on June 1, 2021. Posted in Blog.

Virginia Beach is a great city in which to live and work, but when it comes to planning events in the city and finding things to do with friends and family. Virginia Beach has many leisurely activities to choose from, mainly hanging out at the beach, going golfing, or visiting various farmers markets. But here at VB Motorworld, we make it our mission to get your adrenaline pumping. From our go-karts to our amusement rides, we take every step to make you have a blast going fast either in a kart or through the air.

A fun activity that’s ideally suited for groups, go karting is no longer just for visits to country fairs or children’s birthday parties. Go karting today is a popular activity for all ages, especially during the cooler months when outdoor activities just aren’t possible.

The ultimate group activity, go karting’s action-packed fun makes it a fantastic option for a variety of occasions. Helping groups of people to relax and unwind complimented this with dinner afterwards, individuals seeking to plan a fun excursion for friends, family and even colleagues to celebrate a special occasion such as those mentioned in this article should seriously consider indoor go karts in Virginia Beach.

To Welcome a New Colleague

Joining a new workplace can be tough, especially for people who are anxious around people and struggle to settle into a job filled with all new people. Nowadays, many companies are including group events and team building activities as a part of their onboarding processes, to help new workers feel at home. Welcoming a new colleague with a trip to go indoor go karting is a great way for employers to help their new hire settle in and break the ice amongst team members.

No more need for awkward chit chat at the water cooler, go karting is an interactive experience that offers an immediate topic of conversation and attention. Group activities such as go karting has become recognized as a great way of breaking the ice between team members and helping them to get to know each other in a new and exciting setting.

For a Bachelor or Bachelorette Party

Who doesn’t love a night out with great friends? As a friend’s wedding approaches, it can be fun to walk down memory lane and let loose. Combining a unique nostalgia and plain old excitement, go karting is the perfect addition to any bachelor or bachelorette party. With private rooms available at go karting venues, groups of friends are sure to enjoy adding go karting to their event. A unique way of kicking off celebrations, go karting is also perfect for groomsmen and bridesmaids to get to know each other better without the forced awkwardness of small talk.

For Date Night

When it comes to pulling off a successful date, fool proof planning can go a long way to ensuring the night goes off without a hitch, especially if it’s the first date. Fortunately, go karts are perfect for a first date, as its interactive and exciting nature can help ease nerves and help people connect based on the fun they have together. Exciting and a great alternative to movie night, go karting is also a great way for couples who have been together longer to try something new. A great activity for all couples, the best part about choosing go karting for date night is the option for a group date!

To Spend Time With Family

Although it might be considered an unusual family activity, go karting and other indoor activities present great ways to spend time with family. Suitable for most children and popular among tweens and teens, go karting is a great way to return to good old-fashioned family fun. Getting kids and parents away from screens and cellphones, go karting can help families spend time in the moment together, without the distractions of daily life. Kids learn driving skills too.

Well suited to a range of occasions, indoor go karting is set to become a staple amount in entertainment options. Providing interactive experiences unlike any other, go karting is the perfect activity for people of all ages. A great way to spend time with friends, family and colleagues in a relaxed setting, it’s no surprise that more groups are looking to book go kart racing in Virginia Beach for their next event. Thus, regardless of season go karting is a great option for residents seeking a new form of entertainment. Highly unique and much more exciting than your average game night, go karting can even be used as a warmup for further festivities.

When it comes to planning an event or activity go karting represents a new trend in the entertainment industry. Although at one time considered an activity for children’s birthday parties, today professional go karting has created an entire industry of entertainment providers with go courses designed to thrill and excite all ages.

Best Birthday Ideas For Your Teenager

Written by on May 29, 2021. Posted in Blog.

As your children grow into their teens, throwing them a birthday bash that not only doesn’t embarrass them but could actually be considered cool can seem nearly impossible. So here are a few party ideas that your teenager will absolutely love.

1.) Concerts – There is nothing cooler than attending a concert with your friends. See if any of the bands your teenager is into are playing in your city around their birthday. Surprising them and a few of their friends with tickets will definitely score you a place on the cool parents list. You could even take them out for pizza before the event, or give them some cash for a souvenir.

2.) Go Kart Racing – You’d be hard pressed to find a teenager who wouldn’t love a VB Motorworld birthday party with their friends. These go karts can go up to 45 miles per hour, and you can get a party package for your teen and all their friends. Speeding around these awesome indoor raceways is great for kids, teens, and adults. You can even add-on additional things like cake, pizza or a piñata to make the day extra special (and easy for you.)

3.) Amusement Parks – What could be better than speeding down the track in a go-kart? Fun rides, games, and thrills, that’s what! Obviously, this one is weather dependent, so it’s not as easy to plan for all birthdays in all seasons as the other two ideas. But VB Motorworld makes it easy for you, we’ve got amusement rides and mini golf built right into our facility! Compete with your friends on our Shipwreck Mini Golf Course or test your fear of heights on our Skycoaster! All of this will make any party idea an easy win. Make sure you remember to budget extra for all the hot dogs and cotton candy a group of teenagers is sure to consume!

The Legends Of Kart History

Written by on March 20, 2021. Posted in Blog.

At VB Motorworld, we know people that aren’t familiar with go-karting sometimes think it’s a kids’ pastime. Would you be surprised to know that many professional racers started on go-karts? Today we’ll introduce you to three of them.

Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher is considered one of the greatest Formula One drivers in history. He is the only driver in history to win seven F1 World Championships, including five consecutively. Michael’s career started on a go-kart track in Kerpen-Manheim, Germany, a town near Cologne. He captured the German junior karting championship in 1984 and 1985; two years later he won both the German and European karting titles. The following year, he moved to Formula Three driving – where the cars are less powerful than those in Formula One – and two years later won the German F3 title. In 1991 Schumacher made the move to Formula One racing, and five years later joined a Ferrari team that hadn’t won a Drivers’ Championship since 1979. He proceeded to turn them into the most successful Formula One team in history, including the five straight world championships. His total of seven F1 titles broke a record that had stood for almost 50 years. Along with that, he holds records for the most Grand Prix wins at 91, and the most races won in a single season, at 13.

Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen started with go-karts at age four and quickly was competing in Belgium at a nearly Mini Junior championship. At nine years old, racing in the Rotax Max Minimax class, he captured the Belgian championship; the next year, he won the Dutch Minimax championship. When he turned 13, Versteppan made the move to international karting and signed with CRG, where he raced at world and European championships. He became the youngest racer in Formula One history at just 17 years old, then became its youngest points scorer and eventually its youngest race winner before he turned 19. At the conclusion of the 2015 racing season, Verstappen received three awards from the International Automobile Association: Rookie of the Year, Personality of the Year, and Action of the Year (for an overtake move during the Belgian Grand Prix). He has been part of the Red Bull Racing Team since 2016, and at just 23 right now, clearly has a bright career ahead of him.

Sebastian Vettel

Sebastian Vettel began his racing career with Michael Schumacher, go-karting at the same track in Kerpen-Manheim near Cologne. He started amateur karting at just 3 1/2 years old and started racing in karts series when he was eight. He caught the eye of the Red Bull Junior Team by the time he turned 11 and earned a spot with them. Sebastian won multiple titles including the Junior Monaco Kart Cup in 2001, and two years later was promoted to open-wheel cars. The following year he won the German Formula BMW Championship, thanks to 18 victories in 20 races. Vettel was the youngest Formula One driver to participate in a Grand Prix weekend, at just under 20 years old…until Max Verstappen broke his record! He won four straight Formula One World Championships, from 2010 through 2013.

That Was Only the Beginning

Clearly, go-karts have given some of the world’s greatest racers their start. Want to see how competitive you are? Whether you want to race your colleagues at a corporate outing, impress your date, or challenge your friends, we have it all here at VB Motorworld. Visit today to see if, like these three pros, racing is in your blood!

Getting Started – All You Need To Know To Win On The Track

Written by on February 18, 2021. Posted in Blog.

You’ve just been invited to your very first go-karting event. Whether it’s a friend’s birthday party, a first date, or a corporate outing, you’re going to have a blast at VB Motorworld. You’re excited but at the same time, you also have no idea what to expect! Never fear, we’ll walk you through some things that will prepare you to fall in love with this sport just like many others.

Know Yourself and Your Group

Are you ultra-competitive? What about the people you’re with? Competition is great, but there are a time and place and a reason it’s often referred to as “friendly.” Unless you’re running in an actual race (which we hope you’re not doing on your very first visit), you might want to tamp down those cutthroat characteristics so you can actually have fun! You might not win every race, and you definitely should have fun the entire time!

We Made You a Cheat Sheet

Spoiler alert…you can absolutely have a great time without knowing a thing before you walk in. But we wanted to give first-timers an idea of what to expect, so take a look at our 7 tips to win on the track if you’re interested. You’ll find the low down on the techniques you’ll need to win any kind of race and tips to have that much more fun.

Tips and Tricks

Speaking of driving tips, let’s talk about a few. Changing lanes across four lanes of traffic while simultaneously stomping on the gas and brake pedals doesn’t work as well. Smoother driving means a faster time, and while you don’t want to ruin the fun by being overly competitive, you probably do want to win! Also, drafting really does work just like you learned from Tom Cruise in the movie Days of Thunder. If you safely follow the faster drivers, you’ll have lower lap times. And this may seem like a no-brainer, but try not to hit the barriers or other go-karts. It makes your kart harder to handle and also slows you down.

Play By the Rules

Beyond needing to be a certain height for the different karts, it’s all pretty much common sense. You have to attend a safety briefing before getting your kart; wear closed-toed shoes and a helmet; make sure your hair or clothing won’t get in the way, and never stop your kart or get out of it while you’re on the track. And again, this isn’t bumper carts, so no hitting the other racers!

Hey! Ho! Let’s Go!

We know you’ll have a fantastic time racing with us at VB Motorworld. You might even fall in love with the sport and decide to join some of the leagues we have set up, just ask your attendant about them before you take off!

4 Helpful Tips to Help Make Your Corporate Events Unforgettable

Written by on January 14, 2021. Posted in Blog.

Just been assigned the task of setting up a corporate event for your company? Don’t know where to start? Stuck searching for fun and exciting ideas around corporate events in Virginia Beach, VA that will make it impossible for anyone at the office to whine about? We know what you’re going through! Here at VB Motorworld, we help plan and execute corporate events for various companies and we’ve turned the art of corporate event planning into a science! Just remember these 4 tips and soon you’ll be planning the best team building event your co-workers have ever seen!

TIP 1: ALLOCATE YOUR BUDGET
We all would love to be able to reserve an entire theme park for the day, but the sad reality is that for most businesses, their budget just doesn’t allow for it. Knowing what your budget is for your corporate events is the first step in the right direction!

TIP 2: CHOOSE AND RESERVE YOUR DATE & VENUE
Once you know how much your company is willing to spend, it’s time to figure out a venue that provides the right atmosphere for your corporate events while still staying within your budget. Speed Raceway provides an excellent opportunity for any type of business to entertain their employees with adrenaline-filled racing while also allowing a great team building atmosphere with various sized conference rooms!

Now that you’ve chosen where you would like to hold your event, it’s time to figure out the date! We recommend early to middle of the week days during normal business hours for wherever you end up going. This way you minimize the chance of running into scheduling issues with the general public!

TIP 3: BOOK ENTERTAINMENT
Everyone loves a fun day out of the office, but unfortunately the higher ups will almost never allow you to just take your co-workers on a field trip! So you better make sure you have some sort of speaker, seminar or entertainment set up to make those bosses happy! Find the right speaker for you, and make both your co-workers and bosses happy during your corporate events!

TIP 4: COMPOSE A “DAY-OF” TIMELINE
Now that it would seem everything is set and booked, it’s time to make a “day-of” timeline or itinerary. Knowing when you’ll be leaving work, how people will get to the venue and how long it will take are just a few things that will help you be as prepared as possible when the big day comes!

Setting up corporate events can be challenging, daunting almost. But with the help of these 4 tips, you’ll be able to plan and host the best corporate events in Virginia Beach your company has ever seen!

PLAN YOU CORPORATE EVENT AT VB Motorworld!
VB Motorworld is an engaging venue for any type of team. Our raceway will teach your department relating to team building all while having friendly levels of competition (I said FRIENDLY Karen!). Racing on our go-kart track can become the best entertainment for your corporate event. You can rent the whole facility or use one of our private rooms to hold your company meeting and even more! Speed Raceway is a go-to party place for any of your event. Contact us to discuss arranging a date to have your next unforgettable corporate event!

7 Tips On How To School Everyone On The Track In Virginia Beach

Written by on December 3, 2020. Posted in Blog.

Many people think that since they have a drivers license or play racing video games, they’ll naturally be excellent at go kart racing. Anyone who has actually been to an electric go karts track can tell you, it’s harder than it looks. But for first-timers attending a birthday party or corporate event, you may want to skip ahead on the learning curve to get an advantage on your friends and colleagues. Nobody wants to be last place! Read some of our suggestions on how to dominate on the racetrack!

Hands on the wheel

Now isn’t the time to get creative with how you hold the steering wheel. 10 and 2 will work just fine. If you lose control on a turn, you lose the race. Now isn’t the time for any hand gestures to the competition; you’ll have plenty of time for that later if you win.

Sit still

Don’t leave forwards or move around in your seat. You’ll be buckled in when you race, but don’t throw your weight around much or you will work against yourself! Make sure your buckle is tight before the race, if you are sliding back and forth in your seat, your shirt will give you some rug burn!

Learn the brakes quickly

Every cart will be a little bit different, and you’ll have several laps to post a top time or race to the front, so learn how sensitive your brakes are, and you’ll be able to dominate the corners and whip around the track! Don’t slam them too hard, or you’ll lose all your speed going through corners, but press too light and you’ll just hit the wall!

Try different lines

Nobody will find the fastest line on their first lap. Try taking different corners at different speeds and angles and you’ll quickly figure out what works and what doesn’t. Keep an eye on your competition and see if they are doing something better that you aren’t, and you’ll be able to make instant improvements to your go kart racing.

Stay on target

That means drive straight. Don’t turn too soon or lose speed taking long arcs. A straight line will get you there fastest, so keep it that way whenever possible. Our track has a long straight-away, so make sure you get your top speed going there before hitting the corners.

PRACTICE!

Not all of these tips will click for you immediately. It will take more than one race to really make you a great racer, so don’t get discouraged by a bad lap or race. Even if you win, there’s always room for improvement, so don’t get cocky and start thinking you’re the best on the track. Nobody likes to lose, and your friends will all be gunning for you now!

By learning some of these principles, you can turn yourself from a go kart racing novice to the indoor Mario Andretti. With some practice and a little luck, you’ll be unstoppable. Best part of all this practice is that you get to be racing around a track, instead of practicing something boring. Where better to try out some of these tips than at Virginia Beach Motor World? We’ve got an amazing track that you can race on rain or shine, and have the perfect facility to host birthday parties and corporate team-building events. Come check us out!

Are You Good Enough To Join A Go Kart League?

Written by on November 18, 2020. Posted in Blog.

While you may enjoy your solitude, you have to admit that some things are simply more fun to do with a team. Having companions around while gaming or going for a fun ride in virginia beach, location enhances the experience. For that reason and many more, you should consider joining a go-karting league!

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

No one is born a go-karting champion. Just like any sport, go-karting takes constant practice and patience to master. You have to learn the curves of the track, the feel of the go-kart, the competition’s moves — these are things that you can’t grasp on your first trip around the track.

Being part of a league means you’re constantly practicing to beat the competition during the real race. If you’re a beginner, this is the perfect way for you to develop your go-karting skills. Even seasoned drivers can improve upon their skills.

FRIENDLY COMPETITION

We all have a competitive side that doesn’t always see the light of day. That won’t be the case any longer when you join a go-karting league.

You and your league will be competing constantly against other teams for a chance at glory. Whether you win or lose, this friendly competition will help you relieve some of the week’s stress and encourage you to keep on racing.

EASY ON YOUR WALLET

The need for speed is a real thing. We have it, and we know that our loyal customers have it, too. But feeding this need can get expensive when you’re the only one paying for it. Why not go easy on your wallet by joining a league?

Teams get to share everything — even expenses. It doesn’t cost much to join a league, but it does help you save big in the long run, as you can split the cost of your practices and races.

FOR PERSONAL GROWTH

This is the cherry on top! You may be joining a league to enhance your go-karting experience, but this isn’t all fun and games. Being in a league is like being in a marriage – you have to be dedicated, open-minded, willing to share, and more. Basically, you have to be a great team member!

Teamwork is a skill that we need throughout life, whether you’re in school, work, or retired. No matter what your background is, learning to communicate with others clearly and effectively will serve you well. There’s no better way to develop your personal skills than by having fun while doing so!

Ready to build your team of speed demons? Contact us today to inquire about joining a racing league in Virginia Beach today!