Skidz Karting in Swansea

My column for the April 2013 issue of Swansea Life magazine.

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Big Day Out!

With Richard Thomas

Skidz Karting in Swansea

ON LOCATION: Skidz Karting is Swansea’s only indoor go karting track. With karts and tracks suitable for all ages and abilities, drivers young and old will have a great time trying to beat each others best lap time on the tracks. Measuring 330 meters in length and consisting of an exciting mix of tight bends, sweeping curves and great long straights, the 6 meter wide main track allows for plenty of overtaking opportunities and provides plenty of challenges for even the most experienced go karter. For sat-nav users the address and postcode is: Unit 1, Rear of Queensway, Swansea West Business Park, Fforest-Fach, Swansea, SA5 4DJ.

OPENING HOURS: During the school term the go karting tracks are open daily between 12pm and 8pm, except Mondays when the tracks are closed. During school holidays Skids Karting is open seven days a week from 10am to 12pm. 

CROWD SCENE: Mixed, there are karts to suit most age groups: the electric Kidz Kartz that travel up to 6 miles per hour for three to eight year olds, Sodi Fun Kid petrol karts for eight to twelve year olds, and the worlds most popular kart the Sodi GT4 for adults.

BACKSTORY: Skidz Karting opened in 2011. Although a popular sport in Europe today, go karting first began on the other side of the Atlantic. Art Ingels is thought to have built the world's first go kart in 1956 in California. Go karting quickly caught on with tracks built in many towns and cities across the United States.

NOTEWORTHY: Along with two great tracks there is also a games room with driving simulators where you can get some practice before you go on the track, a pool table, air hockey table, and a cafe serving light refreshments to check out. 

WHAT TO TAKE? Drivers will have to make a one time purchase of a balaclava for hygiene reasons, but these only cost £1.50 each and are yours to keep and bring back next time. All the other kit, including a helmet, overalls, gloves and a detailed safety briefing are provided for.

PARENTIAL GUIDELINES: There is a great track for younger drivers, providing plenty of fun but still nice and safe with a secure pit lane area for safe pit stops. Children as young as three can take part. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. There is also an arcade near the track. 

TEAM EVENTS: Groups can take part in special events at the track. For groups of ten or more (12 on weekends) there is the Grand Prix. This involves practice laps, heats, semi finals and the final for the fastest eight drivers. Another option for groups of 20 or more (24 on weekends) is the Team Endurance, which includes five minute qualifying then two hours of non stop driving. Trophies are given to the top three teams. There is a maximum of six drivers per team. For children between eight and 13 there are Junior Parties available. Each child will receive either 20 minuets track time or 30 minuets track time depending on the time chosen. There is a minimum of six children on these. 

TOP TIP: If you're looking for a birthday or special gift idea, then why not buy a Skidz Karting gift voucher. They'll make a great gift and can be used as part or full payment for any type of session they offer.

TELL ME MORE: For more information about the events and prices visit www.skidzkarting.co.uk or phone 01792 580927. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Richard Thomas is the author of Para-News, Sci-Fi Worlds and the UFO Files range of ebooks published by Bretwalda Books. For more information visit www.richardthomas.com.