I happen to be in Southern California and it appears we are within barking distance of the new K1 facility in Winchester. Ergo, a day trip is in order.
I am with my family on vacation so my son Nick will come and perhaps even my spouse, who will get to experience a kart facility for the first time. I thought this would be a good one to bring her to since it’s shiny, upscale, and undoubtedly impressive.
It appears that one can get there in about 1.5hrs from the Newport Beach area. Looking at the map, there is a big old mountain that separates the coast from the inland fun. Google suggests driving around the mountain on the freeways.
However, there is a route 74 that goes up and over the mountain, and then drops you by a lake and, I think ultimately, Palm Springs desert. This scenic 2 lane appears to clamber up switchbacks, through varied terrain.
AI Overview
To drive from the coast to the desert on “RT 74” in California, you would take State Route 74 (SR 74), also known as the “Palms to Pines Scenic Byway”, starting near the coast in Orange County and driving inland towards Palm Desert in the Coachella Valley, essentially traversing through the Santa Ana Mountains and San Jacinto Mountains to reach the desert landscape; this route offers stunningii views of both coastal and desert environments.
So, I think we will head there inefficiently and go up and over the mountain.
I tried calling the facility but wasn’t able to get anyone, so I think we will just wing it and show up to do arrive and drive rentals. I assume we won’t be able to go fast, as it appears that they have tiered their offerings, unlocking speed as you progress through their licensing system.
Their website describes the licensing model as thus:
Level 1: $50 ANNUAL BRONZE MEMBER – SPEED L1
This unlocks arrive and drive at lower speed. 0 races required.
Level 2: $100 ANNUAL SILVER MEMBER – SPEED L2
REQUIREMENTS: 5 Races as Bronze License Member (or proof of current karting / automotive racing experience. Review subject to management discretion.)
Level 3: $250 ANNUAL GOLD MEMBER – SPEED L3
REQUIREMENTS: 10 Races as Silver License Member: Upgrade your experience by unlocking even greater speed in our outdoor electric karts and enjoy all the perks of our Bronze and Silver Membership Licenses PLUS a special 2-Hour Race Class that includes three race sessions and a track walk. You’ll also enjoy free rental cameras each day you race. (ugh, I bet they won’t let me film).
Level 4: $350 ANNUAL PRO MEMBER – SPEED L4
REQUIREMENTS: 15 Races as Gold License Member. With the Pro Membership license, you’ll unlock the maximum speed of our E Pro Kart, and will enjoy all benefits from our Bronze, Silver and Gold Membership Licenses.
The Pro Track is the largest layout at K1 Circuit. The track is 5280 feet (1 mile) long and has 12 turns with 33 feet of elevation change. The front straight is 400 feet and the back straight is 750 feet. This track layout will be used predominately for high-profile competition karting events such as SKUSA, TRI-C Karters, and K1 Speed’s E-World Championship.
So, this is a bit more involved than most places and requires time/financial commitment to unlock the speed. As we are doing a quick day trip, I suspect we will be Bronze speed unless I can convince them via my YouTube channel that Nick and I are competent and perhaps open level 2.
From what I have read, the max speed is not open for business yet, as the karts can push 80mph in full send mode. Presumably they have to figure out how to gatekeep this level of speed appropriately. It’s probably not a great idea giving that sort of power to just anyone. Would you put a novice in a KZ? Same sort of issue at play here, I think.
Unsure what base speed is but hopefully it’s better than Supercharged and it’s pathetic speed 3 pub sessions like in NJ.
Cost wise it’s not unreasonable but it is on the pricier side. While the heats themselves aren’t crazy costly, one does have to consider the additional fees for licensing annually as well as all the other revenue generating opportunities they no doubt leverage. (Cams, for example).
I’d say that $35 for the bulk session online pricing is on the high side, but not outrageously so. It is a new track, and the karts appear to be more like race karts than typical electric rentals.
Bear in mind that one must additionally pay an annual license fee (even if visiting just once), however.
We will head out in the next day or so. I will update the thread with pics and thoughts as we go along.