This is Charlotte – Victory Lane Karting

I’d like to take this opportunity to settle one of the great debates in the sporting world – Are race car drivers athletes?  If my experience at Victory Lane Karting is any indication of what race car drivers go through, then the answer is yes.  It took serious muscle and stamina to wield those go-karts around.  That’s right, I said go-karts.  These aren’t your typical Myrtle Beach fun zone go-karts though.  These are high octane, superpowercharged, nitrous racing level go-karts reaching speeds of up to 45 mph.  Go ahead, poke fun all you want.  But strap on a fire suit and see for yourself.  After a night of karting, I was exhausted, but in a good way.  I felt accomplished, like Mario Andretti or AJ Allmendinger.

Mrs. Gourmand and I experienced VLK through Living Social Ventures.  At first, I wasn’t sure how to write this entry, as a

review of Living Social Ventures or VLK.  Since the Living Social Aspect was less than stellar, I wanted to focus solely on the VLK experience, which was pretty darn cool.  Seriously, you feel like a race car driver in your fire suit, head sock, and helmet strapped into the go-kart, the heat of the engine radiating next to you to add to the feel.  I was a sweaty mess by the end of the night with sore biceps from cranking the steering wheel to maneuver through the winding quarter mile course.

I thought it was going to be easy, given my lifetime experience of watching really any form of racing.  It wasn’t.  I struggled with each corner not to break the tires loose.  You see, an amateur would think fish tailing in and out of corners would add to your speed, but not on this slick circuit.  The lack of traction to keep you going and slows you down.  I learned that the hard not hitting my best lap time of 43 seconds until the last lap.

We did an endurance race where each driver got to race for three eight minute segments.  My team didn’t do so hot.  Mrs. Gourmand needed to drive the go-kart like she drives her Jetta.  Instead, our third teammate and I found ourselves having to make up for lost places each time she got out of the kart.

Overall I really enjoyed Victory Lane Karting.  However, I am not sure I would do it again.  Non-member prices are quite expensive – twenty-four dollars for an eight minute race.  The pricing comes down if you become a member.  I’m not sure I liked it enough to join, but that’s just me.  I can see the value for a family.  Victory Lane Karting also offers much more than just the drop in eight-minute race.  They do corporate events and host leagues and kids summer camps.  Those are just a few of their offerings.  It’s definitely worth checking out if you are looking for something different to do for you, your company, or your family.