Kid kart test area?

[RobbieNelson]

As some of you know, I purchased a kid kart several months ago. I plan to let my youngins run at several OVR autocross events this year. However, I have a bit of a problem. I don't have a place for them to practice. Ideally, I'd like to have a relatively smooth surface that's secluded somewhat and about the size of a large cul-de-sac. I'm not wanting to setup an autocross for them; rather test excersizes. A small skidpad, slalom, gates... but not all at once. This is NOT an effort to make them faster, it's to get them comfortable.

The thing I don't want to do is throw them to the wolves in an official autocross. They may end up hating it and me if I do that. I want them to be comfortable in the kart and going around cones before their first event.

Any suggestions?

[crobin4]

I'm thinking,thinking,thinking... I believe I owe you one. I'll see what i can dream up.

[RobbieNelson]

I'm thinking,thinking,thinking... I believe I owe you one. I'll see what i can dream up.

Yeah. If you can find me a suitable area, you may get to co-drive my car after I upgrade the turbo. So, get to work.

[gtfour77]

I am also looking for some secluded piece of asphalt to tune the celica...when you guys find something let me know...I'l keep my eyes open in the mean time.

[evilnissan]

Up by my house in elkview there is a large lot across the street that is decent and smooth. The lot behind one of the buildings is where I laid out the DMV motorcycle corse to practice on.

I have seen people leaning to drive car and motorcycles there in the evening and on weekends. I dont think anyone would make a fuss playing around every once in a while on a kart under adult supervision. But being a hooligan in a car might get some unwanted attention.

[administerturbo]

drive up to WVU-parkersburg extension on a sunday morning. tons of smooth asphalt. they wouldn't let us auto-x there, but there's enough room.

[TimMaddox]

When I was a kid, we would go to the movie theatre parking lots in the morning, because movies didn't start until 1 pm and the place was desolate in the morning. I bet Marquee cinema behind Walmart is desolate in the mornings, and no one really knows you are back there unless you drive back there. Its so huge, you could probably go to the far back corner and no one would even hear you.

The WV DEP parking lot in Kanawha City is desolate on the weekends, but it might get some attention since it is visible to a lot of passers-by. How about the State parking lot east of Laidley field? I bet its pretty empty at times, but again visible so someone may eventually run you off.

[Jason V]

Nautilus off Chesterfield Ave is closed on sundays and has a nice small lot... it is exposed to the main road but there is a fence all the way around.

[RobbieNelson]

We got some practice in on Saturday at Rita Mall near my hometown of Man. My son is loving it; my daughter not-so-much. Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll give them a look-see.

Of note: SWVR now has 3 more card carrying members. My wife Stephanie, my 6yr old daughter Ashley and my 5yr old son Alex. Sad to say that none of them will likely compete in the SWVR this year. Unless I can talk Steph into driving. However, we are all making a trip to OVR (National Trails Raceway) this Saturday for the kids first autocross. Wish us luck!

[tmracing]

Great news Robbie - hope they enjoy it! Let us know how it goes!

[TimMaddox]

Nautilus off Chesterfield Ave is closed on sundays and has a nice small lot... it is exposed to the main road but there is a fence all the way around.

They are closed after 3 pm on Sundays and after 5 pm on Saturdays. It would be a good lot, if they don't close the gate. Just west on Chesterfield avenue past 31st street is another empty lot next to the Aladdin Restaurant. It might have a fence around it too.

[MJ86GT]

Unless WVU-Parkersburg has changed deens I wouldnt even bother there. He was a real jerk when I approached him a few years ago about having an event there.