In Florida, in Orlando, there is a real leisure centre, dedicated to motor lovers, but not only. A structure that bases its activity on rental karting, but that over the years has been able to expand and evolve its business. How? We talk about it with owner Andre Martins

How is your rental karting centre structured and what services do you offer?

Our facility covers an area of approximately 60,702 square metres and is characterised by a dynamic outdoor track, suitable for both casual and competitive rental kart drivers. Our karting business started in 2009 and has expanded over the years to become a real centre where you can spend your free time. In addition to karting, there is a café, spaces dedicated to private and corporate events, and a well-stocked pro-shop dedicated to the world of go-karts. Karting remains, however, the beating heart of the business, so much so that, to satisfy the desires and needs of all rental kart drivers, we offer a variety of experiences, including: 

• Arrive & Drive sessions for occasional customers
• Subscription programmes with benefits such as discounts or exclusive track access
• Corporate and team building events, perfect for strengthening team spirit
• Karting academies for children, teenagers and adults eager to improve their driving skills
• Special events such as birthday parties, endurance races and rental kart championships

Our team consists of 16 members, all passionate about go-karting and focused on providing a memorable experience for our customers.

How is your fleet composed and how do you manage its maintenance?

Our fleet consists of 50 rental karts, divided between adult and children's models, to ensure safety and fun for drivers of all ages. We relied on Viper Kart for the supply, which turned out to be an easy choice for several reasons. Among them:

• Reliability and robustness of the products, ideal for intensive use in the rental kart sector
• Ease of use, as they guarantee a safe and optimal driving experience even for beginners
• Advanced safety systems, such as reinforced bumpers and high-performance braking systems
• Efficient technical support with regard to maintenance and spare parts

When it comes to fleet management, we take a strategic approach. Generally, thanks to the robust design of the go-karts produced by OTK Kart Group, the average lifespan of our rental karts is around five years. When it is time to renew the fleet, we resell well-maintained karts to smaller circuits or private collectors. Alternatively, we exchange them for new models by obtaining discounts from the supplier. However, to prolong the life of our rental go-karts, we follow regular maintenance schedules, which include operations such as:

• Cleaning and thorough checks after each use
• Preventive replacement of wear parts, such as brakes, tyres and chain, to avoid damage and costly repairs

In addition, to optimise costs, we invest in two very important aspects: 

• High-quality products and components, so as to reduce frequent replacements
• Customer training, with specific instructions on how to behave properly on the track, thus reducing mechanical stress on the fleet

What strategies do you adopt to retain customers and promote your centre?

To create a strong relationship with customers, we adopt a combination of different strategies, including: 

• Social campaigns with videos and photos of track moments, as well as testimonials from customers
• Collaborations with influencers to reach a wider customer base
• Referral programmes, with rewards for customers who introduce our rental kart facility to friends
• Local partnerships with schools, companies and sports associations, hosting special events.

We also improve customer management: 

• We establish clear rules, making customers aware of the rules and safety procedures at the track, so as to improve the driving experience and protect equipment
• We invest in staff training, as well-prepared staff improve service, ensure greater safety and reduce possible conflicts.
• We regularly collect feedback from customers, to find out which aspects of our kart hire centre need to be improved.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to open a karting centre?

Opening a go-kart track is an exciting challenge, but it requires specific choices. Here are the three main pieces of advice we would like to give:

1. Invest in quality equipment: reliable and durable karts lower maintenance costs and improve the customer experience.
2. Design an engaging track layout: the balance between technical turns and fast straights is what makes a track unforgettable.
3. Build a community: it is not enough to 'have a track', it must be animated with events, promotions and championships to improve customer loyalty.