North Jersey’s racing scene just hit a new gear. K1 Speed, the world’s leading indoor go-kart operator, officially opened its newest facility in Totowa Tuesday. The landmark location at 670 Union Blvd. distinguishes itself as the first K1 Speed on the East Coast to feature two separate multi-level tracks, offering racers over 2,000 feet of elevated twists and turns.
The expansion marks the second New Jersey location for the California-based brand, joining its popular South Jersey center in Cinnaminson.
The Totowa facility is designed around “verticality,” a growing trend in high-end karting that maximizes track length and technical complexity within an indoor footprint. The two multi-level tracks allow for distinct racing experiences: one optimized for speed and the other for technical “racecraft” and overtaking maneuvers.
Racers at the Totowa center utilize the Italian-made OTL Superleggero electric karts. Unlike the gas-powered karts of the past, these machines provide instant electric torque, allowing for rapid acceleration out of tight corners.
-
Adult karts: Speeds up to 45 mph.
-
Junior karts: Speeds up to 20 mph (safety-governed for younger racers).
-
Safety features: Each kart is equipped with a four-point harness, roll bar, and adjustable steering to accommodate different driver heights.
K1 Speed has positioned the Totowa center as a full-scale entertainment hub rather than just a track. A central viewing platform is strategically placed between the two elevated circuits, offering a 360-degree vantage point of the racing action.
Founded in 2003 by David and Susan Danglard, K1 Speed has championed all-electric karting to eliminate the noxious fumes and oily residues associated with traditional gas karts.
“We are delighted to provide Totowa with an accessible introduction to the world of racing,” Susan Danglard said. “Each multi-level track presents karters with unique challenges that help teach the fundamentals of racing in a safe, clean environment.”
The facility is now open to the public for “Arrive & Drive” sessions, while group packages for eight or more racers are available for booking. With two additional New Jersey locations currently under development, the Totowa opening cements the Garden State as a primary hub for the global karting brand.
