Andretti Indoor Karting opens 1st Arizona racetrack. Here's where, and everything you can do
Go-kart fans have a flashy new option in metro Phoenix: Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is now open in Chandler.
Andretti offers high-speed karting, virtual reality attractions, arcade games and fun for visitors of all ages. Inside the expansive space adorned with racing memorabilia, you'll find laser tag battles, bowling and even a 7D experience.
Here's what to know about Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Chandler, including how fast the karts go, how much the game cards cost and what to wear.
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What is Andretti Indoor Karting & Games?
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games began in 1999 as Andretti Thoreau Park in Georgia. Over the years it evolved into Andretti Indoor Karting & Games. The Chandler location is the first in Arizona and the first outside Georgia, Florida and Texas.
The decor pays homage to auto racing and the Andretti family legacy. Guests are greeted by the sight of an F1 car suspended overhead. Racing memorabilia adorns the walls, featuring snapshots of the Andretti family's triumphs.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games also offers duckpin bowling, which features smaller pins and balls than traditional bowling; virtual reality experiences; laser tag; arcade games; and an immersive 7D movie experience.
Andretti Indoor Karting plans to open a second location in Glendale, Arizona, in October. The concept will be similar but the racetrack designs and other details will be different to provide distinctive experiences at each location, said Ed Childs, general manager at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games in Chandler.
How fast do the Andretti karts go?
The speed of the karts varies depending on the racetrack and type of kart. The karts can reach speeds of 40 miles per hour on straightaways. Kart speed may be regulated based on track layout, age restrictions and safety considerations.
Andretti Indoor Karting has four racetracks for various age groups and skill levels.
The Mini Mario track is for ages 4-8 with space for four to six racers at a time.
“It's a little bit of a smaller track, but it still has some turns to be challenging,” said Childs.
Next is the Junior track, suitable for drivers who have outgrown Mini Mario but aren't tall enough for intermediate races.
The Intermediate and Adult tracks, for drivers who are at least 54 inches tall, offer quarter-mile lengths spanning three stories high with inclines and declines, reminiscent of IndyCar road courses.
“They use the same style car on both of those tracks. The only difference is just the speed control that we have set out. The tracks are designed to really give you that IndyCar road course experience throughout,” said Childs.
What do you wear to Andretti indoor karting?
Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing that allows unrestricted movement. Avoid loose garments that could pose a safety hazard. Closed-toe shoes with flat soles such as sneakers provide the necessary stability for operating the pedals. Secure long hair with a hair tie so it doesn't interfere with your vision or get caught in kart machinery.
How long is a normal go-kart race?
“The times that we have on the track, between the (safety) briefing through the racing, it's about a 30-minute experience. With that time, you can typically get about 10 laps around the track,” said Childs.
How does Andretti Karting work?
At Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, there's no admission fee; you pay for each attraction you want to try. Memberships that provide discounts on prices are available.
You can pay for individual activities or purchase a package of several attractions. Activities included in the packages varies; nonmember prices start at $30.95.
Here's how much racing costs at Andretti Indoor Karting:
Single Adult Race: $27.95 for members. $29.95 for nonmembers.
Single Intermediate Race: $27.95 for members. $29.95 for nonmembers.
Single Junior Race: $16.95 for members.$18.95 for nonmembers.
Mini Mario: $12.95 for members. $13.95 for nonmembers.
How much are Andretti game cards?
Game cards at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games come in various denominations. The price range is $10 for 250 game credits to $100 for 3,125 credits.
What games are there in Andretti Indoor Karting?
Andretti Indoor Karting has games for all ages, including classic arcade games, racing games, shooting and skill games.
What is the 7D experience at Andretti?
The 7D experience combines 3D film technology with special effects and motion simulation to create a multisensory adventure.
Participants wear 3D glasses and sit in motion-enabled chairs that move and vibrate in sync with the action on the screen. As the film unfolds, scenarios range from thrilling roller coaster rides to epic space battles and adventurous journeys through landscapes.
The 7D experience often incorporates other sensory effects such as wind, scents and water sprays.
Andretti Indoor Karting food menu
Here are some menu options at the Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Chandler:
Loaded Nachos: Chicken or beef, house-made queso, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, jalape?os, green onions, cilantro, $15.
The Rucker: Signature beef blend burger, cream cheese, berry drizzle, crisp onions, arugula, tomato, $21.
Cajun Chicken Pasta: Cajun garlic cream sauce, sautéed chicken breast, tomato, spinach, shaved Parmesan, $17.
Does Andretti have alcohol?
Yes. Guests can enjoy a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. The Chandler drink menu includes:
Cotton Candy Martini: A sweet drink with vodka, cotton candy, soda and a pink sugar rim.
Dragon Berry Mojito: A fruity twist on the classic mojito, combining dragon berry rum, simple syrup, strawberry purée, mint and soda water.
Rum Stacker: A tropical blend of spiced rum, blue curacao, orange juice, pineapple juice and grenadine.
Who is the owner of Andretti?
Andretti Karting & Games is owned by the Andretti family. It's led by Michael Andretti, a retired American racing driver who competed in Formula One and the IndyCar Series. His father, Mario Andretti, was one of the most successful racing drivers in history.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
When: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-midnight Sundays.
Where: 1712 S. Cooper Road, Chandler.
Admission: No entrance fee; activities are pay as you go. See website for complete pricing.
Details: andrettikarting.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Andretti Indoor Karting opens 1st Arizona racetrack near Phoenix
