Go karts at Niagara Falls

[Eric Hahl]

Just wanted to share as the go karts here are built by my company. The track is my design. This is the biggest multi-level go kart track in existence today and it cost a fortune. Hope they recoup their money, probably gonna take a while.

https://www.cliftonhill.com/attractions/niagara-speedway

[Nickshu]

Whoa that track looks super fun!

[Eric Hahl]

Couple of guys from work went out there a few weeks ago to setup the karts. They said the top of the spiral was a little intimidating the first time as you can't see the track below you.

[vash]

that looks awesome!!

just exactly do you do for a living? (and why didnt i choose that career path?)

[Eric Hahl]

Originally Posted by vash

that looks awesome!!

just exactly do you do for a living? (and why didnt i choose that career path?)

Thanks, LOL. We manufacture go-karts, bumper boats and batting cage equipment for entertainment centers around the world.

I'm the designer/ graphics guy/photographer/tech manual creator/parts call operator, etc, etc.
I draw up "conceptual" plans for tracks that are designed to meet our requirements. I then work with the local engineers to have the engineering done.

[john70t]

That looks like fun.
My experience is limited but this place http://tampabaygp.com/ has sufficiently fast enough 50mph karts to make a person feel slightly uneasy.

[Eric Hahl]

Originally Posted by john70t

That looks like fun.
My experience is limited but this place http://tampabaygp.com/ has sufficiently fast enough 50mph karts to make a person feel slightly uneasy.

Yeah, I get a little woozy on those as well. Our go karts are slow compared to those, but, they are designed for family fun, not racing.

[Tervuren]

Originally Posted by john70t

That looks like fun.
My experience is limited but this place http://tampabaygp.com/ has sufficiently fast enough 50mph karts to make a person feel slightly uneasy.

It is my observation that anything much over 4MPH and you really find out how bad of a driver people in general are.

[Eric Hahl]

Originally Posted by Tervuren

It is my observation that anything much over 4MPH and you really find out how bad of a driver people in general are.

LOL, isn't that the truth?!

[Scott Douglas]

So are those karts (yours) slow as in Disneyland Autotopia slow or ??

[Eric Hahl]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

So are those karts (yours) slow as in Disneyland Autotopia slow or ??

Nah, not that bad. They are generally tuned for 15 to 20 mph, dependent upon track. Sitting 3 " off the ground they seem kinda fast and fun. Track design is really what helps the fun factor.

[Scott Douglas]

I sure hope those walls will withstand a good hit from a kart or someone is going to be flying off the top of that track.

[Eric Hahl]

There is a steel rail and tire barrier around the track inside and out.

[Scott Douglas]

It looks like you get down from the top via the long sloping part of the track. How do you control the downhill speeds?

[Eric Hahl]

The clutch engages and kinda helps keep them slowed down. Our guys clocked a max at 20mph on the slope. Using full or no throttle seemed to make no difference. There is also multiple electronic loops in the track that can put karts in slow, medium and go speeds plus pit mode for pit entry. All controlled by multiple attendants around the track.

[Scott Douglas]

Sounds very high tech.

When my brother and I used to race our karts at the track in Oxnard, we thought it was safe as could be. Dad warned us not to flip the karts.
Flip a kart?
No way that was going to happen.

My brother then went out and hit a sunken tire barrier and flipped over shattering his shoulder in the process. I remember making that phone call home from the hospital. Mom all of a sudden came on the phone and asked what I'd just said to my dad. She said he turned white as a sheet and almost passed out when I said we were in the hospital.
Ah, exuberant youth.

[porsche4life]

That’s awesome!

[porsche4life]

Also, how were you not on the first plane out to test that track? That’d be my only stipulation after designing it.

[rwest]

Wow, looks like fun, just did directions and it looks like 14hour drive or ten days walking! to get there.

Where’s the nearest airport?

[Eric Hahl]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

Also, how were you not on the first plane out to test that track? That’d be my only stipulation after designing it.

I hear ya. Wanted to go but company didn't want to pay for it. #$%&ers.