K1 Speed

The actual race was fun. That’s all that should matter, right? In theory, yes. In reality, no.
Our family was very excited to race over our Christmas break. We went and signed up for first timer accounts using the computers provided to us. Then we waited in line to go actually buy the tickets. It seemed strange to me that they couldn’t just let us order the tickets on the computer. Anyway, there were only two groups ahead of us, but we had to wait over 30 minutes to get to the front of the line (that’s a fact, not an exaggeration). Anyway, when we finally got to the front of the line and then the girl at the register started asking us questions that we had already filled out the answers to at the computers for first time racers. I wasn’t sure why she had to do that, since it seemed to serve no purpose other than to slow the line down.
Anyway, we finally signed up for 3 races and were told that the wait would be about 2 hours. No problem. We were going to race 3 times, so it was worth the wait. We left to go visit some beaches and came back after about 2 hours.
When we came back, we were told that we were only signed up for one race. Apparently, the girl at the cash register had forgotten to sign us up for the two other races. We asked if they could bump other people off the list because we had come first. They were unwilling to do so, despite the fact that they came later than us and it was their mistake that we had not been slotted for the two other races. All in all, they made us wait over 2 hours and 30 minutes just for one 10 minute long race.
To their credit, the manager waived the fees for the single race we were still signed up for and refunded our other races. However, I was still upset that we were not given a chance to do the other two races. Was it really free if we had to wait so long for just one race? Also, the fact that they didn’t just move the other people back makes me think that this mistake was intentional — I wouldn’t be surprised if they intentionally «forgot» about scheduling us in for whatever reason. Maybe they had a big group coming in later that needed our spots, so they just gave them up. I don’t know. All I know is that if the reason we weren’t scheduled in really was because the girl forgot to schedule us, then that is kind of pathetic given that it was literally her only job.
Like I said, the actual go kart race was fun. Also, I have no hard feelings toward any of the staff — I just feel that they are incompetent to the point of exasperation. I don’t plan on coming back here ever again for the reasons stated above.

Come here if you like wasting time and being made to feel completely unwelcome. We arrived after lunch and first we were met by a surly receptionist. I thought to myself she must be bored since there’s no one else here. There was a total of about five people in the place. In any case, when the three of us asked if we could race, we were told we would have to wait 40 minutes. I don’t think we would’ve minded if there was nobody else in the place and there weren’t 30 carts sat there completely unused, but with so few people there it just seemed like a complete waste of time. Not welcomed, can’t race, and for no apparent reason. I can’t imagine coming back.

This place is absolutely horrible when it comes to signing in and coordinating race times. The staff behind the counter doesn’t have a care in the world when it comes to time. Twice I have been in and they told me I would be able to participate in 3 races in the time I had alotted and both times they were wrong. I only got 1 race in the first trip here and 2 races the second. I only recommend coming here if you have absolutely nothing to do the rest of the day. Even if you have 2 – 3 hours I would count on them screwing things up and only getting 1 race or so in.

Welp… it never fails. We have a great time, but the girls behind the counter just do not have their stuff together. We showed up and told them we would only be able to race for an hour and a half. The girls assured us that we could fit three races in. An hour had passed and we had only gotten one race in (and it wasn’t that busy). I went up to the sales counter to tell them that we wouldn’t be able to get all of our races in and would like to have one race credited to our account. We waited another half hour and when it was time for our group to go… silence. I went to the guy running the pits and after looking at his terminal, determined that the girl behind the counter had deleted our remaining race. He was kind enough to get us back into that group to race. We always have fun once we get to racing– but it’s the getting to that point that makes it so dang hard! If this was a one-​off thing, I can usually let those things go, but it’s not! Consistently every time I come to this location, I am disappointed by the poor customer service. If you must race, I guess you don’t have any other options. If you can make it to the Barrio Logan location, I have always had a good time there, and gotten better customer service to boot.

If you’re not a regular, don’t plan on going as fast as you can. I definitely don’t plan on returning.

Adrenaline pumping, heart pounding, speed junkie experiences only here! If you’re not into those things, please move to the right and let us pass.
K1 speed is the best electric go karting in San Diego! I’m not just saying that because it’s the only one (that I know of at least). They’ve got lots of karts, no fumes (like the gas places) and it’s a clean environment with friendly staff.
My only major complaint here is that the karts are definitely NOT throttled the same. We did a grand prix and I had the pole position and the second place guy and I started maybe, a tenth of a second apart. After 5 feet, he was 3 cart lengths in front of me!
Anyways, Great place for friends to hang out and bachelor parties and kids parties. Overall a good place, albeit expensive. Hence the 4 stars.

I haven’t been to this place in awhile but it is a fun place to go to race around. They have pretty fast cars considering they are electric. They don’t give the same feel as a gas cart though. If you’re a parent who is over protective of your child in a cart, you’ll be happy to learn that the carts can be regulated by staff members and be slowed down with a remote control. Whenever their is an accident and staff need to jump on the track to adjust a cart, they slow your cart down for safety. They do have some restrictions though, if you’re a parent who wants to race against their kid, it’s not allowed but you can watch them drive from the sideline. There are both pros and cons to this place but overall, you’ll have a fun time.

One of the workers made me extreme uncomfortable during my last visit. This man was very forceful when putting on my seat belt and basically pried my legs open and reached down in between them to buckle my belt. When he pried open my legs he was very forceful and lingered, he was also not communicative. He could have easily asked me to move my own leg and to hold up the belt.
Then on my second race they left the child booster in the car to which i didn’t realize until we were in the race, i couldn’t move my legs or anything. The second time around i said «i can do it» as he again reached for my legs and did it anyways, it blew my mind.
I felt super uncomfortable and violated afterwards. I have reported this person to HR but everyone should be aware.

I enjoy go-​cart racing, it’s awesome. But my experience at K1 was not. One of my biggest pet peeves at places like this is when staff allow their friends to take preference over paying customers. That was my experience at K1. It was obvious that staff’s friends were given first choice at their cart, and customers like myself were given whatever was left over. The cars that the friends races were obviously in better condition and faster than the other cars. That overall made the experience pretty lame.

We came here for my son’s birthday for the first time over the weekend. Staff was nice and friendly and the prices were reasonable. I called ahead to make sure the kids course was open after reading previous reviews that it can be tough to get in since there are a lot of birthday groups during the weekend. They kindly told me to come in at a certain time. The course is big and you go for 14 laps for the adults and 12 laps for the kids. The only grip I had was they didn’t explain anything to my son on how to drive the go kart like they did with the adults so I had to quickly tell him how to drive it before he took off. We all had a good time and would love to go again.

For those who are not familiar with the area. This K1 location can be very difficult to find and get to. It was my first time here at this location and first time trying out k1 racing. My fiancée’ had gone a few times in her hometown and has mentioned this course is bigger.
Atmosphere:
A large open area indoor go karting. Snack bar in the back. Games. lounge areas to eat. Seamed like a clean area a couple time trial sheets left on tables from previous racers but that’s alright.
Food:
didn’t order any food. just a bottled water and some doritos to snack on.
the hot dogs looked like they have been there since yesterday .same with the pizza.
they do offer various candy bars and nachos w/​a cheese dispenser and other snacks.
Races:
it was my first time here and we came here on a whim. after signing up and paying for our races (via groupon deal) our wait was about 30−40mins for the first race. luckily the cashier was able to fit us in for back to back races and were able to accmodate my fiancée and i. we were able to race 2, 14 lap races.
these are not your gas powered boomers gokarts. these are electrical and a lot faster. the course has a lot of hair-​pin turns and one straight away. safety is highly promoted as well as the rules are heavely enforced. if you’re not abiding and causing ruckus you’re kart will be remotely slowed. i thought that was cool to keep the safety of others around.
if it’s your first time you can expect high speeds and very aggressive competitive moderate racers.
i took my first race as a learning feel of the kart and course. 2^nd race much comfortable.
Overall:
good first time. well structured business and service. a little annoyed by aggressive drivers who don’t follow rules and bump your kart, but a fan of the k1 scene. next time i come will be sure to bring friends and book our own races.

One time here and I’m hooked.
First off, the location is rather convenient. Exit the freeway, drive down, make two turns and you’re there. Plenty of parking, but carpooling is cool too ya know. There are two entrances so that’s convenient as well.
You can call ahead to plan your racing event (probably the best idea if your group is bigger than, let’s say, 10). I came with a HUGE group (around 40+ people). I want to say 15 of them called ahead to do a Grand Prix style event — 3 races, 12÷14÷16 laps, and the top three racers got trophies. You can do that OR do, what they call, Arrive-​and-​Drive.
If you’ve never been here you will have to go to one of the five (I think there was five) computers and register. It takes maybe 2 – 5 minutes depending on how fast you type and then you go see the employees next to the computers. From there you choose and pay for how many races you want.
If you called ahead then they should give you a time to arrive. If you do the arrive-​and-​drive then it’s random honestly. Since I did the arrive-​and-​drive, and it was a Friday, my wait was roughly an hour. Not bad if you ask me. I chose the 14 laps 3x. It was awesome. Slight adrenaline rush. Extremely competitive ESPECIALLY when you’re with friends.
While you’re waiting you are welcome to play some of their coin-​operated games (pool, air hockey, racing games), buy from their snack bar, or relax on their comfy sofas and read from their choice of magazines.
Before the race they will explain their rules to you (if you’ve never raced with them before). After the explanation, you walk through the gate, get your «face sock» (I already forgot what they’re actually called), and pick from a S/​M/​L helmet. The karts are all electric.
Remember: no bumping, no drifting, and have fun. Although I’m certain my group and I achieved the last while still slightly bumping and sometimes drifting (it’s hard not to!)
ALSO, they have multiple locations, so pick your poison.

This is so much fun. We have been here for birthday parties and just stopping by to have a fun few races. Both my son and his dad love to race. The girls at the desk are sweet but not always on top of things. We were in the other day and they had only one little guy race by himself when my son and another kid were already checked in. Then the adults raced and then by the time my son and the other boy were called for their race a bunch of kids had showed up and raced in their race also. It seemed like such a waste of time and not very efficient, they should have had all three boys go, the adults then the other group. In the end it all worked out and hey, it’s not my business but the guys agreed with me and said that happens from the desk at times. They have a snack bar with drinks and chips,. nachos and candy etc. They also have the cutest girls tees. I love the race car chairs and tables to sit so you can watch your guys race. They now have two massage chairs you can pay to be massaged. Frankly, I’d rather have a real person do it for close to the same price. They have some video games as well as a air hockey table. Clean and can get packed. Great to call ahead and see if there are any special parties happening especially if you live a distance. Fun place to go take a few laps.

I totally fell in love with this place, even though I am always the last one! I enjoy the racing car feeling!

K1 is pretty awesome if you ask me and this location really is no different. Actually this Carlsbad location is probably the cleanest and most well maintained K1’s that I’ve been too by a long shot. This is a cool day out event with the buds etc, it costs a bit of $ on the weekends but it still is good fun to bring the competitive edge out of people. If you really want to get the best bang for your buck, hit them up on Monday-Thursday’s or with a groupon/​yelp check in. Regardless, this is a great location with a friendly staff, well maintained carts and varying track layouts.
Pros–
Staff
Well maintained
Carts
Weekday pricing
Location
Cons–
Electric carts
Industrial park difficult to find
Weekend pricing

Great place for any occasion. I had a lot of fun, great and fast go carts. Better than Boomers or miramar speed circuit.
Reason for the 4 stars just cause they baby you, kept reminding you not to bump cars. My girlfriend got kicked out because she accidentally bumped into me.
Other than that it’s great and fun!

I have never raced so this review isn’t about that. But I’ve been here multiple times because a few people I’m close with love going here. I also have 2 friends that work/​have worked here. Needless to say, I’ve been in and out of K1 for years.
The girls who work here are usually sweet, and of course Rachel is my favorite. Yes, it is pricey here, but for most people it is worth it. It’s a good idea for birthday parties for kids, and for people who just like having a short-​lived thrill. They have times that determine who was fastest, which makes it good for competitive people as well.
The place is somewhat hidden off Palomar Airport Rd, but it’s a pretty big place. It’s always clean when I come here and when it’s really busy they still manage it the best they can. I’ve seen that sometimes it can be a little under-​staffed, but majority of the time it’s running smoothly and they always maintain a friendly attitude towards customers (whom sometimes can be rude and impatient).
For someone who hasn’t raced here, and doesn’t plan on ever trying, I’ve had nothing but good experiences at K1 Speed.

If you are all that is man, if you have a penis and if you like the rush of overtaking someone and potentially making them spinout in the process ‘This place is for you!”
This place is clean, nice and open and there is a nice little seating area so that your lady friend can watch you kick ass on the track while giving her the thumbs up on the way round the last corner.
The price is a little high but if you are any of the things listed in the first sentence you will be willing to pay what it takes to get on the track and display your testosterone ridden body.
There is also a snack bar that serves red bull so that you can get a little more pumped up before strap in and spin the rubber. I will be back at this place tomorrow!
NOTE: If you check in on Unilocal you get $ 5 off your selected plan!
Good times had by all…
Adam

Place is awesome! Very cool set up inside. Mini arcade games, couch seating, and snack bar!
The carts go up to 40 mph I believe. Super fun for friends and family.
Little pricey tho.

Went here for my very first go kart experience with the boyfriend.
SETTING:
This place is pretty much hidden in an industrial area, you would have to gps it to find the location.
There is a large parking lot.
There are multiple entry doors, feel free to enter and exit through any of them.
The one thing i absolutely HATED was that there was absolutely no signs of air conditioning inside. It was HOT, SWEATY, and MISERABLE. I had to keep running over to the giant fan to cool off.
But, I DO really love their bucket racing chairs and tables made from tires/​wheels. Really nice décor and adds to the «racing» vibe.
There is also a section for you to buy food and drinks. Expect to pay double the price.
They offer foods such as hotdogs, hamburgers, snacks, etc.
They have drinks such as red bull, powerade, orange juice, sodas.
NOTES:
If it is your first time, you must pre-​register on the computers provided to the left of the registers. It will take about 30 seconds — 1 minute to register.
Afterwards, wait in the imaginary line behind the registers for your turn. They will make you membership cards. Then wait for your name to be called by the guys who handle the karts. They require you to wait by the gate and read a safety rules list.
Remember to watch out for flag warnings !
EXPERIENCE:
The go karts are quite comfortable. If you are a bit too short to reach the pedal at full potential, then they can provide you with a boost seat. I prefer the booster seat because it makes you fit tightly and snug in the seat so you’re not sliding around.
Very easy concept, gas on the right and brake on the left. There is a switch to reverse if needed.
GIRLS ! DO tie your hair up because it is extremely hot and sweaty in the helmets and your hair will be a complete disastrous mess afterwards.
I really did hate having to wear the head sock under the helmet because i can barely breathe !! If you have your own helmet, DO BRING IT.
The go karts are exceptionally fast. I was scared at first because I did not know how hard I can turn the kart without flipping over. But my boyfriend reassured me that the karts are super low to the ground which makes flipping the kart possibly impossible.
Attempting to drift the karts at the hard turns is fun, only if you don’t spin out.
And im not sure if its just me, but my kart seemed to be really shaky while driving at high speeds. I did notice my go kart on the second run got crappier. So do expect that not all the karts are perfect.
After the race, they give you each individual score sheets with the times you completed and the rankings, which is pretty cool. Reminds me of laser tagging score sheets.
OVERALL, it was a fun experience but could be bigger and use some upgrades.
AND definitely NEED SOME AIR CONDITIONING !