Go-Karts can hit 45 mph at this track - Riverside Press-Enterprise

Go-Karts can hit 45 mph at this track

K1 Speed in Culver City offers all-electric racing

Drivers go up to 45 mph in low-slung karts at the new K1 Speed track in Culver City. PhotoS by Drew A. Kelley — Staff Photographer

Edgar Merino negotiates a curve on the two-level track at K1 Speed.

Joseph Rouzan IV, center, prepares to accelerate at K1 Speed on Oct. 31. The fastest drivers can complete a lap on the not-quite-quarter-mile track in about 30 seconds.

The new K1 Speed go-kart racing facility in Culver City on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

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By Richard Guzman

riguzman@scng.com

With his helmet in hand and a need for speed in his system, Culver City resident Dominic Washington checked out the low-slung go-karts as he waited to put the pedal to the metal at a new, indoor, multilevel racetrack.

“I just like to go fast. If you’re not first you’re last,” said Washington, the first customer of the day on a Wednesday afternoon at the recently opened K1 Speed in Culver City.

“This track looks great. I like the multilevels and the new karts,” said the 45-year-old, who is an avid electric go-kart racer.

The cavernous, newly opened facility features all-electric karts capable of 45 mph as they hum like angry bees around a 1,200-foot track decked out with hairpin turns, rapid acceleration zones and a steep ramp that takes the racers up the two-level raceway, providing a bird’s-eye view of the facility.

“As far as the speed, I think that’s the best part, 45 miles an hour in a go-kart being about 3 inches off the ground, full helmet on, you can feel the adrenalin when you’re taking off and the acceleration coming out of the turns,” said Justin Miller, a spokesperson for K1.

K1 Speed is a family-owned business started by David and Susan Danglard in 2003; the company now has race tracks in 32 states and 10 countries. The Culver City location is the company’s first multilevel karting track in Southern California; its decor includes race suits and even an entire Formula 1 car hanging on a wall. There are arcade games, soon a lounge with pub food and drinks will open, and it’s also a steppingstone for those who want to take their race skills to another level.

While drivers of all skill levels and ages can race there, K1 keeps track of the fastest ones, who usually complete laps in around 30 seconds.

Those who finish in the top three standings at the end of the season qualify to compete in league races against other K1 facilities and for a chance at the K1 Speed World Championships.

“For those that have never done it, it’s an experience that you can’t explain,” Miller said.

And after flooring his go-kart, Washington posted a best time of 31.9 seconds, about two seconds off the track record.

“That’s not bad, but I want to get faster,” he said.

K1 Speed Culver City is open daily at 3960 Landmark St., Culver City, For more information go to k1speed.com.