The original Capital Karts facility on Rippleside in East London measured 1,050 metres in length and featured 20 corners with an average track width of 8 metres. Karts reached top speeds of 45 mph, with a typical lap taking approximately 70 seconds. The circuit was recognised as the largest indoor karting track in the UK at the time.
In 2016 the track underwent a refurbishment aimed at increasing average lap speed, improving overtaking opportunities, and upgrading the safety barrier system. The venue won multiple industry awards during this period.
A fatal incident occurred at the Barking site in August 2021, when a child's headscarf became entangled in a kart's axle. A subsequent inquest found that the kart should not have been driven and raised concerns about the adequacy of clothing checks by marshals. The Barking location subsequently closed.
Capital Karts expanded to the Canary Wharf area of London, opening a second facility that became the brand's active venue following the closure of Barking. The karts at this location are BIZ Eco volt GT electric karts powered by electricity from 100% renewable sources, offering instant torque and hydraulic performance disc brakes. The track length is over 600 metres with 12 corners and an average width of 7.5 metres, accommodating up to 15 karts per race. Average lap times are over 40 seconds, and top speeds exceed 45 mph on the multi-level layout.
Capital Karts announced a further venue at Star City in Birmingham, which was in development with a planned opening in 2025. The Star City track offers a multi-level layout at speeds in excess of 45 mph with 12 fast flowing corners and an average width of 7.5 metres.
Since 2013, Capital Karts hosted the annual Johnny Herbert Karting Challenge, a three-hour endurance race drawing more than 100 drivers. The event combined competitive racing with charitable fundraising through team pledges and trackside sales of racing memorabilia. The inaugural event raised more than £10,000.
In May 2024, K1 Speed Inc. — the US-based indoor electric kart racing operator founded by David and Susan Danglard in 2003 — acquired Capital Karts, marking its entry into the UK and European market. At the time of the acquisition K1 Speed operated 92 racing centres across 30 states and 8 countries. The Canary Wharf venue was rebranded as K1 Speed Canary Wharf. K1 Speed stated plans for further expansion across multiple European countries.
The original Barking facility used RiMO Alpha karts powered by 270cc Honda LPG-tuned engines. Karts were available for adults, children, and visitors with disabilities, and two-person karts were available for younger or less experienced riders. The Canary Wharf and Birmingham venues use next-generation electric BIZ Eco volt GT karts.
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