A 270cc kart is positioned in the pit on the 700 meter track at Red Lodge Karting in England. This kart is used for open practice sessions for the general public. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
Have you ever seen something from a distance and thought “maybe one day” or “next time”? For me, that day was a recent Monday, when I booked a session with Red Lodge Karting in England.
I’ve lived in Red Lodge for three years and driven by the go-kart business, which is about 15 minutes from RAF Mildenhall, more times than I can count. I could always hear the roaring engines as I headed into downtown Bury St Edmunds or came back from the movies.
Red Lodge Karting in England offers both public and private sessions as well as assorted events, allowing drivers to experience the thrill of karting in various ways. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
During its nearly 30 years in business, Red Lodge has built up a large clientele and even a pedigree. Four-time British Touring Car champion Ashley Sutton had his humble beginnings there, circuit manager Mick French said.
“Yeah, I taught him way back when he was just 8 years old,” French said. “We used to call him ‘Snail’ back then.”
The track has come a long way, according to Mick. It’s maintained well and just looks like a lot of fun.
Kyle Alvarez suits up for his kart-driving session in Red Lodge, England, Dec. 8, 2023. (Lewis Allen)
For my 15-minute session, I chose the 270cc kart on the 700 meter track. It was a Monday afternoon, and I was the only one there to ride. I had never driven a “big boy” kart and was happy to be going solo.
I walked onto the pit area where the karts were staged. After a brief final check by track supervisor Lewis Allen, I was off.
It was fun slowly building up speed and getting used to the feel of the kart. Drivers can track their times and view a graph of their times on each lap. The track supervisor monitors your times from the track booth electronically, and will print out the data.
The pit stop at Red Lodge Karting on Dec. 8, 2023. The go-kart track in Red Lodge, England, opened in 1994 and once trained British racing champion Ashley Sutton. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
I had a blast seeing my times drop by a few seconds with each lap. After the session, I was smiling from ear to ear.
The 15-minute session was the right amount of time for a first session. I felt like I had my money’s worth, and as fun as it was, my hands were quite tired from the constant handling of the wheel and turns.
Besides racing, if customers book ahead of time, they can also participate in clay shooting on the grounds.
Later, I was shown the various karts they have available. The one I drove is considered the practice kart for general public use.
They have nicer, sleeker-looking karts for private parties ranging from 10 to 100 people. Kids karts, which are for drivers ages 7 to 17, have a smaller engine.
Red Lodge Karting trinkets and keepsakes are placed throughout the building. The track in Red Lodge, England, offers indications of the U.K.'s passion for karting. Champion race car driver Ashley Sutton trained there in his childhood. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
On Saturdays, French runs a training program to teach children to ride. Additionally, once a month they have a competitive circuit for adults. It turns out that kart racing is serious business in the U.K., with professional and sponsored races.
All in all, it was a great experience that I would do again, especially with friends.
Red Lodge Karting
Location: Link Road, Red Lodge Bypass, Bury St Edmunds, England
Prices: Practice sessions, 24 pounds per person; open race for drivers ages 16 and up, 64 pounds per person; group events, 50 pounds per person
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. May close early depending on the number of bookings
Information: Phone: +44 1638 552316; Online: redlodgekarting.com
