3 hours ago
1
* If you click page's affiliate links, I may receive commission that helps provide you with more free travel content.
Near the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston– Jamaica’s capital city– is the speed thrill of Zoom Go Karting. No driver’s license or experience needed to rent a go kart here! Go solo, grab a companion or group for a dose of friendly competition on the seaside Palisadoes Go Kart Track.
Minimum age to drive = 7 years
This go kart attraction takes place at the base of real racing pros– the Jamaica Karting Association. The goal of Zoom Go Karting is to take the need for speed off our public streets by blazing the racing track instead.
Whether you’re there to watch or race, an entry fee is required. Amateurs can race 5HP Zoom Karts or 9HP Super F1 Karts. Before lining up karts to go on the track, registered drivers are given a balaclava (think of it as a head sock) and helmet with visor. A quick safety brief, lesson in controlling the go kart, and a practice lap or 2 will take place ahead of the race for bragging rights.
Travel Tip: Closed shoes and long pants highly recommended
By the way, quick reminder…
Always get first looks at new posts, exclusive discounts, and giveaway advantage!
Join as a leisure reader and / or a business for marketing opportunities.
Like this article? Pin for future travel plans!
Sit in the grandstand or at the elevated bar and watch other zoomers on the track while waiting to go karting or hanging around after a race. The go karts are standard with accelerator and brake controls; no need to feel timid putting the pedal to the metal here! The broad and low vehicle structure improves aerodynamic qualities, which makes cutting the track corners easier and feels faster. Whizz pass companion-turned-opponents for an 8-lap circuit.
The go-karts are typically available for rent on weekends, plus special bookings and some holidays
Palisadoes Go Kart Track
Palisadoes is known simply as ‘airport road’ to many. It leads from the Harbour View roundabout to the airport and the historic town of Port Royal. This seaside road stretch boasts a view of Kingston’s harbour– the 7th largest in the world. Besides being the scene of many welcomes and goodbyes to the island, Palisadoes is popular for walks & jogs, sunset watching, fishing and parking to chill by sea.
The Palisadoes Go Kart Track has the backdrop of the Kingston skyline, stretching from industrial buildings downtown to untouched spreads of landscape. Bobbing hill and mountain ranges frame waters of the harbour, dotted by voyaging cargo ships and boats. The go kart track itself is bordered by grass and stacked tyres for extra safety. Zoom Go Karting isn’t just home to amateur races; similar to a speedway in Westmoreland, it is also frequented by professional drivers. Race meets and practices are done here, so it’s not uncommon to see a pro racers grace the track during Zoom Karting Weekends.
Racer Peter Rae
Zoom Karting’s name is coined by its founder and professional Jamaican motorsports racer Peter Rae O.D., who drove a black Mazda RX7 known as ‘Zoom-Zoom’ during a segment of his 50-year career. Before retiring in 2018 Peter Rae had won international championships and served as former president of the Jamaica Race Drivers Club and Jamaica Karting Association. He believes go karting is the foundation of motorsports, noting that it is where many well-known racers (especially in Formula 1) started.
Zoom Go Karting is a family-friendly activity fun for just about all ages! Wonder who you would challenge on the track…
Have you ever done go karting or racing?
Share your experience in the comments.
English (US) ·