Simraceway Performance Karting Center

I went on a Sunday where I supposedly encountered a black swan event where they «have never been swamped with so many people!». I’m not sure if it’s the truth or of they’re just trying to make excuses, but all of this could have been avoided if they just allowed reservations for kart rentals.
This place is seriously understaffed and disorganized. There’s a lack of communication to customers as well as internally between employees. My friend called multiple times the week before going to make sure there would be availability — after giving them our three drivers’ height and weights and what we wanted to rent, we thought we could just show up and the karts would be ready for an afternoon of karting.
So we arrive right before noon as they were closing for lunch (which confused at least 3 other parties arriving at closed doors as there were no signs saying they close for lunch whatsoever), and are quickly told by staff that there’s only 2 spots open in the upcoming session — we would only be able to get on track at the same time at 2:45p. We were a little disappointed but since we drove an hour and a half getting there, we figured we’d go for what we can get.
The next session comes, and they randomly changed their own schedule due to a miscommunication between staff, pushing the rentals’ session back 30 min. The group that was supposed to go on during that time could not stay that long, so they were forced to leave early since no one told them. Bad for them, but good for us! 4 slots have suddenly opened up! We get the safety briefing, put their tattered rental suits, and wait our turn (Did I mention the abysmal selection of rental racing suits — only one size M and no L available? Seriously? Everyone for the rest of the day is supposed to fit in XS or XL?).
We finally get one session in after waiting an hour and a half and are looking forward to our next session… only to be told they booked the remainder of the day to some people who arrived while we were out on track. I suppose it’s partially our fault as we assumed we’d get more sessions since the later ones seemed wide open, but did they really expect us to drive 15 minutes and leave?
And that is the story of how we drove 3 hours that day for 15 min of karting. Why don’t they take reservations? I’m sure people would pay in advance for a guaranteed spot. Why isn’t there a clear daily schedule? Why are there only two staff for the ~30 people that were there?
Lessons learned: if you still want to try karting here with their rentals, show up as soon as they open, and immediately pay for all the sessions you want to do for the day.

This is a review of the «Techniques of Karting» class on May 31, 2015.
This class was essentially the same as the «Introduction to Karting» half day class except there are two more 15 min. driving sessions after lunch (they ran the classes together). That alone was the first bad sign. I thought I was going to the next level of karting instruction, but instead I mainly attended a 12 year old birthday party.
If you are looking for personal feedback or insightful instruction forget it.
The «class» is five driving sessions (which you can pay $ 40/​session w/​out instruction). Save the $ 295 because you do not get anything close to that value in instruction. The only comment I received in all five sessions was (as I was getting in my kart for the last session («look further down the track»). That was $ 295 of «instruction».
What’s more, the staff (notably the staff that maintains the equipment) can be impatient if not rude. My particular kart would stall easily before warming up. The tech (Nick I believe his name was) got into my face and said in a slow (as if I am a moron) manner «KEEP — IT — RUNNING». Clearly pissed off and in no way treated me as a paying customer. No kidding Nick, sorry you had to do your job and help out the customers. At the end, our «instructor» suggested we all personally thank Nick for his hard work! Right after he thanks me for mine.
Yes, the karting is fun and this is a good track, just don’t waste too much money on their instruction because it is not run professionally. Use your money to run the karts and get laps in, follow fast guys and use the internet for tips. Don’t waste it on faux instruction.

California’s fastest karts and longest tracks, whats not to love!