Does kart racing stop for rain?

At Ace Karts, we don’t let a little rain slow us down. Our karts are built for speed, even in the wet, reaching up to 75km/h.

Wet weather go karting isn’t just about speed — it’s about skill. Mastering control, adjusting your technique, and embracing the challenge of a slippery track separates the casual drivers from the true racers.

Do the V8 Supercars stop for a little rain? What about the Formula 1 cars?

Of course they don't. Real racers arrive and drive, rain or shine. That's why, at Ace Karts, we don't wave the red flag when things get damp. The racing must go on, even in the wet.

That said, racing in the wet is different to racing when it's dry. To get the fastest wet weather lap times, you have to adjust your driving style to match the conditions.

Wet weather racing provides a unique challenge for Ace Karts racers. It can even the playing field between competitors and really put your driving skills to the test.

The best racers know how to perform, in the wet and the dry.

Understanding your go-kart’s performance in wet conditions

A go-kart's performance in wet conditions is different from dry track racing. Reduced traction on a wet road means drivers must be mindful of how they operate the kart.

Engineering plays a crucial role in ensuring karts can handle moisture without failure. However, excessive water can impact exposed electrical components, leading to damage to the vehicle.

How to run a fast lap in the wet

Securing the best possible lap time, in the rain, requires drivers to take a unique approach. It's as much about mastering the kart as it is mastering the track.

In order to maximise traction, you should alter your racing line and utilise the outer sections of the track. The most important tip is to stay smooth, brake early and accelerate out of the corner.

Take extra care when accelerating and braking in the wet. Push the accelerator too aggressively, and you're likely to spin your wheels. Hit the brakes too hard, and you risk locking up.

Adjusting your driving style for a wet track

On a wet track, drivers must adjust their technique to maintain control. One key factor is throttle control — applying too much power too quickly can cause a spin.

Adjust your driving style by using smoother input on both acceleration and braking. The best drivers brake earlier and more gently than usual and carefully steer into corners to maintain control.

The traditional racing line may not always be the best option in the wet — sometimes, the outer track has more grip, and tyre choice can influence performance.

Melbourne's most challenging outdoor go-kart track

Our go-kart track captures the excitement of real life racing. And it means you'll race exactly as the racing gods intended – in all conditions. Night or day, rain or shine, we guarantee the most authentic motorsport experience outside the professional world. 

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The karts don't slow down in wet conditions

Wet laps are slower than dry laps, that's just a fact. In the wet there is less grip, you're more likely to slide, and you can't accelerate as hard (not unless you want to spin).

While wet laps are slower, the karts are not speed-limited because of rain. You can still use our fastest go-karts, the Super Karts, and the speedometers are certainly not restricted.

In the wet, you can still hit the top speed of 75km/h, if you dare. Ensure you allow extra time for braking before heading into corners or you could end up wet, off the track and stuck in the mud.

How rain affects speed and handling

At Ace Karts, rain doesn’t stop the action, but it does create unique rainy conditions that test a driver's adaptability.

In inclement weather, the track gets slick, reducing grip and making it harder to maintain speed. Drivers must move smoothly to avoid losing control.

While there’s always a chance of sliding, handling a slick track properly adds a new level of excitement to your ride.

Racing at Ace Karts: the ultimate outdoor challenge

Ace Karts' outdoor track provides the most authentic karting experience, letting you race in real-world conditions. Unlike indoor tracks, our outdoor layout means you’ll need to adapt to changing surfaces, whether the track is dry or rain-soaked.

Mastering an outdoor circuit adds another layer of skill — anticipating grip changes, adjusting your driving line, and making quick decisions based on the track’s surface.

Get wet weather-ready with the right gear

The karts at Ace Karts are designed to keep the driver dry when the track is wet. Of course, if it's still raining when you take to the track, well, you're going to get wet.

Wet weather suits are available to purchase for $6.50 from the pits. However, the suits are not compulsory. It's left up to the driver's discretion whether they want to wear them or not.

Another thing to remember is that when you're blasting down a straight at 75km/h, the wind chill can be significant. We recommend wet weather drivers wear thermals, or at the very least, thick woollen socks.

Racing does stop for severe weather

Okay, admittedly, there are some conditions which we do close the track for. Like in today's Formula 1, if conditions are deemed exceptionally bad, we call it a day.

Conditions that result in course closures include severe thunderstorms, hail, lightning strikes, and blizzards (the last one has yet to occur).

When it comes to racing in less-than-ideal weather conditions, our priority is always the safety of our racers. Should our safety marshalls deem conditions unsafe, we will call the drivers in.

"The best racers perform, in the wet and the dry."

Ready to race a go-kart in the rain?

If you're ready to try wet weather racing, keep your eyes on the weather report. Autumn and winter are obviously the best times to secure a wet lap.

Alternatively, if you don't mind racing in the wet or dry, you can book your place online right now. Try go karting on Tight Ace Tuesday, and you'll get 20% off your purchase price.