Lime Rock Park Expands “Kart the Park” for 2026

LAKEVILLE, CT – The go-carting experience that Lime Rock Park dubbed “Kart the Park” in its inaugural season in 2025 will offer even more dates in 2026. There will be 21 opportunities to drive on the racetrack’s half-mile autocross track, up from 18 dates last year, with the season running from April 22 through Oct. 9.

While the kick-off session will be on a Wednesday night, the remainder of the dates will be on Fridays and Saturdays, both afternoons and evenings. Each race session in 12 gas-powered go-carts lasts eight to 10 minutes. Drivers must be at least 13 years old.

“The response to Kart the Park exceeded every expectation in its first year,” said Jamie Kistner, the park’s chief marketing officer, in a press release announcing the plans for 2026. “Seeing nearly every seat sell out confirmed that this program resonated with families, first-time drivers and longtime racing fans. Expanding the schedule for 2026 allows us to welcome even more people to experience Lime Rock Park in a fun, accessible and safe way.”

The go-carts are provided by Housatonic Racing Development. The company’s owner, Jack Scott, seeks to “build on the momentum from last year. Karting has always been a natural entry point for racing and Kart the Park creates a welcoming environment where karters can experience real racing fundamentals in a professional setting.”

The maximum speed for the go-carts is 50 miles per hour and drivers must wear a helmet and head sock. No prior experience is required. The cost is $45 per session. More details may be found on Lime Rock Park’s website.

(Photos by Bud Wilkinson.)

About Bud Wilkinson

Bud Wilkinson is editor and publisher of RIDE-CT. He also writes the "My Ride" classic car column for Hearst Connecticut Media Group's newspapers in CT including the "Connecticut Post" (Bridgeport), "Republican-American" (Waterbury), "Stamford Advocate," "New Haven Register," "Danbury News-Times," "Norwalk Hour" and more. The weekly feature began in 2016 in the "Republican-American." A graduate of Vermont Academy prep school, he holds a B.A. degree journalism from Ohio Wesleyan University. He is the recipient of a Scripps Howard Foundation National Journalism Award in 1992 and a 1991-92 regional Emmy Award for commentary. He currently drives a 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata and rides a 1987 BMW R80RT and a 1996 BMW R850R.

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