Karting is a motorsport that is accessible to the greatest number. The initiation is quick and you will progress rapidly to challenge your friends. We offer you some driving tips and then to discover the kart circuits near Annecy.
Karting: tips for good driving
Karting is a leisure activity but it is also a motorsport. You can practice it without any particular knowledge, but some tips will help you position yourself well to try to win the races.
- Follow a good racing line: You need to reduce your speed before entering the turn and start to accelerate just before exiting the turn.
- Do not touch the edges of the track: It is better to slow down rather than hit a curb that will cost you precious seconds. Constant sprinting is not the right solution; you need to optimize your time.
- Braking: It is better to brake gently to avoid slowing down the kart too much; moreover, harsh braking can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
- Master the clutch: This will allow you to adjust the acceleration for thermal karts and braking by shifting gears more quickly.
- A good position in the kart: By positioning your body mass well, you will place your weight on the outside of the turn to improve grip. If you are sliding too easily, you need to move back to balance your weight. It is essential to relax your body to avoid tension and to last throughout the race.
- Observe and listen: Learn to read the trajectory of the drivers in front of you, ask for advice from the instructors at the center; they are often licensed by the FFSA and therefore very experienced.
The kart circuits near Annecy
You will mainly find three kart circuits near Annecy: let’s tour the tracks!
The Karting de Rumilly
Located in the leisure base of Rumilly, 20 minutes from Annecy, just before Aix-les-Bains, this center offers two tracks: 550 m and 1,150 m. The 550 m circuit is equipped with 160 cc and 270 cc karts. The large track has 270 cc karts with 14 HP. The minimum age is 7 years for the 160 cc with a minimum height of 130 cm. Different packages allow for groups to celebrate a birthday, a challenge, or a driving course. The Charles Germain driving school has been named three times “Best driving school in France“. It is affiliated with FFSA Karting.
For companies, the karting of Rumilly organizes seminars, team building with a large capacity: fleet of 100 karts, showers, changing rooms, meeting rooms, dining rooms.
Address: Base de loisirs de Rumilly, 74150 Rumilly. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 9 AM to 12 PM and from 2 PM to 7 PM, and 7 days a week during school holidays except winter.
The Kart Parc de Thônes
The circuit is just outside Thônes, heading towards La Clusaz, 20 minutes from Annecy. The track consists of a 876 m loop in the Aravis massif. The rates are decreasing, and children are welcome from the age of 10. Bachelor or bachelorette parties, birthdays, and all groups are welcome. A refreshment stand is available.
Address: Lieu dit La Cour, 74230 Thônes.
Urban Kart’in
This karting site is 100% electric, indoor with a 350 m track featuring a bridge and tunnel. It is located in the municipality of La Roche-sur-Foron, 20 minutes from Annecy, and offers 18 adult karts and 6 children’s karts. The power of the electric karts is felt from the first acceleration, and you can activate a 30-second boost to enhance the vehicle’s performance. Children are welcomed from the age of 7. The karts offer 4 types of speed according to your experience and expectations. For families and groups, a 230 m² air-conditioned reception bar organizes hot or cold buffets, after Grand Prix drinks. Companies have access to a meeting room, and the complex can be privatized.
Address: 389 rue Ingénieur Sansoube, 74800 La Roche-sur-Foron.
The different categories of karting competition
This sport is very structured and allows you to progress according to your level in the following categories:
- The 5 international categories reserved for experienced drivers.
- The 5 federal categories: mini-kart (from 7 to 9 years), minors (from 10 to 12 years), cadets (from 12 to 14 years), National (from 15 years), and KZ125.
- The non-federal categories which are competitions managed by brands and karting professionals: Rotax, FFSA Formula, and X30.
