Life in the fast lane is to continue, after York’s popular karting track has been bought by new owners.
York Motorsports Village off Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross, was set to close to make way for a new 137-apartment block planned for the site.
But that plan has been withdrawn and the go-karting site will race on under new management next year.
The UK’s second largest karting operator, Teamworks Karting, has agreed a deal to take over the site.
York Motorsports Village will close at the end of this year but karting events will continue under the Teamworks flag from January 2024.
Sales and marketing director at Teamworks Karting Jo Seager said: “We are delighted to be bringing our unique brand of karting to York and to ensure this excellent venue continues to provide thrilling karting experiences for families, children, corporate groups, stag and hen parties and groups of friends.
“It is important that the people of Yorkshire and those who visit the beautiful city of York continue to have high quality leisure facilities. Speeding around a kart track with your mates, or your colleagues, or the kids, is plain addictive.
“We are delighted to be able to satisfy those people who love that adrenaline rush.”
Expanded offer
York property firm the Oakgate Group partnered with Casa by Moda to draw up plans for a block of flats up to seven storeys high on the site.
But Teamworks Karting says that application has now been withdrawn, giving them the opportunity to keep the venue running into the foreseeable future.
The site first opened in 1997, and previously operated as F1 Racing before becoming York Motorsports Village.
Teamworks Karting, established in 1999, already operates five other venues which offer a mix of karting, laser tag and racing simulators.
Monks Cross will be its first track in Yorkshire.
“The last three years have been tough for leisure operators but we are certainly seeing the green shoots of recovery and optimism and we believe the time is right to expand,” Jo said.
“York Motorsport Village is an ideal location and facility for us. It has been brilliantly run, looks fantastic and we look forward to working with the existing staff and employing more local people, to grow and develop this great facility.”