Electric karts? Two-levels? PowerPlay karting in Melbourne has the best of both worlds.
Following on from two successful facilities in Perth, PowerPlay led by champion rally co-driver Glenn Macneall has opened its first track on the eastern seaboard in Moorabbin.
“Well, what do I actually know anything about? My passion was driving and competition, so how do you make that fun, and fun for everybody?” he said.
“It evolved over the space of about four years of going to every single go-kart venue around the world while I was competing in rallies.”
Choosing electric was an easy decision for Macneall as the instant torque enhances the sliding capabilities, there is a lack of smell and noise as well making PowerPlay a perfect place to host events.
“We just finished developing our own lithium battery because nobody made one that was exactly how we wanted them, so we have taken the karts from running three races an hour to four races an hour,” said Macneall.
“They charge quicker and are lighter, so they are easier to drive.
“With the electric, we want the karts to slide, so we need that instant torque – it just doesn’t really work as well with a petrol two-stroke engine.
“It also makes a better atmosphere in the venue and there’s no horrible smell.”
The electric karts also open up PowerPlay to a new clientele apart from the usual motorsport fans.
“We’re trying to attract a customer who would go bowling, because motorsport fans are coming here anyway because we love racing,” said Macneall.
“We can have a 10-year-old girl’s birthday party one session and a buck’s party the next, simply by changing the speed of the karts.
“You walk into most of these venues and they have all of these signs that say don’t do this, don’t do that, don’t do whatever – but our whole philosophy here is to teach people and help them to enjoy what is our passion.”
PowerPlay also includes a cool feature where footage from a helmet camera can be viewed and downloaded through a post-race printout containing a QR code.
PowerPlay is located at 94-98 Cochranes Rd, Moorabbin.