TeamSport Harlow sits on River Way in Harlow, West Essex, reached easily from junction 7 of the M11 and drawing visitors from Essex, Hertfordshire and the north-eastern edge of Greater London. It is a single-activity karting venue, and the one thing that sets it apart from TeamSport’s London sites is under the bodywork: Harlow runs petrol karts rather than electric ones, which makes for a noticeably different experience on track.

The entire fleet is petrol. Adults drive Biz Evo3 karts with a Honda GX200RH engine and belt drive; cadets drive the same chassis with a smaller Honda GX160RH. Both have adjustable flip-over pedals so the driving position can be set for different heights. Adult karts reach up to 45mph and junior karts are limited to 25mph. Petrol karting sounds and feels different from electric — more engine noise, a different power delivery, and the smell of fuel that regular racers associate with the sport. It is worth knowing in advance for anyone sensitive to fumes or noise, and it is exactly what some drivers come looking for.

The circuit runs 500 metres across multiple levels with fourteen corners, challenging bends, elevation changes and room to overtake. Karts reach up to 45mph. Fourteen corners over 500 metres makes for a busy, technical lap — considerably more involved than TeamSport’s other 500-metre circuit at Acton, which has four.

Karting starts at age 8, with a minimum inside leg measurement of 25 inches taken from crotch to heel with shoes on. There is no maximum height for the cadet karts, but drivers must be under 5ft 4in to be held safely in them. Adult karts require a minimum age of 13 and an inside leg of at least 29 inches. Anyone booking for a child near one of those measurements should check before making the journey.

The Ultimate Race Experience is open from age 8 and runs two sessions on the main track, starting from the pit lane with the fastest lap taking the win. The Grand Prix is a full motorsport format for ages 16 and over with a minimum of six drivers, running qualifying followed by a grid start and finishing with a podium presentation. Corporate days, stag and hen groups, birthday parties and large group bookings are handled by the events team. Podium presentations can be upgraded with medals, trophies or branded caps.

Prices are not published — they vary by day, time, experience and group size, and are quoted through the booking journey. Pre-booking is recommended because the venue fills quickly at weekends, and booking online in advance carries a discount. Student and NHS and Forces discounts are both available. TeamSport membership gives Social members 20% off full-priced karting and Club, Elite and Race Academy members 25%, along with a free race on their birthday and loyalty points on every session.

Drivers should arrive 40 minutes before their drive time. Race suits, gloves and helmets are provided along with a safety briefing. A balaclava is required and can be bought at the venue for £3.99 if you do not have your own. Shoes must cover the whole foot, so heels, sandals and open-toed footwear are not permitted. Long hair needs tying up and tucking into the race suit, and scarves, sashes and jewellery must be removed. Sessions can sometimes be extended on the day for a small charge if the schedule allows.

There is free parking in the venue’s own car park directly outside the building. By car the venue is reached from junction 7 of the M11 onto the A414, following signs through Harlow to Edinburgh Way and then River Way; drivers coming via the M25 join the M11 at junction 27, and there is a separate route from Hertford along the A414. Public transport is less straightforward: the nearest station is Harlow Mill, and TeamSport advises against walking from it, recommending a short taxi instead. Spectating is free and needs no booking, with dedicated spectating areas at the track. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.