About East Lansing Kart Track
Located on Chandler Road in Bath Township—just a few miles north of the Michigan State University campus—East Lansing Kart Track (ELKT) is a legendary cornerstone of Midwest grassroots motorsport. Operating continuously since 1961, this authentic 0.45-mile outdoor asphalt circuit is one of the oldest dedicated kart tracks in the United States. Completely shunning the modern, neon-lit indoor "rental kart" business model, ELKT is a family-operated proving ground exclusively for serious owner-drivers. Known affectionately in the paddock as "Martinsville with right turns" due to its highly compact layout, it delivers pure, unadulterated competitive club racing without the commercial gimmicks.
Activities
Owner/driver karting
Kart tuition
Facilities
Parking
Cooked food
Kart shop
Detailed guide
The Racing Experience
- The Track: A classic 0.45-mile outdoor asphalt sprint circuit. The layout is famously tight and technical, featuring challenging hairpins that demand perfect momentum management and heavily punish drivers who overdrive their tires.
- The Karts (Bring Your Own): Because there is no casual hire fleet, the paddock is filled with true, high-performance racing machines.
- Kid Karts & Cadets: ELKT heavily supports the next generation, providing a safe, welcoming environment for young owner-drivers taking their very first laps and learning the fundamentals of racecraft.
- Seniors & Masters: You will see everything from affordable 4-stroke Briggs LO206 classes to high-revving 2-stroke platforms battling it out in the highly competitive senior club championships.
The Facilities & Extra Attractions
- The Grassroots Paddock: This is a pure racing environment. Instead of indoor arcades and luxury bars, you get a close-knit, welcoming paddock where veterans lend spare parts, help rookies with carburetor tuning, and share decades of track knowledge.
- On-Site Support: Unlike many club tracks that leave you totally on your own, the facility offers access to kart parts, engine support, and even on-site driver schooling for those looking to safely enter the sport.
- Affordable Track Time: Operated by passionate karting advocates, the track focuses heavily on affordability, inclusivity, and maximizing actual seat time for local Michigan racers over the weekend.
