SIMA International Motorsport Academy
About SIMA International Motorsport Academy
SIMA is widely regarded as one of the premier karting facilities in the Pacific Northwest. Built by the Valiante family (famous in the karting world), it was designed to be a training ground for professional drivers rather than just an amusement park. The track is technical, smooth, and fast, attracting serious racers from both Washington and British Columbia. Because of its "Academy" focus, it offers something almost no other rental track does: a pathway to drive legitimate 2-stroke competition karts capable of 80mph, provided you have the skill to handle them.
Activities
Rental karting
Owner/driver karting
Junior/cadet karting
Kart tuition
Occasions
Stag & hen dos
Facilities
Parking
Cooked food
Private hire
Parties
Detailed guide
The Rental Tiers (The Ladder of Speed)
SIMA operates on a "prove it" system. You must graduate from one level to the next.
- Tier 1: Recreation Karts (Rec):
- Speed: ~35 mph.
- The Kart: Standard gas karts with full bumpers.
- Requirement: Ages 10+. No license required. These are fun but safe.
- Tier 2: 4-Stroke Race Karts (LO206):
- Speed: ~60 mph.
- The Kart: Open-wheel competition chassis with a Briggs & Stratton LO206 racing engine. These are real race karts, not tanks.
- Prerequisite: You must complete 2 clean races in the Rec karts and get staff approval. Must be 16+ with a driver's license.
- Tier 3: 2-Stroke Race Karts (The Beasts):
- Speed: ~80 mph.
- The Kart: 125cc Italian racing engines (Rotax/IAME style). These have incredible grip and acceleration (0-60 in ~4 seconds).
- Prerequisite: You must complete 30 minutes of driving time in the 4-Stroke karts and pass an evaluation. This is physically demanding; expect your arms to be sore.
Facilities & Logistics
- Garage Rentals: For local kart owners, SIMA offers trackside garage rentals so you don't have to haul your trailer back and forth.
- The Track: The layout is highly technical with 15 turns. It is adaptable, but the standard configuration focuses on flow and momentum preservation—essential for the lower-horsepower classes.
- Events: The track hosts major series like the SIMA Summer Series and the Gold Cup. On these weekends, "Arrive & Drive" rentals are usually unavailable.
