Indoor
Go Karting in Iowa
High-speed action awaits in Iowa.
Iowa’s karting options are few but high-quality, split between gas and electric disciplines. In Council Bluffs, drivers can experience the roar of gas engines at the state’s premier indoor petrol track, which serves the entire Omaha metro area. In the capital of Des Moines, the scene is modern and electric, offering consistent, high-speed racing year-round.
The standout facility for enthusiasts is Joe’s Karting in Council Bluffs. It holds the distinction of being one of the few indoor tracks in the region to run gas-powered karts. The track uses European-style racing karts capable of speeds up to 45 mph. For drivers who prefer the mechanical feedback, sound, and smell of a combustion engine, this is the destination of choice.
In the Des Moines area (Grimes), K1 Speed (formerly Pole Position Raceway) offers a premium electric experience. This facility features high-torque OTL electric karts on a technical indoor track. It provides a clean, fume-free environment that is perfect for families and corporate events, with consistent grip levels regardless of the Iowa weather.
For outdoor fun, Slideways in Knoxville—just down the road from the legendary Knoxville Raceway—is a local favorite. This is a slick track with high-banked corners, designed for drifting and sliding rather than pure grip racing. It operates seasonally and includes mini-golf and a bar, making it a staple of the local dirt-racing culture.
Important Closure Update:
- Speedeezz Indoor Karting (Cedar Rapids): This facility, which had two locations in Cedar Rapids, permanently closed in July 2023.
- Eco-Kart (Des Moines): This track is no longer in operation; the premier electric option in the city is now K1 Speed.
- 61 Kartway (Delmar): A sprint track for kart owners. They do not offer daily rentals for the general public.
- Newton Kart Klub (Newton): A historic dirt oval for kart owners. While they have experimented with rental programs in the past, it is primarily a club racing facility.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
3 kart tracks
Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Indoor
K1 Speed Des Moines
Grimes, Iowa
Indoor
Joe's Karting
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Outdoor
61 Kartway
Delmar, Iowa
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
The museum - permanently closed circuits
Go karting in Iowa - FAQs
Common questions about karting in Iowa.
No. Speedeezz Indoor Karting permanently closed both of its Cedar Rapids locations in July 2023. There is currently no dedicated indoor go-kart facility in Cedar Rapids.
No. 61 Kartway in Delmar is a competition track for kart owners (people who have their own race karts). They do not offer "Arrive & Drive" rentals for the general public.
The facility is still open, but it has been rebranded. It is now K1 Speed Des Moines. It continues to operate in the same location in Grimes with electric karts.