K1 is an indoor go-kart racing experience with an arcade, food/drinks, and all the party details that work for everyone from serious media professionals to sugar-crazed tweens with braces.
It falls squarely into the category of something you might not do on your own, but would definitely be fun to check out if someone else is paying and rallying the crew.
Plus it provides a lot of inherent conversation fodder as you all figure out how to Mario Kart your way around the track together. Studies have shown that sharing the same adrenaline-inducing activities actually helps you form closer bonds with someone.
K1 is dialed in for groups and corporate outings and has several locations around SoCal including Burbank, Culver City, Thousand Oaks, Irvine, and Torrance.
Reservations:
Groups of fewer than 8, they accept walk-ins only. Races are first-come, first-served, but I was told midweek wait times are fairly short and you can always get a bite or play the arcade while you wait.
Groups of 8 or more (max 48), reserve through their group sales department. I spoke with Mia, who was helpful - her contact info below:
[email protected] - (949)-250-0242 Ex. 3035
Event flow:
You’re actually going to race each other (usually twice, a qualifier and a final), and each race can accommodate up to 12 drivers at one time. Larger parties are split into multiple race groups.
The flow of the event is flexible. Most groups race first followed by eating, drinking, and checking out the arcade.
Costs vary slightly per location, but this gives a good general sense:
Under 8 people:
Racing: ~$50-100 (2-3 races per person)
Food/drinks: ~$25-50 per person
Arcade credits: ~$25-50 per person
Group Reservations of 8 or more (full details here for Burbank, check individual location for exact pricing, but it’ll be within $5 per person). Race packages:
Mini Grand Prix – Standard ($75 per person Mon-Thur)
Two 12-lap races (qualifying + final)
Podium ceremony + medals for top racers
Private reserved seating or room after racing
Food, drinks, and $10 arcade card included
Premier+ ($80 per person Mon-Thur)
Everything in Standard
Upgraded $20 arcade card for each racer
Platinum+ ($95 per person Mon-Thur)
Everything in Premier+
Premium $50 arcade card for each racer
Optional Upgrades
Add a third race for $15 per person
Add a helmet camera for $5 per person
Important notes:
Food packages include all the usual suspects (pizza, wings, sliders, nuggets)
50% non-refundable deposit required for reservations.
Reservations can be moved with a minimum of 5 days’ notice.
Links to send your client:
Influencer overview of Culver location
Added Value: I didn’t personally get into the whole F1 thing during COVID, but I definitely had a few friends who did and invited me over to watch cars drive in circles for a few hours. I watched one of the races with them once as they regaled me with all the little microdramas between the racers and teams. Maybe K1 could be the perfect backdrop to air out some good old media microdramas?
