Nothing beats the adrenaline rush that one would get from the need for speed. Imagine the heart stopping sudden turns, the gracious purr of the engine and the pleasure that comes with flooring the gas pedal and feeling the vehicle take flight. This is the type of excitement you would get from being on the race track in one of Peter “Zoom Zoom” Rae’s Go-karts at the Palisadoes Raceway.
Quick Facts
What it is NOT: A leisurely stroll in the park. Go-karting is an adrenaline-pumping activity that requires focus and skill.
Tip: Ask for an extra sponge to pad your seat. Your back will thank me for this later
What stands out: The high-speed turns and exhilarating acceleration.
What to carry: Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.
Degree of difficulty of activity: Moderate. While anyone can enjoy go-karting, it requires basic driving skills and a willingness to embrace a bit of speed.
What is it similar to: Roller coasters, but with more control and the freedom to compete against others.
Contact: 876-891-9852/ 876-755-9783, @peterraekartingexperience
The man who is deemed by many as the “god-father” of motor racing, came up with a concept which allows people to not only kill the need for speed on the road but fully enjoy the art of racing and the thrill that comes from being behind the wheel. “My whole theme for this is “Making Jamaican Roads Safe Again”. I want to take the speeding off the road and unto the racetrack,” explained Peter Rae, the founder of Peter Rae Karting Experience.
Early Beginnings with Motocross
Rae’s father got him into the business of bikes at a very early age, “I started out on two wheels doing motocross racing with bikes on a dirt surface in 1968,” said Rae. “The whole idea was to come home from school and tinker with the bike and not get into any mischief,” continued Rae. It wasn’t until the early 80’s that Rae established his love for Go-Karting after returning from England where he got his business and marketing diploma. While away Rae did 6 years of motocross racing and returned in 1983 to indulge in go-karting by Hill Run near the old Spanish Town bypass.
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“Go-Kart racing is the foundation of all motorsports,” declared Rae. He then went on to explain that this is where a lot of the well known circuit racers started out, especially the ones that are in Formula 1. There are many Jamaica motor racers such as Thomas Issa and Justin Sirgany that started out with Peter Rae’s Go-Karts. Rae emphasized that there is a lot of opportunity for youngsters to progress in the sport if they have the passion for it. “In Jamaica prior to coming into the rent a kart business, you had to own a kart. I saw a niche where people wanted to come unto the race track and experience what it felt like to be a race car driver,” said Rae. He then decided to invest and import karts from the United States to establish this business.
Establishing Go-Karting in Jamaica
Creating a Go-Kart business is far from a Sunday stroll in the park, it requires a lot of work and preparation. “I have to transport the Karts to the raceway every Sunday which is a bit of a trek. We have to load and unload the karts into and from the truck since I am not based out on the track,” said Rae. He then went on to emphasize that many of the drivers that come to the raceway need to be educated on how to drive the Go-Karts. “The railings on the Go-Kart are not designed for bumping, they are not bumper karts. They are protective bars, and when people go and smash into each other, that causes a lot of damage and a repair cost that is not recovered from the rental fee,” explained Rae.
The Go-Karts are available for rental on Sundays by the Palisadoes Raceway at any time after 1 PM. Be sure to check out their facebook page for any notifications or enquiries about Go-Karting at Zoom Go-Karting Sundays. “When you come to Zoom Go-Karting you can expect a lot of thrills and very little spills,” laughed Rae.
How long does it take to get to Peter Rae Karting, from these central points:
Kingston (Norman Manley International Airport) – 3 minutes
Montego Bay (Sangsters International Airport) – 2 hours and 51 minutes
Ocho Rios – 1 hour and 33 minutes
Negril – 3 hours and 51 minutes
Create your own adventure
Craving your own Jamaican escape? Head over to our TOUR PAGE to connect with Kareem’s Quest! We can help you plan your itinerary, find the perfect hotels and adventures, and ensure you experience the authentic side of Jamaica. Get ready to fall in love with Jamaica, mon!
Useful Information about Jamaica
Click to check Jamaica’s Foreign Exchange Rate.
What is the weather like in Jamaica
The climate in Jamaica is very warm, with an annual average of 32 degrees/ 89.6°F. It is usually warm to hot all year round.
What is the time zone in Jamaica
Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5)
Immigration/ Custom Form
Every visitor is required to fill out a C5 form before entering Jamaica
