Indoor electric go-kart racing operator K1 Speed has acquired the 11 national locations of Autobahn/Accelerate Indoor Speedway.
The acquisition, the largest in a series of takeovers that began last year with Pole Position Raceway, further solidifies K1’s presence in the United States, the company stated in a press release announcing the transaction.
Having acquired Autobahn/Accelerate’s venues in Maryland, New York, Wisconsin and Alabama, K1 Speed now operates 83 locations in 29 states and seven countries.
“Autobahn’s passion for indoor karting was undeniable, and I applaud them for promoting it through their leagues and championships,” said David Danglard, K1 Speed co-owner/founder and CEO. “We share this same strong love for the sport, so we’re confident that existing racers will embrace the expanded competition that K1 Speed provides with our E-World Championship.”
Over the coming weeks, all nine Autobahn locations and its two sister Accelerate locations will transition to the look and feel of K1 Speed. While the arrive-and-drive, all-electric karting experience remains largely unchanged, K1 Speed will enhance opportunities for more serious racers, the company noted.
Autobahn’s eight-week leagues will expand to year-long leagues under K1 Speed, and Autobahn’s national championship will now become international with K1 Speed’s E-World Championship, which features one of the largest karting prize purses globally, alongside heightened competition and prestige spanning over 80 locations and seven countries.
“We feel privileged doing business with a company we’ve long respected,” says Susan Danglard, K1 Speed co-owner/founder and director of marketing. “Autobahn’s success speaks for itself, so taking over ownership of their locations is an immense honor for our brand.”
K1 Speed will introduce its Paddock Lounge café at every center to provide guests with more food and beverage choices. Additionally, each center will soon feature an arcade with an array of video games, prize machines and skill-based games.
