Karting Nation

“On 7 August 2021, 7 of us had paid to go karting at Karting Nation, Croydon booked for 3pm. They said that come rain or shine the karting will go ahead unless deemed unsafe. 7th August came and it was forecast to rain but no email had been received cancelling the event. There was also no available number for Karting Nation, Croydon and the only number available for Karting Nation was closed on the weekends. The booking email says you must turn up 30 minutes before your session i.e. 2.30pm. We arrived on time at 2.30pm yet we were made to wait around for 40 minutes because there was clearly some form of delay. No one was on hand to explain to us why there was such a long wait or apologise. It was horrible. Once the session before had finished, even though it was now 3.20pm, they let on some random motorbikes around the track first. We then had to wait longer. Once we finally got onto the track, no overall protection was provided to anyone and we were made to drive outside in the rain in our normal clothes. Once we started driving, it was heavy torrential rain and everyone was soaked right through to their underwear within 10 minutes. The rain was also so heavy that everyone kept spinning off the track and we have footage of this covered on a GoPro. People left with their body sore from how many times they kept spinning off into the barrier due to the rain. Not only was the whole 30 minutes driving a horrific experience, but we ended the track to realise that our driving times were not recorded so there was no way to tell who won the karting race which is the entire point. Every other karting facility provides overalls and records track times. The whole experience was a true shambles. When I called to complain, Josh the duty manager was extremely rude and passive aggressive. He was asking attacking questions and that is not how I expect my complaint to be dealt with after the experience we had. Please NEVER BOOK HERE IT IS A JOKE OF A CIRCUIT AND OPERATION. Spend your money wisely and book Daytona. or book the indoor circuit in mitcham...........1000000x better.”

“I have been to many karting tracks across the UK (+ abroad) and Karting Nation Croydon is BY FAR the worst karting experience. Daytona (for example) is miles ahead of Karting Nation Croydon. To briefly summarise: (1) awful customer service - we were made to wait nearly an hour before being allowed to drive on the track (by which time we were greeted with heavy rain); (2) the go-karts are in awful shape - poorly looked after and ZERO grip on the tyres (now imagine zero grip with heavy rain [Note: you re-schedule your sessions UNLESS an instructor tells you it is unsafe to drive); (3) your lap times are not even recorded; (4) in general the facilities at Karting Nation are run down and on its last legs. When we complained to Karting Nation about our experience, we were met with passive aggressiveness and complete lack of sympathy or remorse. Never again will i go to this track OR recommend anyone to go. Please save yourself the money. The price to drive simply does NOT justify the experience. Unfortunately Google reviews does not give me the option of rating this 0 stars.”

“Honestly one of the worst go karting experiences of my life. I have raced numerous times and this was honestly the worst its ever gotten. With rude staff that had no customer etiquette whatsoever and had no concern for the wellbeing of me and my guests simply plain rude, they were simply there for the check. When you are booked in for a time slot why are dirt bikes driving on the track 15 min after you should've started racing. Ended up with bruised legs due to the horrible handling of the kart and the conditions that day yet I was told numerous times that it was okay to drive when really it was pouring down continuously. I luckily I caught my whole experience on camera and will not be letting this go. I would advise anyone dearly not to go here there are great tracks around this area this is truly one of the worst.”

“this place is absolutely appalling the people working there were so rude to me and my family they ignored our question on many occasions all we wanted to do was have a fun time but your employees ruined it for us even the go Karts that were provided to us were in their worst condition. as I was racing after a few speedy laps my wheel started to become loose and nearly came off this caused me to have dramatic crash severely damaging my hand I am still in pain. RUBBISH PLACE TRUST ME do not waste your money on this place sincerely esa,”