Disc Kart Indoor Karting

Safety first? Not even close, not even a podium position. Some of Shanghai’s taxi drivers have a mixed relationship with traffic lights and speed limits, but surely even some of them would be taken aback by the chaos which regularly ensues at Disc Kart. The management not only permits, but positively encourages drinking and driving. On the second floor overlooking the track there is a bar where drivers can grab a few beers (28RMB) or cocktails (40-50RMB) before or after a spin on the track. This choice naturally depends on how keen the driver is with head-on meetings with tire walls.

The prices are not cheap by Chinese standards. One 8 minute race costs 50RMB (buy 5 get 1 free), but it is great fun, especially as part of as a group where you don’t mind giving each other a few bumps. Overtaking is difficult without being a bit of a rude boy, although some of the karts are noticeably faster than others. Kart numbers 5 and 7 featured prominently in the fastest times of the day.

It’s a far cry from Shanghai’s F1 circuit. It’s difficult to imagine Alonso downing a pre-race pint, but Dutch Courage might well give you the confidence to take that corner a little bit faster and numb the bruises from the crash when you take it too fast. Overzealous taxi drivers will seem tame in comparison.

If you want to get away from the petrol fumes then a more laid back atmosphere can be found at Simba Coffee (560 Zaoyang Road, 枣阳路560号). Simba is just down the road towards the back gate of East China Normal University.