Bay Karts, a popular go-karting venue in Mount Maunganui, will close at the end of the school holidays on July 21 due to rising lease costs, according to owner Lance Somervell.

“The increased costs have made it financially unfeasible for us to continue,” he says, noting that this decision follows “four rather challenging years for the entertainment industry”.

As a father-of-five, he also faced the possibility of selling his home due to having five years left on the business lease.

“Rather than struggle through another economic slump, we requested and were granted an early exit from our lease.”

Bay Karts owner Lance Somervell. Photo: Supplied.

The closure will affect 10 staff, who are on a mix of full-time, permanent part-time and casual contracts, as well as some people who work during public and school holidays as required.

Lance Somervell says he has been trying to find an alternative venue for Bay Karts for some time.

“We’ve been looking for somewhere to move since October last year, but real estate is too expensive.”

Bay Karts offers high-speed outdoor kart racing with more than 30 karts for adults, kids, and tandems. Photo: Supplied.

He says he’d like to move the business indoors, for example, into a kiwifruit packhouse near Te Puke. With an indoor location, noise and weather isn’t an issue, enabling the business to extend its opening hours.

“We don’t know how permanent the shutdown will be at this point. There are some out-of-towners looking at buying the karts and setting up in another region which would be a shame for Tauranga.”

He says the track, which is located next to the railway line in Titoko Place, Mount Maunganui, was built in 2016.

He acquired it in late 2019, just before the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the past eight years, Bay Karts has been a staple for local families and thrill-seekers, offering high-speed outdoor kart racing with more than 30 karts for adults, kids, and tandems.

The Bay Kart venue caters to team relays and group events. Photo: Supplied.

Bay Karts operates seven days a week, with racing from 10am to 5pm and evening races under lights from 7-9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Wet weather prevents kids’ karts and tandems from operating.

“We have no noise restrictions because we are situated in an industrial area.”

During the Christmas party season, the venue is often fully booked, with large companies giving their staff a day out. The venue caters to team relays such as the “Bathurst 200″ – a 100-minute race that can have multiple drivers racing in teams.

“So many people having an absolute blast,” says Lance, who describes weekends there as “cranking” and “epic”.

“Even the nervous and slow drivers have a fun time.”

Bay Karts offers high-speed outdoor kart racing. Photo: Supplied.

He says a small number of overseas tourists visit the site, but the business mostly attracts locals from around the Bay of Plenty region.

“Most are tradies, work groups, mums and dads with kids, and a monthly social league, who are the real hardcore and come every month.”

It also has quarterly repeat customers who come and race once a term, and Lance says the monthly social league has continued to grow.

“We do that at night because we can race under lights.”

He says all his staff will be job-hunting.

“We have 10 staff and some extras we call on in school holidays and when we’re really busy. They will all be looking for new jobs.”

Bay Karts has been situated in Titoko Place, Mount Maunganui, since 2016. Photo: Supplied.

The closure announcement has left many in the community feeling disheartened, as the venue has been a go-to spot for birthday parties, corporate events, and weekend and evening fun. Many have taken to social media to express their feelings.

“So sorry to see this. It’s so hard for small businesses with big rents. All the best for your future endeavours,” wrote Kazna De Roles, responding to Lance Somervell’s announcement on Facebook.

“One of the few good things in Tauranga … I wish you guys can find another place,” commented Mauro Andrea.

Lisa-Marie Hallam wrote, “That’s so sad, we took our adult kids recently and had such a great time”.

“Thanks for all our business end-of-year blasts on your track. Thoroughly enjoyed by all our workers and a lot of other friends in our community. It certainly is tough times,” writes Lissa Smith-Belk.

Sharon Connolly suggested relocating to the old Blokart venue in Pāpāmoa, but Lance responded, “It’s surrounded by houses unfortunately; we looked at it last year but couldn’t get noise approval.”

Bay Karts has 30 go-karts available for adults, kids and tandems. Photo: Supplied.

Bay Karts will remain open until July 21, giving fans a final chance to experience the thrill of the track.

Lance is grateful for the support and patronage over the years, encouraging everyone to visit before the final lap.

“These school holidays are your last chance for one final race on our iconic outdoor track. Get your backside trackside.”

Bay Karts is located next to the railway line in Titoko Place, Mount Maunganui. Photo: Supplied.

Bay Karts is located next to the railway line in Titoko Place, Mount Maunganui. Photo: Supplied.

After the closure, he plans to pack everything into shipping containers for storage.

“If anyone has an idea for a new venue or wants to buy a bunch of go-karts, please get in touch.”

To book a Bay Karts go-kart experience, go to www.baykarts.co.nz

Bay Karts has 30 go-karts available for adults, kids and tandems. Photo: Supplied.