Kids and adults of all ages will have a license to drive in the
coming weeks when a recently approved, indoor go-kart track opens
near Hollister’s west side.
Kids and adults of all ages will have a license to drive in the coming weeks when a recently approved, indoor go-kart track opens near Hollister’s west side.
San Benito County planning commissioners last week approved the operation of Hollister Speedway at 2025 San Juan Road, near the new Brigantino/Riverside Park. The owners hope to have the track open by March 1 and plan to operate Friday through Sunday to start.
For go-kart fans, it also will lessen the drive to the nearest similar track in Fremont, about 60 miles away.
The project does not need further approval from supervisors, though the business is required to meet certain conditions, such as ensuring the property is set up properly and the signs are appropriate, co-owner Gary Kerr said. The only potential roadblock with planners had been traffic, said Commissioner Robert Scattini, and a study showed there would not be a tremendous increase. Kerr and business partner Pete Forneris took the idea before planners in June.
Kerr said the business wants to attract residents of all ages and he stressed how they will make it a safe place with “good security, good cameras and lighting.”
“We wanted something to give back to the community,” said Kerr, a co-owner of West Coast Rubber Recycling in Hollister and a NASCAR driver for two years in the 1970s. “This is all about community.”
The track will be set up inside the Advantage Truss building and will be adjustable so that the business can move it around, “so people don’t get bored,” he said. Kerr described the track as being similar to a road-race course, where there are many turns. Overall, he said it will have an “open atmosphere.” The owners plan to eventually serve food and beverages.
“I want it to be all ages,” said Kerr, who pointed out they can host events such as birthday parties.
The go karts’ can reach 35 to 45 mph, Kerr said. The business will have smaller models for younger children, too, he said. They also will have high-efficient catalytic converters to lessen any environmental effect.
Hollister Speedway expects to host about 18 racers per hour, with potential for heavier traffic at first, Kerr said.
