Knockhill Karting

Knockhill Karting is the outdoor kart track at Scotland's national motorsport centre, in the Fife hills north of Dunfermline. The track is a purpose built 500 metre outdoor circuit with four corners, fast straights and elevation changes, fully floodlit and open all year round. It was built in 1993 and resurfaced in 2006. The adult karts are Sodi SR5 Pro karts with a Honda GX270cc engine running on LPG, good for up to 50 mph on the straights, and an average lap is around 36 seconds.

Three karts cover the age range: Sodi LR5 Cadet karts for the 8 to 11 year olds, the Pro karts from 12 years of age, and a two seat Sodi 2-Drive Dream Racer tandem that puts a child from 4 years of age beside an adult. Sessions are sold as 20 and 30 minute timed runs, 25 and 50 lap sprint races, a Grand Prix format with heats and a final, and endurance team races of 100 to 300 laps.

The kart centre sits in the middle of the circuit site with indoor and outdoor viewing, a children's play park beside it and Kinnairds Bistro next door. The same venue hosts the BTCC and British Superbike rounds and sells racing car, rally and supercar driving experiences, which have their own listing.

• The Pro karts are Sodi SR5 Pro: a Honda GX270cc engine on LPG, adjustable seats, up to 50 mph on the straights and an average lap of around 36 seconds.

• The track is 500 metres with four corners, sweeping bends, fast straights and elevation changes. It is fully floodlit, so sessions run after dark and through the Scottish winter.

• A timed session is 20 or 30 minutes of uninterrupted track time with up to 12 Pro karts out at once, starting at half hour intervals. The track is shared with other bookings unless your group fills the session.

• Sprint races start with a practice session that sets the grid, then a non stop 25 or 50 lap race for 6 to 12 drivers. The Grand Prix runs practice, three 5 lap heats, an 8 lap semi final and a 10 lap final with a podium for 12 to 40 drivers over 2 to 4 hours. Endurance races put teams of 2, 3 or 4 in one kart over 100, 200 or 300 laps with driver changeovers, for up to 48 drivers.

• Family sessions put the 8 to 11 year olds in Sodi LR5 Cadet karts at up to 25 mph (around 42 seconds a lap) on track at the same time as drivers aged 12 years and over in Pro karts. The tandem kart has a second steering wheel for the child that the adult can switch on or lock.

• Every driver is handed a race suit, helmet, gloves and neck brace, with a waterproof outer suit in the wet.

• Timing is digital with a live feed on the Alpharacehub site and a printed sheet of your fastest laps to take home.

• Companions have indoor and outdoor viewing areas at the kart centre and a children's play park beside it. Kinnairds Bistro next door serves home cooked meals from a menu that changes daily, with vegetarian options, gluten free on request, coffee, limited sit in seating and grab and go.

• Booking is online through the Alphatiming booking page linked from knockhill.com/karting or by phone on 01383 723337, 7 days a week. Weekend slots usually need 2 to 4 weeks notice; weekdays are more flexible and same day bookings are sometimes available. No set karting opening hours are published, the online calendar shows what is available.

• Pro Kart sessions: 20 minutes £32 for adults (16 years and over) and £25 for 12 to 15 year olds; 30 minutes £39 and £32. Family mixed sessions cost the same with kids aged 8 to 15 at the kid rate, and at least one child aged 8 to 11 years must be in the booking. Tandem kart: £36 for both drivers for 20 minutes or £46 for 30 minutes, extra drivers from £25 on a 20 minute session or £32 on a 30 minute session. Sprint race: £42 for 25 laps (from 12 years of age), £54 for 50 laps (16 years and over). Grand Prix and Endurance team race: £54 per driver, 16 years and over.

• Kids birthday parties for 8 to 15 year olds: 20 minute session £149 for up to 5 kids, £249 up to 10, £355 up to 15, £435 up to 20, extra kids £24 each; 30 minute session £189, £315, £449 and £545, extra kids £30 each. Up to 2 adults can drive and count in the numbers. Children under 8 years of age cannot kart but can watch with an adult. The birthday child gets a Knockhill Karting trophy, every driver gets a medal and printed lap times, and the visit runs 1 to 1.5 hours. The whole party moves to another date free with 14 days notice.

• Add ons: a tandem kart on a party for £36 (20 minute party) or £46 (30 minute party). Gift vouchers from £10, valid 12 months and usable on any Knockhill product.

• Kids Karting Club is members only: a monthly pre booked session at £20 per driver, Cadets aged 8 to 11 and Pro karts aged 12 to 15, points from April to October toward an annual club championship, practice months over winter, plus members Grand Prix days at £38. Membership includes 12 half price sessions, coaching, school holiday race events and free entry to Scottish Motor Racing and Knockhill Bike Racing events. Dates are on the Kids Karting Club page.

• Age and height: Cadet karts from 8 years of age and 127 cm; Pro karts from 12 years of age and 157 cm; tandem from 4 years of age and 100 cm with an adult driver aged 18 or over. Group race events (Grand Prix, Endurance, 50 lap sprint) are 16 years and over; 12 to 15 year olds can race in a 25 lap sprint. A parent or guardian completes the indemnity form for anyone under 16 years of age.

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before the booked time. The confirmation email carries a link to pre register drivers and complete the online indemnity form, and every driver watches the safety briefing in one of two briefing rooms before suiting up. Late arrival cuts track time with no refund.

• Clothing rule: long sleeves, full length trousers and flat closed shoes. High heels, sandals, flip flops, platform shoes and work boots are refused entry without refund. Karting is not advised for pregnant drivers or anyone with heart, breathing, back or neck problems. Alcohol and drugs are banned before and during a session.

• A 50 percent deposit is non refundable and the balance is due on or before the day. A booking moves to another date free with at least 3 full days notice. Karting runs in rain with waterproof suits; a date can be pulled in extreme weather, in which case there is no refund and the booking is rearranged within 3 months.

• Getting there: the circuit is on the A823, sat nav KY12 9TF. From the south and east leave the M90 at junction 4 (Kelty), from the north junction 6 (Kinross), from the west the A977 with a sharp turn at Powmill. There is no public transport to the circuit; Dunfermline has the nearest rail and bus, and the operator puts the taxi run at about 7 miles. Taxi drop off is at the main gate and parking is on site. Only guide dogs are allowed.

• The karting centre has an accessible toilet with an adult changing bench. Blue Badge parking on non major event days is on the main straight with no pre booking.

• Last verified: 18 October 2026
• Official link: https://www.knockhill.com/karting/