One of the most common rides found at boardwalks and fun centers all over the country is the go-kart track. Six Flags installed similar go-kart tracks in all of their parks around 1999, with all of them being added as additional fee attractions which was a trend throughout the theme park industry.   

     
     
     
Added to the park in 1999 as part of the War on Lines, the Great American Road Race took the place of the queue area for the Right Stuff Mach 1 Adventure.


 
The track was still under construction when the park opened for the season in April, but within only a week the ride was up and running complete with green grass infields. The covered boarding area was completed within two weeks, with the sign being added to later on in the season.
   
     
     
     
     
  Technical Information
     
  Ride Manufacturer J&J Amusements - Salem, Oregon
  Date Opened: April 17, 1999
     
  Track Length: Approximately 1400 feet
  Track Width: Approximately 25 feet
     
  Number of Cars: 25 one passenger cars
    10 two passenger cars
     
  Go-kart Model Name: Can Am and Scorpion Models
  Overall Car Length: 82" (208 cm)
  Overall Width: 45" (114 cm)
  Overall Height 40" (101 cm)
  Wheelbase: 44.125 " (112 cm)
  Ground Clearance: 2.5" (6 cm)
  Wet Weight: 518 LB (235 kg)
  Fuel Tank Capacity 3.3 gal (12.5 liters)
  Engine Model: Honda GX or Robin EX / EH
  Engine Type: Honda 4-Stroke, overhead valve single cylinder
  Cooling System: Forced Air
  Maximum Horsepower: 7.0 hp/4,000 rpm (5.1 kW/4,000 min-1)
  Starting System: Recoil or Electric
  Lubrication System: Splash
  Clutch Type: Centrifugal, wet multi disc
  Frame Type: Unitized, Monocoque
  Coatings: Electrostatic Powder Coated 425°F
  Steering Angle: 24° to either side
  Tires: 5" Extended Wear Pneumatic
  Brake Type: (Self Adjusting) Hydraulic Disc
     
 
 
     
   
Click below to view video of
The Great American
Road Race:

 
 
 
     
     
     
Track Layout of the
Great American
Road Race:
 
 
 
     




The colorful go-karts are designed to resemble stock cars with varying color schemes and even sponsors.

The curving course is lined with steel bands mounted to old tires to cushion any collisions.  A gate and a series of traffic lights control the flow of the karts, directing them into the loading area at the end of the cycle.