Pacific Raceways’ racing season got under way last weekend with the inaugural U.S. National Extreme Karts showcase.

Although go-karts are a familiar sight at the track, the event was significant for grass roots racers, according to Scott Gogan, vice president and race director for the Puget Sound Road Racing Association (PSRRA) – go-karting’s regional governing body.

“This is the first one that Pacific Raceways has put on as their own,” Gogan said. “We actually run one to two (club) races a year, where we lease the track. … It really is a big step.

“We’re kind of the little known sport, but we’re trying to get the word out so we can grow.”

When it comes to motor sports, there are a myriad of choices out there. For many fans, big engines, muscle cars or super-tuned imports are their first impressions when it comes to racing.

But when it comes to real bang-for-your-buck, there is nothing more affordable, more fun or faster than the go-kart, Gogan said.

“It’s a relatively cheap sport for the thrill you get,” he said. “You can get a really good used starter kart for about $2,200. My first kart, I paid $1,200 for.”

Compared to typical race cars, which start in the tens of thousands of dollars, the low cost of karting is enticing to many racers.

The problem, according to Gogan, is getting people past many of the misconceptions they have about the go-karts.

“People tie in go-karts with kids,” he said. “They think, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve seen those indoors, where they go like, 35 miles per hour.’ They don’t understand that we’re burning at over 100 miles per hour, for 45 minutes.”

In fact, according to Gogan, depending on the class, many of the go-karts are capable of topping out near 140 mph. “To be able to go 120 to 140 miles per hour one-inch off the ground is incredible,” he said.

In fact, Tracie Brandenburg with Pacific Raceways said the karts post track times comparable to other circuit cars that challenge the 2.25-mile road course.

According to Brandenburg, the track decided to sponsor the inaugural event this year in part because of the family fun atmosphere the series attracts.

“It’s pretty neat to watch because you get to come out and see all the racers hanging out together and having barbecues with the whole family,” she said. “It’s really just a great time.

“We’re competitive … but otherwise, we’re very friendly.”

The PSRRA races at several tracks around the Northwest, including Portland, Bremerton and Spokane. But Gogan said the one in Kent is the most popular among the racers.

“It’s got sweeping banked turns and elevation changes (of more than 150 feet),” he said. “Pacific really provides us with the ultimate thrill.”

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For more information on the series, visit www.psrra.com. For track event information, visit www.psrra.com.