Look for local karting this fall

Workers are transforming 76,500 square feet of space in Danville Plaza into a premier indoor kart racing facility.

The new sign at 2855 Riverside Drive gives passers-by a preview of what’s to come: “Dan River Grand Prix Indoor Karting Center.” Owners Ken and Stacey Grammer anticipate opening the entertainment destination in October.

Ken Grammer said the indoor karting facility builds on Danville’s motorsports history and adds to the region’s racing entertainment.

“It just seems like such a nice fit for what is a very positive part of the Danville experience,” Ken Grammer said.

The family-oriented racing center is for all skill levels and ages 8 and up. Dan River Grand Prix will also offer video games, batting cages, league races, party and meeting rooms, event catering and a pro equipment and gift shop. In addition to standard session pricing, the center will offer annual memberships, multi-ride discounts, all-day racing passes and seasonal specials.

Ken Grammer said in addition to local patrons, the center could also provide a Danville entertainment option for Virginia International Raceway teams, families and visitors. VIR fills up the local hotels.

Additionally, indoor karting allows the climate-controlled facility to run year-round. Ken Grammer said he anticipates being open till 10 p.m. during the week and till midnight on Friday and Saturday.

The design of the track is being finalized. The all-electric racing karts will have three speed settings and can accommodate drivers from 50 to 450 pounds.

The Grammers, with 34 years of professional motorsports experience combined, came to Danville in 2005 to work with Synergy Racing. They made Danville their home and searched for a way to work locally.

Just over a year ago, the Grammers came up with the idea for indoor karting and met with project manager Anne Moore-Sparks of Danville’s Office of Economic Development. They said she helped make the business a reality. She provided business plan development, information on local resources and recommended a low-interest business development loan through the Danville Industrial Development Authority.

BB&T also helped the Grammers secure a Small Business Administration loan. The funding allowed work to begin in June.

The owners said space is available for anyone interested in developing a motorsports-themed restaurant.

The facility should have something for everyone.

“We are designing Dan River Grand Prix to offer a fun, safe place where everyone can feel the excitement of racing to the checkered flag,” Ken Grammer said via news release.

Bozick is a staff writer for the Danville Register & Bee.

For more information, visit www.DanRiverGrandPrix.com or find DanRiverGP on Facebook.