Off to the races at go-kart tracks

Figure 8, ovals and banked curves are familiar words if you've been to one of Long Island's go-kart tracks. This fast-paced sport allows participants to feel a little like NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon as they whip along the track.

These thrill rides usually last five minutes or so, with ample opportunities for maneuvering turns, banking and ripping on the straightaway.

Most tracks require, or at least strongly encourage, closed-toe shoes. And, younger riders may be required to wear a track-provided helmet. There often are height or age requirements to drive a go-kart, but most locales have two-seaters for ride-along action.

With the basics covered, drivers, start your engines.

Karts Indoor Raceway

701 Union Pkwy., Ronkonkoma

INFO 800-718-5278, karts1.com

HOURS 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday

FEE $9 ($7 each additional race); $4 a race for 52 inches tall and shorter; $11 for a two-seater kart, $9 each additional race

You'll get to flex your driving skills with both left and right turns during a six-lap ride that takes about 5 minutes. This flat track, referred to as a slick track, allows drifting/skidding (a good thing) on the turns, giving drivers even more of a realistic racing experience. "Having a slick track is like driving on ice," says owner Lenny Elkins, of the track's special treatment.

When you're not driving, other diversions include roller bowling, laser tag (opens March 2012), an arcade and cafe.

Selden Batting & Grand Prix

1117 Middle Country Rd. (1 mile east of Nichols Road and Route 25), Selden

INFO 631-732-9144, seldenbatting.com

HOURS 9 a.m.-11 p.m. daily May-September, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. weekends October through mid-December

FEE $6 (free shorter than 55 inches tall, but must ride with an adult)

You'll really get the feel of the open road at this outdoor track with banked turns. You can drive solo or have a youngster ride shotgun. In addition to adult solo and two-seaters, there also are special karts for drivers 50 inches tall and shorter.

If there's a baseball enthusiast among your group, check out their batting cages. There's also an arcade and an ice cream shop when you want a break from the heat of the track.

Tiki Action Park

1878 Middle Country Rd., Centereach

INFO 631-471-1267, tikiactionpark.com

HOURS 3-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 3-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday March 15-June 15 and Sept. 16-Nov. 15; 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday-Saturday June 16-Sept. 15; indoor arcade parties only Nov. 16-March 14

FEE $7 ($8.50 for a double kart); $21 for four rides. Must be at least 57 inches tall to drive solo (42 inches tall to be a double go-kart passenger)

This outdoor, figure-8 track challenges drivers with banked and straightaways. There's also a tunnel, which allows onlookers to watch and cheer as you pass underneath.

A mini-golf course, 40-game arcade and a laser maze are great ways to pass the time while waiting for your next ride. There's also a concession stand, ice cream stand and picnic seating on-site.

Boomers

655 Long Island Ave., Medford

INFO 631-475-1771, boomersparks.com

HOURS 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and school holidays April through mid-June; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily mid-June through September; noon-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and school holidays October through mid-November

FEE $6 ($3 passenger); $24 for a same-day, unlimited ride pass (excludes rock climbing and batting cages) available from late March through October. Photo ID required for drivers.

This flat, outdoor track takes about five minutes, challenging drivers to maneuver its cloverleaf pattern as part of the fun. You can go solo, or take a youngster along for the ride.

If you're more into bumps than turns, try the bumper boat pool in warmer months. There also are kiddie rides, indoor/outdoor carousels, an arcade, mini-golf, batting cage and food court. Indoors, you can flex your skills on the rock-climbing wall or take a spin on a roller coaster.

Country Fair Entertainment Park

3351 Rte. 112, Medford

INFO 631-732-0579, countryfairpark.com

HOURS 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Saturday May-September, shortened hours March-April and October-Thanksgiving weekend, extended hours are weather permitting

FEE $6 (shorter than 55 inches tall must ride with an adult, but at no extra charge)

Compete against up to 24 others drivers on this outdoor, figure 8 track with banked curves. Heats are about three minutes each. Not ready to compete with the big guys? Take a spin on their juvenile track. Or, take young ones for a spin in an adult-driven two seater.

There are also two mini-golf courses, batting cages, a driving range, sheltered picnic area (no outside food allowed), arcade, restaurant, laser tag.