While many venues on Long Island provide thrills and adventures for people of all ages, few destinations exclusively cater to those who are looking for a unique go-karting experience. RPM Raceway in Farmingdale, formerly Pole Position Raceway, is one of those destinations. With electric-powered karts that reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour on indoor tracks, RPM provides racing opportunities for three different groups based on age, height and whether the participant has a driver’s license.
Visitors can either “arrive and drive” without previous reservations or reserve space if the party is made up of at least eight people for “head-to-head” racing. RPM also serves as an entertainment venue, providing nearly 100 arcade games, a virtual racing simulator, billiards tables and “mini-bowling.”
Karen Davis-Farage, president and co-owner of RPM Raceway, said the raceway provides a truly “authentic experience” to an area that lacks a variety of racing venues.
“Whether it’s on Long Island or in a region where there are typically more racing enthusiasts, it’s really about the experience itself,” she said. “Trying something new and knowing that a company like ours is keeping it authentic and delighting and engaging each guest.”
While RPM prepares everyone to race before they take to the tracks with a training and safety video, Davis-Farage said part of the raceway’s vision is to satisfy each guest “whether they’re racing or not.” She said in addition to the arcade and mini-games at RPM, the Farmingdale location will add a snack bar and full-service restaurant within the next year.
Along with the racing and entertainment opportunities RPM provides, Davis-Farage said the Farmingdale location can hold groups of up to 500 people, providing space for summer camp trips, corporate business events, birthday parties, bachelorette parties and team-building experiences.
A family business, Davis-Farage said she and her husband decided to make the transition from the software and contracting industries, respectively, to the entertainment sector during the 2008 recession after a visit to an electric go-karting venue in California. Now attracting tourists and racing enthusiasts to the east coast, Davis-Farage encouraged Long Island residents to visit the unique venue.
“Families, friends and peers should come to RPM Raceway in Farmingdale because they will not find a more authentic, exhilarating and memorable experience anywhere else,” she added.
While destinations in Suffolk County including Karts Indoor Raceway in Ronkonkoma, Tiki Action Park in Centereach and Boomers in Medford also provide go-karting opportunities, RPM provides a central Nassau County location dedicated to racing.
