The Spokane Karting Association race track is the initial bite of the racing bug to many local and regional racers. The course has been open in Airway Heights since the late 1980s and has played host to many—if not most—of the up and coming racers who have moved onto auto racing and other motorsports. Many of the kids see at the track are the latest generation in a family of racers. The track opens in mid-March and closes for the season in mid-October. They typically host 11-point races through the season and one fun race at the end of the year. There are different classes based on driver age and type of kart.

Karting is one of the most popular motorsports in the world, and the least expensive. If you are just starting out, you can typically find a turnkey used cart online for $1,000-$2,500, brand-new and more competitive karts cost close to $6,000. Trust that these karts are nothing like their amusement park distant relatives. Competitive karts can run in excess of 100 mph.

One decorated racer you see regularly at the track in Airway Heights is Burt Gasaway. He began racing karts at the age of 10. Now 41 years later, his wife, Chris, and two daughters, Blair and Brooke, are his crew. He races not one, but three karts in different classes. Unlike many who start their racing careers in karting and move onto other motorsports disciplines, Burt has stuck with karting his entire career and it has paid off with an impressive resume of wins. In addition to racing locally, he has raced all over the Inland Northwest in the Gold Cup Regional series and nationally in the International Kart Federation 4-Cycle Grand Nationals where he is an 11-time Grand National Champion. He has earned 11 Screaming Eagles at these events for setting fast time and grabbing the pole position.

The local track is run with funds generated by memberships into the Spokane Karting Association. Although you do not have to be a member of the association to race at the track, it has its advantages and helps the nonprofit group maintain the facility.

Take the short drive to Airway Heights to check out the racing action and family atmosphere of this well-run track. If you or your children have the desire to race, it is an affordable and safe option to start.

Spokane Karting Association can be reached at (509)991-7408 or spokanekarting.org.

Michele Martin is a lifelong Spokane resident and motorsports photographer and enthusiast.  She can be reached at [email protected]