A go-kart track has been approved near Hollister’s west side and
is expected to open in early March. For go-kart fans, it will
lessen the drive to the nearest, similar track
– in Fremont about 60 miles away. The owners, meanwhile, hope to
attract visitors of all ages and stress it will be a safe place to
have fun.
Kids and adults of all ages will have a license to drive in the coming weeks when a recently approved, indoor go-kart track opens near Hollister’s west side.
San Benito County planning commissioners last week approved the operation of Hollister Speedway at 2025 San Juan Road, near the city’s west side and the new Brigantino/Riverside Park. The owners hope to have it opened by March 1 and plan to operate Friday through Sunday at the start.
For go-kart fans, it also will lessen the drive to the nearest, similar track – in Fremont about 60 miles away.
The project does not need further approval from supervisors, though co-owner Gary Kerr noted how the business is required to meet certain conditions such as ensuring the property is set up properly and the signs are appropriate.
The only potential roadblock with planners had been traffic, said Commissioner Robert Scattini, and a study showed there would not be a tremendous increase due to Hollister Speedway’s presence. Kerr and business partner Pete Forneris took the idea before planners in June, though the process got held up because county officials requested that additional traffic examination.
Kerr said the business wants to attract residents of all ages and he stressed how they will make it a safe place with “good security, good cameras and lighting.”
“We wanted something to give back to the community,” said Kerr, also co-owner of West Coast Rubber Recycling in Hollister, who also noted how he drove NASCAR for two years in the 1970s. “This is all about community.”
The track will be set up inside the Advantage Truss building – Hollister Speedway is leasing it from the owner – and will be adjustable so that the business can move it around, “so people don’t get bored,” he said. Kerr described the track as being similar to a road-race course, where there are many turns. Overall, he said it will have an “open atmosphere,” and although they can’t have food and beverage services at the outset, the owners plan to eventually have the offerings.
“I want it to be all ages,” said Kerr, who pointed out they can host events such as birthday parties.
The go karts’ speeds can reach 35 mph to 45 mph, while Kerr said they will have smaller models for younger children, too. They also will have high-efficient catalytic converters, to lessen any environmental effect.
Kerr noted how Hollister Speedway expects to host about 18 racers per hour, with potential for heavier traffic at first.
This story will appear in the Pinnacle on Friday.
