Gravity Castleford: Yorkshire’s first e-karting attraction opens at Xscape Yorkshire

Gravity Active Entertainment has opened Gravity GT e-karting, a multi-level electric karting experience, at the Castleford attraction, creating more than 50 jobs in the process in a boost to the Yorkshire economy.

Gravity launched its first business at Xscape Yorkshire in 2015 after Bridlington duo Michael Harrison and Harvey Jenkinson along with Simon Whicker opened the first in their chain of trampoline parks.

Now Gravity is adding another major activity by creating the Gravity GT e-karting cutting-edge experience covering 22,000 sq ft of space at one of the country’s biggest visitor attractions. The new experience will also feature karaoke booths and Immersive Gamebox, joining existing popular Gravity activities including Gravity Rocks climbing wall, Trampoline Park, Free Fall experience, the Leap of Faith and Aerial Adventures.

Michael Harrison, co-founder of Gravity, said: “It’s great to bring a cutting edge new activity to Xscape Yorkshire where it all began for Gravity. Once again, we’ve brought something bold and brilliant which we think people will absolutely love.

“The beauty is almost anyone can race, opening it up to a much wider audience than traditional karting. It’s something you can do on a whim when you’re visiting Xscape or just decide to on the day – and it’ll be a day to remember.

“We firmly believe Gravity GT e-karting will rewrite the book on UK karting, creating something completely new for even more people to easily access and experience at affordable price points – while creating more jobs.”

The Japanese-themed raceway has been purpose built and designed by racetrack design professionals. It will feature the very latest in safety features, including the ability for the race controller to deactivate karts remotely at the flick of a switch.

The unique karts and racetracks are exclusive to Gravity in the UK and first launched at Southside in Wandsworth, London. Unlike other electric karting experiences, the vehicles are the most high-powered karts on the market and feature Formula 1 steering wheel, with boost control and sound effects to make the experience even more exciting.

Gravity GT e-karting aims to appeal to a wide range of ages and driving abilities. Three kart options open it up to almost everyone, with sessions available to under 12s, twin karts for parents and kids, and full speed adult karts that can reach up to 40 mph.

A large track-side café space for spectators, state-of-the-art lighting, karaoke area and cutting-edge Immersive Gamebox – a hyper-immersive digital gaming experience with third-party IPs including Squid Game and Angry Birds – have all been built as part of scheme.

Jason Warren, Xscape Yorkshire general manager, said: “Xscape Yorkshire has a track record of working with brilliant brands that bring something new and fresh to leisure and tourism, so it’s no surprise Gravity has created another great experience.

“We cannot wait to see the reaction of visitors when they come and experience this great activity, which will further enhance Xscape Yorkshire’s already nationally-leading offer and boost the regional economy.”