The Castle announces grand opening of third go kart track

CHESTER — The Castle Fun Center celebrated their 20th year anniversary last summer. This year, they are celebrating the opening of their newest attraction, the slick track. Along with their mini Indy track and the classic road course, the slick track offers a whole new experience for adults.

“The slick track karts have powerful engines with live axles making the karts break loose through every corner, creating a real race experience you will definitely enjoy," explained owner Brian Leentjes. "The polished concrete track is a blast to ride!”

The Castle added a 50,000 sq. ft. building to their facility seven years ago, with many activities including a small slick track, 10,000 square foot roller skating rink and Jesters Restaurantand Pub. Two years ago, when Leentjes decided to expand again to add an event center and additional activities, the track had to be removed to make room for this expansion. After the removal of the track The Castle team had so many requests to bring the slick track back. With those requests and with the addition of the Event Center, which does corporate events on a regular basis “it only made sense to build a new slick track which the adult guests love,” said Leentjes.

The next challenge was where to put it. With the existing two tracks in place, the only option was to go up. So they revised the road course layout and built the slick track so that it actually extends over a portion of the lower parking lot. Countless hours were spent on designing and planning how to make it work. Construction started just before the snow-filled winter.

“In the midst of a brutal winter, as I was outside raising steel beams and setting rails, I was hoping to find a window of nice weather to pour the remaining concrete and build the new go kart pit area and garage," said Leentjes. "I was set on having the track ready to go by spring. A few times, I really wondered if it would be possible to finish, but with the help of my team, we got it done!”

And now The Castle is ready to celebrate with their grand opening set for Friday, June 13. Guests can enjoy discounted activities and specials. For those 21 and over, there will be happy hour drink prices, free hors dourves, craft beer. giveaways and live music by Brian Tice in Jesters Restaurant and Pub from 3 p.m. to close.

The Castle is located at 109 Brookside Ave., Chester. Visit their website at www.thecastlefuncenter.com