Colorado Karting Circuit at Centennial Airport is set to open this year with ample upgrades planned for the future

Colorado is set to welcome the return of a former facility. The Colorado Karting Circuit at Centennial Airport (CKC) is set to opened in August 2024 with major plans for amenities and upgrades to the Centennial, Colorado facility that was established in the early 2000s.

The existing facilities include the track itself – an 0.8 mile paved road course – existing fencing and paddock area, with limited utilities. The property and facility have been unused for approximately five years and will require significant investment to rehabilitate the existing improvements and to provide infrastructure for successful land use.

The facility itself opened in 2006 – named ‘The Track at Centennial’ and was a fixture for the sport and the region. One of its biggest events was hosting the 2007 US Rotax Grand Nationals, while serving as the beginning grounds for many karters who are still in the sport today. After different management, the facility shut down in 2018 and has not hosted any karting since.

Ian Koentges, Todd Varney and Greg Welch of the Colorado Karting Circuit

This December, the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority (ACPAA) – owner and operator of the Centennial Airport in Englewood, Colorado began the process to solicit ‘Requests for Proposals’ for the operation of, and improvements to, the karting track at Centennial Airport.

The ACPAA has selected the group to manage the Colorado Karting Circuit at Centennial Airport. Todd Varney, Greg Welch and Ian Koentges put together the proposal that has already been put into motion. Their submission was aided by over 60 members of the Colorado Karting Tour submitting letters in support of their proposal.

Phase I plans for the Colorado Karting Circuit at Centennial Airport include a two-story building along with 30 garages to be constructed beginning this year and completed by mid-2025. They have already acquired a CRG rental kart fleet to support rental sessions, corporate events and more. The goal is to have the facility open in August 2024 for test and tune opportunities. The circuit itself will receive significant upgrades, ensuring the landscape is kart ready with plans of proper curbing or rumble strips installed in the future for entry, apex and exit sections around the circuit.

Immediate improvements at CKC will include a full service of the track surface. The current asphalt will be milled down before a new layer of asphalt will be laid down immediately following possession and be completed over the next 30 days. Included in the updates are installing the new curbing and new paint striping to the racing surface. Existing safety fencing will be repaired or replaced as necessary with full clean-up of the existing facilities drainage and stormwater management. Their goal is to support local and regional karting programs, including the Colorado Karting Tour with a track-only club series to be established.

Todd Varney, President and Managing Partner, said Colorado Karting Circuit has already secured the ‘Kart Chaser Finish Line’ with other sponsorship opportunities, including the track name itself for the appropriate company.

“The Colorado Karting Circuit will be developed as the premier karting facility in the country with the intent to provide a high quality, safe and fun experience for renters and racers in the Denver community and beyond for years to come,” stated Varney. “The karting community in Colorado is incredibly strong, yet our availability of quality tracks is dwindling. It has been my dream to secure this track for a few years now, and I commend the ACPAA for having the foresight to bring karting back versus pursuing alternative uses for the land. We will be redeveloping the track and property in a proper manner that will generate tremendous karting opportunities for local, regional and national karting enthusiasts and their families. “As a retired real estate developer and kart dad, I am very excited to use this opportunity to teach my son Travis how to develop a property.  The fact that it’s a karting track and his passion makes it even more special.”

Ian Koentenges, Director for Development and Partner:

“I am incredibly exited for the opportunity to help in opening the Colorado Karting Circuit at Centennial Airport. The track was by far the best in Colorado, which many of us believed had no chance of reopening. When I heard that the airport had released a request for proposal to take over and develop the facility, we jumped at the opportunity to assist in not only updating the existing track but developing the facilities with new buildings and amenities. The track itself was always fantastic, but the property always needed additional development that the previous operators never brought to fruition. I look forward to working with Todd and Greg to develop a world class karting facility where my kids can learn to race and gain the same lifelong friendships that I did growing up around karting and at this track.”

Greg Welch, Director of Operations and Partner:

“The kart track at Centennial has meant so much to so many people over the years and I am no exception to that. After growing up racing here and even working on the property for years I like many was disappointed to see it go and fall into a state of disrepair. I am fortunate enough to be part of a group of extremely motivated individuals to rebuild and re-open this track better than ever, as the Colorado Karting Circuit. Working side by side with Todd Varney has been phenomenal and we are confident to have built a structure and team to make the Colorado Karting Circuit the best track in the region. Bringing Ian Koentges into our group has accelerated development and given us a jump start on being able to open the facility late summer.  I feel confident that this team is the right group to finally bring a high level entertainment facility and kart track to Centennial in the coming years and beyond.”

Details surrounding the future improvements include the following:

• Main building to be a 45’ x 75’ with 3,375 square feet on the main level with an approximate 2,000 square foot mezzanine and 1,875 square foot covered grid area with outdoor event space above. Main floor space will consist of a check in area, private event space, waiting area, offices and restrooms. The mezzanine space will be left open for private event space and track viewing.
• The secondary building is planned to be approximately 40’ x 180’. This “garage” building will consist of approximately (24) 12’ x 20’ private garage units, (1) larger private garage of approximately 800 square feet and (1) 640 square foot garage used as the maintenance space for the rental fleet.
• A landscaped area will be provided at the main building and along the east boundary of the track where we will provide a viewing area for families.

Colorado Karting Circuit Social Media:

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