Economics proved to be the one curve they couldn't maneuver.
Alexandria's Go-Kart Raceway lies silent after 19 years of providing a Walter Mitty experience to throngs of children who would aspire to one day conquer The Brick Yard, Darlington or Watkins Glen. The final racers drove their laps on Sunday night, Sept. 29.
"Our lease went up considerably, and business went down," is how David Callahan, co-owner of the track along with Jesse Thomas, explained the closing of the Alexandria landmark, located at 400 Hooff's Run Drive just off Eisenhower Avenue.
"The development of the Eisenhower corridor has led to significant increases in property values, which has caused large increases in property taxes," he said.
"It's also very hard to get to now, with all the construction in that area," he said. "Coupled with those factors was the seasonal nature of the business. We closed every year from December through February, and business was always very light in November and March."
THEIR OTHER TRACK in Crofton, Md., remains open, and they are looking at a potential new site in the Waldorf, Md., area, according to Callahan. "We have not excluded opening another track in the Northern Virginia area, but property values are very high," he explained.
Opening in 1984, U.S. Rep. James Moran (D-8th), then Alexandria's vice mayor, presided at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "At our peak we employed about 12 to 15 people and have seen parents bring their kids as they were brought by their parents," Callahan recalled. "Some were once our employees."
The track normally operated Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. Most of the carts have been transferred to the Maryland location. Some may be sold to loyal customers who remain hopeful that a new Virginia location will emerge in the future.