Area's first indoor go-kart track is a hit
by TIMOTHY CHIPP Reporter

A.J.'s Grand Prix staff members include Scott Kreutter, Andrew Forrestel, Deb Hamby, Melissa Lobur, managing partner Ali Asgari, Rebecca Bender, Dustin Schallpose and Kelly McDonald, who is seated in the go-kart. They are on the quarter-mile track located at 1888 Niagara Falls Blvd., Tonawanda.

AJ's Grand Prix is the first of its kind in Western New York area.

The high speed, indoor go-kart track takes the fun of slow karts and pumps adrenaline into them.

They are like go-karts on steroids.

The quarter-mile track, at 1888 Niagara Falls Blvd., Tonawanda, is filled with twists, turns and spots to accelerate to speeds of up to 40 mph.

"They are the fastest cars in Western New York," said managing partner Ali Asgari.

Asgari and his business partners - there are five - are looking to franchise the name. But they needed a flagship location and chose the Buffalo area because "the communities are so tightknit."

The business is booming despite a lack of advertising, Asgari said. The track has been open for four weeks, but it has already booked events and parties.

The kitchen isn't operational, but AJ's has been getting food delivered from vendors.

Asgari, who has lived in Hamburg for 23 years, was an insurance executive before he noticed a lack of indoor go-kart tracks in the area.

The track, which is located behind the carpet store across Niagara Falls Boulevard from the Interstate 290 exit, is designed to eliminate emissions.

Fresh air is pumped into the building and stale air removed, keeping the air clean despite the number of gas engines running in an enclosed area.

As for the cars, which are the real stars of any racing, there are two sizes. The adults use 6.5-horsepower, gas-engine karts that reach the full speed of 40 mph. Children use a slower, 5.5-horsepower kart.

"Children that wish to ride must meet a 51-inch height requirement," general manager Thomas Laciusa said. "They must also be 10 years old. These karts move fast, and the kids need to be safe."

"The kids need to be able to control them, too," Asgari added.

There is also the need to be able to reach the peddles of the car, the reason for the height requirement.

Safety is also a concern with go-karts. AJ's employs safety precautions that reduce the risk of injury, including racing helmets and neck guards.

"The cars are built so low to the ground," Asgari said. "There is no flipping or rolling.

"Safety is important to us, so we make sure each car is properly inspected and handled with the utmost care," he said.

AJ's offers memberships to ride, or the ability to come in off the street. It offers both an adult and junior membership, based on age and height. There is a yearly charge, which gets the racer two free races - including one in the birthday month - and reduced pricing on all subsequent visits.

The prices for the memberships range from $10 to $40 depending on what the customer wants.

The company will eventually start competitive racing leagues - in various age ranges - to recognize the area's best drivers.

Eventually, Asgari wants versions of his company in the Cleveland and Erie, Pa., markets.

For more information or to book a party or team get together, visit www.ajsgrandprix.com or call 693-7433.