Daytona Milton Keynes

From Wood Lane to Milton Keynes

Daytona Motorsport was founded in December 1990 by Charles Graham, launching with a small indoor karting circuit on Wood Lane in west London, directly opposite BBC Television Centre. The venue drew celebrity visitors including Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt during the early 1990s and established Daytona as a household name in British recreational motorsport. The Milton Keynes circuit opened in the mid-1990s, originally branded as Daytona International, and quickly grew into the company's flagship outdoor venue.

The site at Rooksley was chosen for its flat, open terrain and proximity to the M1 motorway, making it accessible from across the Midlands and South East. Over the following decade, Daytona invested heavily in expanding the facility from a single circuit to the three-track complex that stands today. The North Circuit was added in 2003 as a bespoke junior track, and the International Circuit was extended to its current 1,360-metre layout with 11 corners, widely considered one of the most demanding hire-karting tracks in Britain.

What to Expect on Track

The International Circuit is the centrepiece of the venue. At 1,360 metres with 11 corners — including tight hairpins, fast chicanes and a long uphill straight — it rewards smooth driving and precise braking. Adults aged 14 and over drive Sodi RT8 four-stroke karts, while those aged 16 and over can upgrade to DMAX two-stroke machines for a markedly faster experience. Practice sessions last 20 minutes and include a safety briefing, with lap times recorded by electronic transponders and displayed on live screens.

The 900-metre National Circuit offers a slightly shorter but still challenging layout for practice and race events, while the 375-metre North Circuit is purpose-built for junior drivers aged six to fifteen. Three age-specific kart classes — Bambino, Cadet and Junior — ensure that younger racers use appropriately powered and sized machines. Beyond open sessions, the venue runs structured sprint races, endurance events and the celebrated Daytona MK 24 Hour, an annual race that has become one of the standout fixtures on the British hire-karting calendar.

Planning Your Visit

Daytona Milton Keynes sits just off the H4 Dansteed Way in Rooksley, roughly three miles from Junction 14 of the M1. Free parking is available on site, and the venue is a short taxi or bus ride from Milton Keynes Central station, which receives fast trains from London Euston in around 35 minutes. Sessions run seven days a week, with floodlit racing available until 10pm on weekdays and Saturdays.

All equipment — kart, helmet and full race suit — is included in the session price. Drivers should wear flat-soled shoes and long trousers, as open-toed footwear and shorts are not permitted on the circuit. Pre-booking is essential; the venue does not accept walk-in drivers. The on-site cafe serves hot food and drinks, and covered spectator areas allow friends and family to watch from the circuit edge. For corporate groups, a dedicated events suite provides catering and exclusive track hire options.