lights out

New indoor kart track races into The Woodlands with high-speed thrills

Electric go-karts lined up at the K1 Speed facility in The Woodlands

Indoor go-gart racing comes to The Woodlands.

Photo courtesy of K1 Speed

Love go-kart racing but want to avoid the Texas heat? International go-kart facility chain K1 Speed just opened its latest indoor racing track in The Woodlands, the company's sixth overall facility in the state.

"We're very happy to open our sixth location in Texas and to join the communities of Conroe and The Woodlands," co-founder and CMO Susan Danglard said in a statement. "We know residents are going to love this exciting new center. It's been two years in the making, but it'll be worth the wait."

Founded in 2003 in San Diego, California, K1 Speed sought to bring over European-style kart racing to America. The indoor tracks are made possible by using high-end Italian electric karts manufactured by OTL (Officine Tecno Luigi). The electric motors produce no emissions, making them perfect for indoor racing. Adult karts can reach up to 45 mph (junior karts are capped at 20 mph), making for a faster, more exciting race.

Like other K1 Speed locations, The Woodlands' track also contains a full arcade of cabinet games as well as air hockey and pool tables. The Paddock Lounge offers bar food and soft drinks, or beer and wine for adults who have completed their races for the day. Private event rooms are available for rental.

Recently, K1 Speed partnered with Sega to present a Sonic the Hedgehog-themed racing experience to coincide with the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con and the upcoming release of the video game, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. A track in San Diego was transformed into a themed raceway to mimic the high-velocity adventures of the famous blue hedgehog.

K1 Speed's expansion into The Woodlands is not surprising. Go-kart racing is increasing in popularity in the United States. The Brainy Insights global market research firm estimates that go-karting will be a $174 billion industry by 2033. The small size of the carts, ease of access for different age groups, and the excitement of scheduled tournaments contribute to a growing demand for go-karts. Being able to ride in the comfort of air conditioning is certainly a welcome bonus in Houston.

The facility is located at 15 S Trade Center Pkwy in Conroe, near the intersection of Interstate 45 and Highway 242.

it's about time

Astros and Rockets finally launch streaming service for Houston sports fans

Houston Astros/Facebook

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Houston sports fans finally have a way to watch their favorite teams without a cable or satellite subscription. Launched Wednesday, December 3, the Space City Home Network’s SCHN+ service allows consumers to watch the Houston Astros and Houston Rockets via iOS, Apple TV, Android, Amazon Fire TV, or web browser.

Available at SCHNPLUS.com, a subscription to SCHN+ allows sports fans to watch all Astros and Rockets games as well as behind-the-scenes features and other on-demand content. It’s priced at $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually (plus tax). People who watch Space City Network Network via their existing cable or satellite service will be able to access SCHN+ at no additional charge.

As the Houston Chronicle notes, the Astros and Rockets were the only MLB and NBA teams not to offer a direct-to-consumer streaming option.

“We’re thrilled to offer another great option to ensure fans have access to watch games, and the SCHN+ streaming app makes it easier than ever to cheer on the Rockets,” Rockets alternate governor Patrick Fertitta said in a statement. “Providing fans with a convenient way to watch their favorite teams, along with our network’s award-winning programming, was an essential addition. This season feels special, and we’re committed to exploring new ways to elevate our broadcasts for Rockets fans to enjoy.”

Astros owner Jim Crane echoed Feritta’s comments, adding, “Providing fans options on how they view our games is important as we continue to grow the game – we want to make it accessible to as large an audience as possible. We are looking forward to the 2026 season and more Astros fans watching our players compete for another championship.”

SCHN+ is available to customers in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and the following counties in New Mexico: Dona Ana, Eddy, Lea, Chaves, Roosevelt, Curry, Quay, Union and Debaca. Fans outside these areas will need to subscribe to the NBA and MLB out-of-market services.

The announcement couldn’t have come at a better time. Spurred by its offseason signing of superstar Kevin Durant and second-year guard Reed Sheppard, the Rockets are off to a strong, 13-5 start to the season that’s has them currently ranked third in the Western Conference.

The Astros are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs in 2025. The experts at the Stone Cold Stros podcast predict the team will looking to add pitching to bolster its prospects for 2026.

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