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.

hockey news

NHL taps Houston billionaire to launch new Texas hockey franchise

Photo by Morris Molina

Houston has been without a pro hockey team since the Aeros folded.

Hockey fans in either Houston or Austin may have a new opportunity to root for the home team. The NHL has committed to adding a 33rd team in the Lone Star State, according to multiple media reports.

As part of those plans, the NHL has reached an agreement with Pursuit Sports, an arm of the Houston-based Friedkin family. Per the agreement, the NHL has granted The Friedkin Family, led by Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin, the exclusive rights to own the future franchise. Pursuit Sports, the family’s company that owns three European soccer franchises, will evaluate both Houston and Austin as potential homes for the team.

The family issued the following statement about the NHL’s decision. It reads in part:

Each city brings unique attributes that would make a new team a huge success — both have the infrastructure, passionate fan bases, and economic strength needed to support a championship-caliber franchise for years to come.

We have wanted for some time to bring an NHL team to Texas, and we are excited that the process has now begun. Selecting a new market for an NHL franchise is a special and important responsibility, and we are grateful to the league for their faith in us and their support. Working with Commissioner Bettman and the NHL, we will undertake a principled, disciplined, and methodical process to ensure we find the right long-term home for this new franchise.

Houston has been without a professional hockey team since the Houston Aeros folded in 2013.

With a net worth of $11.4 billion, Dan Friedkin ranks No. 279 on the 2026 edition of the Forbes World’s Billionaires List. That’s good for Houston’s third richest resident, behind only Kinder Morgan chairman Richard Kinder (No. 232, $13 billion) and Landry’s owner Tilman Fertitta (No. 268, $11.7 billion).

His wealth primarily stems from his ownership of Gulf States Toyota, which has the exclusive rights to sell Toyota vehicles in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. The company sold more than $13 billion worth of Toyotas in 2025 alone, Forbes reports.

The Friedkin family launched Pursuit Sports last summer. It currently owns three European soccer clubs — A.S. Roma (Italian Serie A), A.S. Cannes (French Championnat National 2), and Everton F.C. (English Premier League).