Game on at Game Over

Daniel Gaunt has had a well-travelled career in motorsport but his latest venture sees him return to his roots on Auckland’s North Shore to open a new indoor go-kart and entertainment centre.

Game Over opened in Albany recently and it’s already welcomed some high-profile visitors including New Zealand motorsport legends, Scott Dixon and Shane van Gisbergen. Dixon shared the experience with his two young daughters while van Gisbergen took it a bit more seriously and set a new lap record.

“Shane was really competitive and his best time of 21.9 seconds will take some beating,” says Gaunt. “But it was nice to get a few guys from the racing fraternity through and get their thoughts. The coolest thing for me was to see Scott and his two young girls, who are both under the age of 10, have a go and thoroughly enjoy it. The girls weren't that keen at the beginning. They’d never been in a race car before, believe it or not, and they felt a bit intimidated. Once they jumped in the kart they loved it. That’s the beauty of Game Over. It appeals to all ages and levels of drivers not just the hardcore racers.”

Gaunt is looking forward to welcoming thrillseekers of all ages to Game Over.

“Our junior karts are suitable for 7 to 12-year-olds and we’ve had drivers in their 80’s have a go at our sister track in Queenstown,” says Gaunt. “We’ve got the best karts in the business. They are Italian-built, electric go-karts and the advantage of electric karts is you’ve got instant torque. You’ve got instant power as soon as you put your foot on the gas. You’re not waiting for a 4-stroke lawnmower engine to warm up. It’s the way of the future. There are no emissions so they’re quieter and cleaner and more fun to drive. It’s completely different from what most people think of when they think of indoor karting.”

With a 20 horsepower electric motor, the karts are fast too, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h, with superb acceleration out of tight corners. Unlike gas-powered karts, electric karts can be programmed to a variety of preset speeds to accommodate guests of varying skill levels, including beginner, intermediate and advanced and Game Over staff can shut them down in an instant if there’s an emergency. The karts have a Formula One-style precision steering wheel, and a four-point harness, roll cage and full bumpers for maximum safety.

Gaunt, who went to Westlake Boys High School, knows a thing or two about cars and racing. In a successful career that saw him travel the world racing single-seaters and saloon cars he won the Toyota Racing Series (TRS) twice, finished on the top of the podium at the Bathurst 12-Hour (Class B) and raced in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship in the US.

“I've had a great journey in motorsport and I’m really excited about this new opportunity,” says Gaunt. “It’s going to be something different for Auckland and I can’t wait to show it off.”

As well as a state of the art go-kart track, Game Over is also home to a Jurassic Putt mini-putt course, a safari-themed Lazer Tag arena and a video arcade. “There’s something for everyone and all ages here at Game Over,” says Gaunt.

© Scoop Media