Before car racing, checkered flags were used only as symbols of surrender following skirmishes between chess clubs. Embrace progress with today’s Groupon: for $44, you get a go-kart-racing package for two at K1 Speed (up to a $92 total value) in Anaheim or Irvine. The package includes:

• Four Arrive and Drive go-kart races, which can be used by one or two people (up to an $80 value)
• Annual race licenses for two people (a $6 value each)<p>

The races may be redeemed at K1’s Anaheim and Irvine locations, and the race licenses are valid at any K1 location.

With hands gripped to the wheels of karts capable of cresting 45 miles per hour, up to 12 racers hum around the hairpin turns and straightaways of K1 Speed’s indoor asphalt track during adrenaline-spiking sprints toward the podium. After donning safety equipment, racers eschew the fumes and inflammatory skywriting of gas kart exhaust for European electric karts designed to instantly accelerate out of curves. Speed-seeking youngsters can also satisfy cravings with dialed-down junior karts that safely carry drivers around the final hairpin into a podium finish.

In addition to complimentary use of the facility’s helmets and head socks, licensed drivers redeem one free birthday race, access to any K1 Speed location and the chance to ascend the racing scores leader board via an online K1RS system.

Though K1 Speed sometimes features a discounted price online, this Groupon still offers the best deal available.