No need to speed down the Jounieh Highway scaring the daylights out of passengers. Take it to the track.

With the squiggly figure of eights set in the mountainside, what could be a better way to burn some rubber? For children and adults alike, kitted out with a helmet, you can either amble along at a pleasant speed or put the pedal to the metal without fear of causing a pile up outside Casino du Liban.

Opened in 1995, the venue sports a huge track for beginners, amateurs and professionals alike. For those out for an afternoon of fun, imagine you’re Mario Andretti, or maybe a lesser version, and for 10 minutes be transported to the tracks of Formula One. ‘You can get up to speeds of 30km/h,’ says manager and owner Charbel Kanaan.

The karting doesn’t just have to be a fun afternoon’s activity though. For kids interested in going down the route of Lewis Hamilton, there is a competition scene. As part of the Automobile et Touring Club du Liban (ATCL) the Pit Stop runs training and competitions for kids with their own karts.

Brothers Patrick Njeim, 13, and Christopher, 11, are the Junior Max and Mini Max Champions respectively. ‘My father inspired me to do it,’ says Patrick. ‘To be a professional would be good but it’s very hard and very expensive.’ The latter being the key ingredient – one of these karts can set you back $9,000. Ahem, maybe most of us will just be sticking to the $10 for 10 minutes.

Those less inclined to whizz around the course can sit back and enjoy the fantastic views down to the sea, eating and drinking to their heart’s content at the restaurant overlooking the track. Whether it’s parties or group outings, you can’t go wrong with a kart.

Pit Stop Karting (09 219760). Main Rd, Zouk Mosbeh.