Octane Raceway is the first racetrack in the United States to debut a powerful electric kart model – the Sodi RTX, and the venue will be the exclusive raceway in the Phoenix-area to offer this driving experience. An entire new fleet of karts is being delivered to the Scottsdale track this month giving kart racing enthusiasts enhanced features and performance. As the new karts arrive in time for the holidays, Octane is offering a handful of Black Friday shoppers a free race in the new karts on November 29. In the spirit of the season, Octane will also begin their annual Toys for Tots toy drive, which runs through December 20.

“We are thrilled to kick off this year’s holiday season with a new driving experience for our guests,” says Scott Sanders, president of Octane Raceway. “Being the first racetrack in the country to feature the new Sodi RTX karts is really exciting for us. I visited the Sodi headquarters in France last year to closely inspect the new design, its handling and performance capabilities and was definitely impressed. Although we had planned to have the new karts available when we opened in Scottsdale this past summer, we are confident that they are worth the wait.”

The new karts utilize state-of-the-art technology to deliver speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. The kart was designed using ENGEC electric technology, which has opened up new horizons in kart racing because it is able to deliver 10,000 RPM for maximum torque. Another feature that sets this kart apart from the pack is the perfect balance achieved from the center-mounted engine. Handling and acceleration are significantly improved from previous models with the addition of a new high-performance lightweight chassis. Drivers of all sizes will have a comfortable driving experience with fully adjustable pedals, seats and tilt steering wheels. LED brake lights are a standard feature on the kart.

Fueling the holiday spirit and encouraging toy donations to Toys for Tots, the first 29 guests that give an unwrapped toy at Octane Raceway on November 29 will receive one free race in the new Sodi RTX racing karts. Adding extra incentives to the busiest shopping day of the year, Octane will also have Black Friday specials good all day, which include $75 gift cards for $50 and $150 gift cards for only $100. The venue opens early on Black Friday and is offering $10 races from 9am to 11am.

Toys for Tots serves more than 100,000 children in Maricopa County welcoming gifts of unwrapped, new toys for boys and girls up to 18 years of age. Through the Toys for Tots program, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve distributes toys to less fortunate children throughout the 9,400 square mile area they cover while bringing a message of hope. The goal of the program is to help develop one of the nation’s most valuable resources, our children, and assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

“This year has marked many milestones for Octane Raceway. We moved into our new Scottsdale facility in July, we celebrated Octane’s tenth anniversary in October and we are now able to offer the only Sodi RTX racing experience in the country,” adds Sanders on the events of 2013. “We hope that those coming in to race the new karts will also support Toys for Tots by donating a toy. We’ve set a goal of 500 toys that we would love to give to this tremendous organization. Giving back to Toys for Tots is a perfect way to bring this monumental year to a close.”