Where can you zip around in circles at high speeds and not worry about getting pulled over? There are three places in Ocean City: Baja Amusements, Grand Prix and Speedworld go kart tracks.

Baja has always been a family favorite and is relatively affordable. At last check, they had six tracks, including the family track, family grand prix, slick track, Road Racer (the fast one), and a stock car track. Kids under 8 ride for free with adults on the family tracks. Road Racer is the most fun but just don't hit the walls too hard -- somehow I always end up with bruises from losing control.

Baja Amusements also has a mini golf course, and the White Marlin Mall is right next door for those who aren't quite into the speedy little cars. Baja is just over the Route 50 bridge on the north side of the highway.

Ocean City Grand Prix has seven tracks and the best prices. The karts aren't as fast as Baja but the tracks are generally longer and the lines are often shorter. It's a little further west on Route 50 and on the south side of the road.

Speedworld has the only go kart tracks not on the mainland. They have 14 tracks, so the selection is much better than the last two, but the prices are higher. Again, their karts aren't as fast as Baja's. Speedworld's advantage is also tied to it's downfall: it's located at Jolly Roger Amusement Park. The rides and mini golf at Jolly Roger mean you have plenty to do for everyone involved, but it also means the prices are going to be higher.

The most important rule: No bumping. Seriously. Just because the signs don't explicitly tell YOU not to bump, that doesn't mean that you are allowed to ram into the other cars. I was going to meet a friend at Baja last week, but he called me after his first race and said he and his father had been asked to leave the park because they would not stop bumping. If you really must crash the go kart, do the bumper cars. There are even bumper boats at these places.

Go karts are fast and fun. My favorite night during those pre-teen and teenage vacations was always go kart night. I'll race you there.