"Handicapable" go karts at High Caliber Karting & Entertainment, located in Okemos, allows wheelchair users the ability to enjoy go kart races due to hand operated steering wheels that place the gas and brake pedals directly behind the steering wheel. (Photo courtesy of High Caliber Karting & Entertainment)

A mid-Michigan indoor amusement park recently unveiled its new inclusive go-karts for thrill-seeking wheelchair users, aptly named “Handicapable.”

A statement from High Caliber Karting & Entertainment said that after a year’s worth of testing and fine tuning the process, last month the facility began providing wheelchair users the experience of driving again with a unique, hand operated steering wheel system.

The Handicapable operating system removes the need of using regular brakes and gas pedals by placing the operating mechanics directly behind the steering wheel of the go-kart. After guests are seated into the specialized go-kart by a lifting sling, legs are strapped in for safety and then they can take off at speeds of up to 55 mph.

When High Caliber’s owner and operator, Jordan Munsters, was in a serious car accident, he saw disparities for go-kart racing inclusion in his own company.

After two major back surgeries and facing the possibility of never walking again, Munsters came to race go-karts at his own establishment and realized he could no longer participate in an activity he loved due to the wheelchair restriction. He knew then he wanted to find a way for making go-kart races more accessible and began implementing the change to High Caliber’s karts.

“We’re all about creating great memories and building fun moments for our community and guests at High Caliber Karting,” stated Munsters. “So when I realized we were excluding the handicapable in Michigan, we began a plan to remedy it immediately. And that’s why we’ve implemented the Handicapable system here.”

The Handicapable go-karts are available at High Caliber, located in the Meridian Mall at 1982 W. Grand River Ave #800, Okemos, Mich. Race prices vary from $23 for a single race to $150 for ten races.

High Caliber is open from noon to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, from noon to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

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