Malibu Grand Prix Closing
Before K1, Andretti or Atlanta Motorsports Park, karting for car enthusiasts in Atlanta was found at Malibu Grand Prix in Norcross. One of the first places in the metro area to have “high speed karting”, something faster and with a slightly more advanced track than you’d find in tourist traps or at the beach.
Once one of many locations, the final Malibu Grand Prix will ride off into the sunset this weekend as it closes. It’s sister concept Mountasia, the last of a local mini golf chain, will also shutter. Malibu once extended as a chain throughout at the country. It was also known for having pioneering karting features such as a drag racing at their location in Kennesaw.
But the hey day of the late 90s and 2000s gave way to a new world. Over the years, most of their locations closed. Video games moved into living rooms and neighborhood entertainment spots faded as people attended newer, larger, flasher destinations.
Once A Grand Empire
Malibu Grand Prix locations once stretched coast to coast. Partly through expansion, partly by buying local versions of similar entertainment locations. At one point numbering nearly 23 locations, the chain has gone down to a single location in Norcross next to 85.
The chain was recently sold to entertainment company Herschend, which owns Dollywood in Pigeon Forge and Wild Adventures in Valdosta. Other than the closures, no immediately plans about the brand or the chains future has been announced. However, Malibu’s most recent parent company also owned several theme parks. It’s likely Malibu simply didn’t fit into the theme park vision Herschend has for the combined companies, and is simplify eliminating brands, prosperities and locations that don’t fit into their model. It’s also mean’s it’s likely the end of the road.
Impact On Early Car Enthusiasts And The Atlanta Car Scene
Malibu Grand Prix was an original hot spot for car enthusiasts, particularly on Friday nights. It’s location just off the free, the available selection of two different karting tracks, but video games, made it highly appealing for car enthusiasts in the late 90s.
Thankfully, even some of the newer generation had an opportunity to experience a car meet at Malibu. Here is a video from YouTube of a recent car meet there. It gives you a pretty good idea of what those Friday night meets were like. Just with a new generation and newer cars.
Image courtesy of Malibu Grand Prix
