In an industry where trends come and go, Le Mans Entertainment has remained a local favourite for 36 years. From its beginnings as a single outdoor go-kart track, the Dandenong South business has expanded into a one-stop entertainment destination, offering everything from karting and mini golf to cutting-edge virtual reality experiences.
Prior to its inception, former school teacher and founder Ron Kasputtis recognised the need to give young people in Greater Dandenong something positive to do with their time.
And so, in 1990, Ron opened Le Mans Go Karts on Kirkham Road West in Keysborough. As one of the first outdoor hire tracks in Victoria, the business proved extremely popular, and in 2006, they relocated to their current site in Waterview Close, Dandenong South. That was where things really took off.
“We were drawing people not only from the Greater Dandenong area, but we had people coming from the other side of town from hours away to come to us,” reflects Chris, Ron’s son who has taken over the reins from his father.
In 2020, the business rebranded to Le Mans Entertainment to better represent their offering. They now provide other activities in addition to go karting, including laser tag, free roam virtual reality (through a partnership with another Australian business Zero Latency VR), mini golf, arcades, a restaurant and function rooms. Around 200,000 visitors come through their doors annually.
“Racing and karting is still in the DNA of the business and the biggest part of the business, but now we’ve got all these other activities that really makes us appeal to all demographics,” says Chris.
Earlier this year, Le Mans Entertainment received the Corporate Citizen of the Year award at the Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards. One area where they really excel is with accessibility and inclusivity. As just one example, Le Mans offers special go karts and hoists for people with disabilities, and even their mini golf course is designed to be wheel-chair friendly.
So, where to from here?
The next exciting addition to their repertoire of activities will be 10-pin bowling from mid-2027. Chris says he’s excited for the next chapter but is also committed to remaining true to their roots.
“The business was started to serve the community,” he says.
“That has always been at the centre of everything we do, and will continue to be, into the future.”
