Depuis plus de 50 ans, le circuit de karting de Mondercange fait vibrer les amateurs de vitesse. Rencontre avec Nathalie, figure emblématique du lieu, qui partage son quotidien, ses souvenirs et les anecdotes d’un circuit unique au Grand-Duché.
For over 50 years, the karting track in Mondercange has been making the hearts of speed enthusiasts race faster. We meet Nathalie, a key figure at this venue, who shares her daily life, memories, and anecdotes about a unique track in the Grand Duchy.
Since 1972, a familiar roar has echoed through the air in Mondercange. Here, Luxembourg’s only outdoor karting circuit welcomes young and old, curious first-timers and passionate drivers alike. Nathalie, whose family founded the project, now ensures the smooth running of the sessions.
“I grew up in motorsport,” she explains. After a ten-year stint in finance, she returned to her roots: “I missed the sound of engines.”
“My grandfather, Jean Piazza, came up with the idea. He wanted to create a track for slaloms and parades with vintage cars, as he was a great lover of classic vehicles. After a trip to Italy, he discovered karting. When he came back to Luxembourg, he was determined to build a karting track here,” Nathalie recalls, aware of the challenges involved in securing the necessary permits.
The 867-metre track is both fast and technically demanding. “That combination is what makes it challenging,” she explains, adding: “Before we installed the chicane, the track was even faster. I remember my father sometimes had to retrieve karts from the neighbouring field because some drivers had simply gone straight on.”
Today, the rental karts can reach up to 85 km/h — “for the most experienced drivers,” Nathalie points out. But safety always comes first.
“Before each session, we give safety instructions and remind everyone that this isn’t the Formula 1 World Championship final. Fun is the priority. And if someone gets carried away, we have remote controls to slow the karts down from a distance,” she adds. “We’ve never had a serious accident.” Thanks to their experience, Nathalie and her team know how to reassure even the most nervous beginners, offering tips to make sure it’s an enjoyable experience.
A diverse — and sometimes moving — clientele
Three categories are available: 200 cc for children, 270 cc from the age of 15, and 390 cc for adults. Age isn’t the only factor — height matters too.
“Simply put: you have to be able to reach the pedals. But we also have booster seats for younger drivers. To drive solo for the first time, you need two things: to be at least eight years old and at least 1.30 m tall. If in doubt, we test it before selling tickets,” she explains reassuringly.
The track attracts a wide range of visitors, mostly aged between 25 and 45, from across the Greater Region. But older drivers give it a try too.
“Sometimes it’s really touching — like the time an over-eighty couple came here and had fun together on the track,” Nathalie says with a smile.
Two twin-seater karts for everyone
One little-known fact: the venue has two twin-seater karts that allow people who are too young to drive or who have a disability to experience the thrill of karting. “The karts have two fully functional steering wheels, with the drivers sitting side by side, and one person operating the pedals,” Nathalie explains. This way, even blind visitors or wheelchair users can enjoy the ride. “I think it’s fantastic to be able to offer that.”
Famous names on the track
Over the years, some big names have raced here: Jarno Trulli, Michael Schumacher — who drove under a Luxembourg licence because he was too young to get a German one — and even Ayrton Senna. “He didn’t drive though; he was here as a mechanic,” Nathalie concludes.
Unique in its kind, this karting circuit is ready and waiting for new adventures and stories to be written.
