Australian cities to host real-life Mario Kart racing event

  • 06/02/2018
A competitor in the Japanese Mari Car event.
A competitor in the Japanese Mari Car event. Photo credit: Getty

Mario-style go-karting is headed to Melbourne and Sydney, giving residents the chances to play out the video game in real life.

The event, called Mario karting, will allow players to dress up as their favourite Mario Kart character and then race each other in go-karts, The Telegraph reports.

It is unfortunately expected to lack the "power-up" items like banana skins, thunderbolts and of course the classic red shell.

The company in charge of the event is yet to release details like the date of the event, but according to The Telegraph hundreds of people have already signed up.

"A unique experience that combines your favourite characters, friends and new friends for a driving experience that will take you back in time," the company said in a short statement.

"On the race day, you'll be able to pick your favourite character, drive courses dressed as them, and have the opportunity to collect stars to win prizes."

It may not be all it seems, as Australian website Stevivor reports the images being used to promote the event were taken without permission from Japanese company Maricar.

Maricar runs a similar yet completely unaffiliated Mario Kart racing event in Japan.

The hugely popular Japanese event allows costumed drivers to race through parts of Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku and often takes up to 1000 participants a month.

It is currently unknown if the Australian event will allow users to drive on the road or in a go-kart course.

Newshub.