Mario Karting Reimagined Heads To 2014 SXSW With Real World Kart Racing

Something really cool is going to happen at SXSW 2014 that has nothing to do with live music. Pennzoil is going to bring real world Nintendo Mario Kart racing to the music show with its Mario Karting Reimagined exhibition. The exhibition will put people being the wheel of real Mario Karts with powerups.

The real world kart racing experience is inspired by Mario Kart 8 that will be coming to the Wii U. Attendees at SXSW 2014 can get behind the wheel of these real Mario Karts. As they zip around the track, they can drive over power ups in the form of Pennzoil logos.

Each of the power-ups that they run over will actually change the performance and behavior of their kart. The racing action will be broadcast at the show on a Jumbotron. The power-ups will speed up or slow down the kart.

Each of the drivers that participate in the race will get a digital video link to their racing experience. A helmet-mounted camera will show their laps and they will receive a score at the end of the race. The custom track will be located outside the Palmer Events Center from noon until 6pm on March 7-9 and will be free for drivers 18 and up.