Review: 30719 Go-Kart Racer
Posted by CapnRex101,
60400 Go-Karts and Race Drivers was released last year and is evidently a simple set, though a good one, representing superb value. 30719 Go-Kart Racer adds another vehicle to the race.
This is a nice idea for a polybag, or recruitment bag, complementing a prior set. Moreover, this racer features an exclusive printed element, which is highly unusual for a recruitment bag.
Summary
30719 Go-Kart Racer, 48 pieces.
Though nothing extraordinary, this is a great idea for a polybag, well-executed
- Striking colour scheme
- Unique decorated piece
- Complements the other go-karts
- N/A
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigure
The driver is colourfully dressed in lime green and light bluish grey, including the same torso as a minifigure in 60489 Jet vs. Car. I like the feline logo and the hexagonal spots, especially since the same pattern of hexagons appears on the car. It is a shame the driver's helmet is not printed to match, however.
The Completed Model
The go-kart's black, white and lime green colour scheme corresponds with the car from 60489 Jet vs. Car and it is attractive. The printed 2x2 curved slope on the front is an exclusive design and matches the minifigure, as mentioned, while another printed piece introduced in 2024 adds some detail to the engine.
As expected, this model looks perfect alongside those in 60400 Go-Karts and Race Drivers. Its proportions are basically identical, apart from the tyres, which are narrower on this go-kart. The slimmer tyres are arguably more realistic though and the trio still look excellent together.
Minifigures sometimes look a bit odd riding small vehicles and such is the case here, although the drivers of the other go-karts are the same. However, the lime green stripes along the sides look nice and the all-important steering wheel is included, of course.
The engine is reasonably detailed for its size, using the familiar 1x1 round tile decorated with a wheel nut pattern for texture on top. Even so, I wish the air filter from the black and teal car had returned here, again represented by a cupcake case!
Overall
Recruitment bags should always be enjoyable sets on their own, but I love the idea of smaller sets complementing others in the range. 30719 Go-Kart Racer manages both, so this is pretty much the ideal recruitment bag, in my opinion!
This set was available as a gift-with-purchase on LEGO.com in January and it has appeared in other places subsequently, so the go-kart remains readily available for a low price on BrickLink and elsewhere online.
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19 comments on this article
Fun little set. Have seen it in stores here, might pick one up whenever I can't find anything else....
Mostly seeing these 'by the ton' at Dollaramas up here, although also Wally-World, so polybags (do we still call them that now?) are fairly plentiful now/finally.
I love these karts so much more than the big Speed Champions cars. It reminds me of the old Race subtheme of Town.
Got as a nice little additional freebie along with 40915 in January. Hoping for more good GWPs for April 1st!
I think that takes it to four go-karts with 30589 as well, which is an excellent number. However, I would also like more, please, Lego. Especially if we’re not getting any more Soapbox Racers. Tiny racer thingies ftw.
@brick_r said:
"Mostly seeing these 'by the ton' at Dollaramas up here, although also Wally-World, so polybags (do we still call them that now?) are fairly plentiful now/finally."
It is nice to see Walmart and Dollarama steadily carrying these sets, especially since they are my only source for these now that TRU is gone ?? Have yet to see the Batman or new Sonic ones tho…
I really like these little go-karts. I’ve been collecting them for my Animal Crossing polybags; now they can play Mario Kart as well!
great little set
I'm going to get a couple more of each of the karts and change up the engines a bit to make teams of go-kart racers
then just need to MOC up a track...
The kart looks neat, but I get the feeling that the driver sits too high: karts usually have the driver almost scraping their butt on the ground. I'm not sure how structurally stable it'd be if it used more of the old brackets with 1x2 plate instead of the ones with 2x4 plate, to make a "hole" for the driver to sit lower.
Snatched it up a few weeks ago. Just a fun little kart. I also like the idea of these bagged sets being supplemental to large(r) sets in a range. LEGO already did that waaaay back with racing cars. I think people would go nuts if they'd release bagged Castle or (Classic) Space sets like these -- which isn't going to happen, with those not being proper themes at this point in time.
I was wondering why Brickset was taking so long to update this year's polybag listings. I didn't realize that they are now under a new tag, Paper Bag. I don't why it took me so long to figure that out... That being said, I think I'm still going to call them polybags.
In regards to the actual set, I love how it is compatible with last year's go karts. It's a solid polybag, and the price is great. Now if only they were easier to find(looking at you Ninjago).
@sjr60 said:
"Got as a nice little additional freebie along with 40915 in January. Hoping for more good GWPs for April 1st!"
If upcoming GWPs are the same repeats as Australia I guess I might be waiting till the 6th for any April buys... shame!
Hmm, I may have to pick this one up. For... reasons....
Like the idea, just wondering if the seat could be made lower given karters are sitting an inch above the track.
The original spirit of Lego remains in sets like this. Keep the faith!
Why isn't it electric?
Since I have 60400 (and 30589, too), I just might pick this one up if I see it.
@Rimefang said:
"I love these karts so much more than the big Speed Champions cars. It reminds me of the old Race subtheme of Town."
I agree. Even though this would be an easy scratch build, I'd like to see a few more of these offered (with different colors/numbers/drivers).
Sponsored by Blacktron Future Generation! Now where's the M-Tron kart?