After a 20 year absence, Mayor Tim Neese announced today that the legendary karting street race will return to the city of Elkhart in 2017. The Elkhart Riverwalk Grand Prix will be held August 11-13, featuring a unique new course around the beautiful downtown Riverwalk.
The six-tenths of a mile course includes two bridges, and drivers will cross the Elkhart River twice per lap as they race around NIBCO Water and Ice Park and Kardzhali Park. On Saturday evening, a two-hour endurance race with “hot” pit stops and driver changes will kick off a night of events including live music and a street party on Waterfall Dr.
Proposed layout for the GP, H/T to Michael Gutierrez for posting this on the KartPulse FaceBook page.
“When I proposed the idea of bringing the kart races back to Elkhart, the enthusiastic response from the community was overwhelming,” Neese said. “Not only will the event have a large economic impact on the city, but it will also provide an activity that both residents and visitors can enjoy. We are working to make this event bigger and better than ever, and I look forward to the finished product.”
In the early 1990s, the street race in Elkhart was one of, if not the, biggest races in US karting. The then infant ESPN2 network televised the race and some estimates had over 40,000 spectators attending over the course of the weekend.
There will be 12-14 classes, allowing drivers of varying skill and speed levels to compete. The race format and corporate sponsors will be finalized and announced at a later date.
“USAC Karting is excited to work with the city of Elkhart to bring this historic kart race back and make it a ‘must- attend’ event for both spectators and karters,” said USAC Karting Director Mike Burrell. “Street racing has always been a great way to promote karting and cities like Elkhart. It’s our hope racers and fans fill the restaurants and hotels around the county, have a great time racing, and a positive impact on the community.”
For more information on the Elkhart Grand Prix or USAC Karting, please contact Mike Burrell via email at [email protected] or via phone at 317-247-5151.
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