Wanted: 24 fast people for Mayor’s Kart Challenge

by Larry A. Bretts

Portage Parks and Recreation is looking for a few fast drivers.

They are looking to 24 people to fill seats for the Mayor’s Cup Go Kart Challenge at the Portage Perch Fest & Gran Prix on Aug. 13 and 14.  Seats are on a first come – first serve basis. There are only 24 available.

Carol Costakis, a member of the Portage Chamber of Commerce board of directors, has issued a challenge.

“On behalf of the Portage Chamber of Commerce (I am on the Board), I challenge any of you to drive for the money and enter the Portage Perch Fest Mayor’s Cup Challenge. This unique go-kart race pits amateur against amateur (carts provided). It’s a $200 registration fee and the winner takes home the trophy and 10 percent of the cash raised.”

As part of the Gran Prix, 8-12 karts will be set aside for the Mayor’s Challenge Cup.

Challengers from small businesses to Major corporations, the automobile industry, political entities, law firms, doctor’s offices, police and fire/rescue departments, military and veterans’ organizations and school officials are being urged to participate and represent their outfit. They will qualify in heats for the main event.

Drivers must be over 18 years of age and possess a valid state driver’s license.

There will be only 24 seats sold at $200 each. It’s first come, first served. At 1 p.m. Saturday at the Gran Prix racecourse at Founder’s Square, the Mayor’s Challenge Cup qualifying begins.

Races are professionally monitored and all required safety equipment will be provided.

If you qualify for the finals, they will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.

And if you win, you get then prestigious Mayor’s Challenge Cup to display for a year, until next year’s races, as well as 10 percent of the total entry fees up to $480. Plus, you retain bragging rights.

The entry form can be downloaded from www.ci.portage.in.us/egov/docs/1312224796_112823.pdf and must be returned in person with the $200 registration fee to Portage Parks and Recreation Dept., 2100 Willowcreek Road, Portage. Registrants must sign the liability waiver.

Why must entries be returned in person?

The event is first come, first served. Once the 24 seats are sold, the entry roll will be closed.

For more information, call Portage Parks and Recreation at 219-762-1675.