On Saturday, May 18, corporate leaders will trade in their business suits for racing uniforms as they make a run for the Gold Cup at the 25th Annual Mini Corvette Challenge presented by Houchens Industries to benefit Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky.
The parking lot of the Knicely Conference Center will be transformed into a mini-racetrack as area teams race their custom-tooled and detailed Corvette go-carts competing for the coveted Gold Cup and bragging rights for the year as they raise money and awareness for Junior Achievement. The green flag will wave at 10 a.m., when a field of local teams will compete in multiple heat races to determine their positions in the final three championship cup races that will begin around 12:30 p.m.
Race teams consist of up to nine team members: two to four drivers, three pit crew members and two team assistants. Teams are required to make designated pit stops during the event to switch drivers and change a tire, offering the opportunity to match both driving and technical skills with other teams to capture the checkered flag.
“This longstanding event exemplifies the commitment of local businesses and corporate sponsors towards Junior Achievement within our community,” said Drew Martin, president of Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky. “By participating in this event, we are able to implement programs into the schools so that students can become financially literate and workforce ready. Even though only one team may win the gold cup, the real winners are all the students who are able to benefit from these programs.”
NEW TO MINI CORVETTE CHALLENGE—Power Wheels: This year, an additional event will complement the day and will feature Jeeps, F150s, Mustangs, Corvettes and other brands OF POWER WHEELS! Yes, you read it correctly…we said POWER WHEELS! These racers will be highly modified, plastic ride-on vehicles reaching crazy speeds on the same track that the Mini Corvettes will do battle. Creative team names, creative costumes, rubbin’, racin’ and a display of electrification engineering never witnessed before in south central Kentucky. Does your team have what it takes? Each team will have two drivers and the minimum age to compete is 18. The field is limited to 12 teams so enter early! The entry fee is $400 per team with all proceeds going to JA classroom programs. Rules available upon request.
One of JA’s largest fundraisers, The Mini Corvette Challenge has raised more than $600,000 for Junior Achievement programming since its introduction in 1995; that equates to more than 1,200 classrooms or 30,000+ students impacted. Houchens Industries is this year’s presenting sponsor. Admission to the event is free to the public. In addition to the race, families can enjoy a variety of children’s inflatable games and delicious food. We are excited to offer a place for the community to check out some local food trucks and watch local businesses race for the US Bank Gold Cup. For more information on the event, visit www.jaforkids.com.
History of the Mini Corvette Challenge event
The Mini Corvette Challenge became the trademark event for Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky in 1995. Local sponsors came together to raise money for economic education and race for the coveted Gold Cup.
About Junior Achievement
This past school year, Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky provided 523 classes in the nine-county region impacting more than 12,400 area students. Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches 4.8 million students per year in more than 100 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.6 million students served by operations over 100 other countries worldwide. For more information about JA’s programs, visit www.jaforkids.com.
