Purdue Grand Prix set for April 13

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Thirty-three student drivers will compete Saturday (April 13) to add their name to the list of winners as the green flag drops for the 62nd annual Purdue Grand Prix.

A Purdue tradition, the karting race will take place on the Purdue Grand Prix Track at the Northwest Athletic Complex at Cherry Lane and McCormick Road. Gates open at 8:30 a.m., with the main race beginning at 2:30 p.m. This year’s race is presented by Delphi Technologies.

Jeff Brohm, Purdue football coach, will serve as the grand marshal for the race. Food trucks and a big screen will be on hand.

Qualifications took place on Saturday (April 6), which set the field for the first 27 spots. Karts that did not qualify will be split into three sprint-race heats. The top two karts of these three sprint races will take the remaining six spots, filling the 33-kart field.

Sunday (April 14) will be the alternate race date if it is postponed due to weather. Tickets are $10 in advance and are available now in the box offices located in the Stewart Center, Yue-Kong Pao Hall or online. Tickets will be $15 on race day and both cash and credit will be accepted at the gate.

There will be no parking available at the Northwest Athletic Complex. A shuttle service will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on race day. Pickup locations include the Purdue Memorial Union, the corner of Martin Jischke and Tower drives, Earhart Hall, Discovery parking lot and Wiley Dining Court.

Sponsorship Showcase, formally known as Grand Prix Day, will be Friday (April 12) near the Purdue Mall fountain. Free cupcakes and pizza will be available, along with samples provided by Coca-Cola. Pickup locations will be marked with signage.

The event is sponsored by the Purdue Grand Prix Foundation. The foundation is built on the motto of “Students Helping Students” and works to raise over $10,000 annually to award in the form of scholarships. The foundation is a student-led organization and consists of 10 senior board directors, two advisers and a junior board staff.  

Writer: Abbey Nickel, 765-496-1325, nickela@purdue.edu 

Source: Molly Wagner, director of public relations for the Grand Prix Foundation, public_relations@purduegrandprix.org 

Note to Journalists: For media credentials, contact Abbey Nickel, Purdue News Service, 765-496-1325, nickela@purdue.edu