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The Colorado Sprint Championship (CSC) has long been a model for
regional karting to follow. As an independent series CSC has
drawn together racers, track owners, retailers, manufacturers, and
communities in ways that can only be described as a "marvelous
anomaly to karting". Thanks to the highly cooperative spirit
and nature of the great people of Colorado karting is indeed alive
and well. Some of the names behind the series may be known among
the karting community, but some of the folks like the McEwen family
are a major part of the success behind the Colorado Sprint racing
scene. |
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Greeley Colorado is home to an annual rodeo competition over
Memorial Day weekend. This year they wanted something more to
add to the show; Looking at the excellent annual show run by
the CSC at Steamboat Springs, and after some careful evaluation of
the world famous Rock Island Grand Prix, the city leaders met with
CSC Race Director Rusty Newberry to contract a long term development
of the Greeley Grand Prix.This will be a long term project
expected to one day join Rock Island as one of the top races in the
country with international acclaim. Anyone who knows the
reputation of Rusty and the history of the CSC will quickly
recognize this formula has success written all over it.
Where Memorial Day races typically draw small numbers in most
regions, part of what makes this date particularly exciting is the
opportunity for an extended visit to one of the most beautiful
states in the country. What a better way to kick off the
summer then with a great street race and a week in the Rocky
Mountains?
Several potential locations were reviewed, including the city
center, but the extremely large Island Grove Regional Park, site of
the Stampede, quickly became an obvious choice for it’s family
friendly setting, easy access, and existing, ample amenities. As a
bonus to karters, the park’s central boulevard and adjacent parking
area features unusually smooth pavement, and is large enough to fit
a 3500 foot course along with the requisite paddock and hot pit
areas.
Track design responsibilities will be handled by two of Colorado’s
best and brightest. Nationally ranked ICC pilot and team manager A.J.
Noud of Rocky Mountain Kart Works, and Doug Welch of Shockwave
Karting have artfully engineered a 16 turn track featuring three
600’ + straights that promises to become legendary, challenging the
nation’s finest. Despite the short notice, national teams have
already expressed interest.
Additionally, the talent of the CSC racers is being mined for the
other responsibilities necessary to pull off the event in a few
short months, such as track safety, race logistics, and marketing.
The city will also host a carnival and midway to complement the
event and help draw spectators and sponsors, as well as a rental
track to give the unenlightened a taste of the action. Other plans
include live entertainment and a celebrity race.
Racing will begin on Saturday, May 27th with practice at 8:00,
qualifying starting at 3 p.m., and the media/celebrity race at noon.
Sunday is the big show, rain or shine, with morning heat races and
afternoon mains, with special activities to honor the armed forces.
Racing will continue on Monday with a specialty race.
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