Teams prepare for first Gator 100
Published 7:13 am Saturday, October 11, 2014
The inaugural Gator 100 go-kart race will start at 9 a.m. today, Oct. 11, at the Lake Charles Civic Center grounds, where drivers will race 100 half-mile laps around the Civic Center.
General admission is $10; admission is $5 for seniors, McNeese students with valid student ID, veterans and children ages 3-12. Children under age 3 will be admitted for free. Parking is free; gates will open at 8 a.m.
Net proceeds from the gate will be donated to the Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission, which advises city officials on issues involving the military.
Thom Hager, promotions coordinator for the race, said 14 race teams have registered and that some karts have multiple sponsors. The “low-profile go-karts” can reach a top speed of 35 mph, he said.
“I was excited to see the teams come out in full force,” Hager said. “They are taking it seriously, but it is friendly competition. One guy’s cart wasn’t functioning at 100 percent, so people from other pit crews helped out.”
The race has three heats — a 50-lap open heat, a 30-lap semifinal heat and a 20-lap championship heat. First-place awards will be given for the 50- and 30-lap heats. The championship heat will have awards for the first-, second- and third-place finishers.
Drivers on Friday participated in time trials to determine their positions on the track for race day. Each race team has a pit chief and two pit crew members.
Hager said attendees should bring lawn chairs and can view the race from the Civic Center balcony. He said he expects 2,000-2,500 people to attend. “It’s a buzz, there’s no doubt,” he said.
After the race, a committee will give awards for the best overall theme, best team uniforms, team spirit, fan favorite, fastest qualifying time and the fastest pit time. A golden muffler award will be given for the greatest blunder.
Hager said awards will also be given for best design. He said one go-kart is painted with stars and stripes in honor of veterans. “Each one is creatively designed and so unique to each team,” he said.
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Online: www.gator100.com.
Rick Hickman
