Local kart race provides fun for over two hundred racers

By Richard Payne
Staff Writer

Burnt rubber, the fumes of gasoline and an overwhelming smell of exhaust filled the streets of Lafayette near Riehle Plaza on Sunday.

No, this wasn’t the scene of an accident. It was the ninth annual Lafayette Thunder kart race through the streets of Downtown Lafayette.

The race, presented by the Lyn Treece Boys and Girls Club along with sponsorship from Meijer, brought thousands to Lafayette over the weekend to cheer for and participate in the event.

"Two hundred and twenty racers showed up for the race, which is the same as what we’ve had in recent years," said Steve Heidenson, executive director of the Lyn Treece Boys and Girls Club. "This is one of the bigger crowds we’ve had."

The racecourse covers almost a mile of city streets, according to a press release from the club.

"This is an awesome track," said participant Bill Williams of Battle Ground, Ind. "This is the fastest and largest racetrack I’ve ever been on."

The William’s family has a tradition of racing.

Williams' brother, Larry, has been racing since 1967 in different auto sports and was also participating in the race.

"Racing is for old farts, too," said Larry Williams.

The Williams family is not alone in its enjoyment of the race.

Joe Halsema, a Lafayette resident, has participated in the Lafayette Thunder race six times.

"I love it to death," said Halsema. He started racing in 1994 when he was 15.

Lafayette Thunder was Halsema’s first race of the year.

Thirteen races were conducted; each one was for a different class of kart. Halsema’s class, Yamaha Light, was for ages 16 and up with a total weight of 315 pounds, including cart and driver.

There were classes for all ages, including the Senior Sportsman class, for ages 35 and up.

The race, which was scheduled to begin around noon, was delayed because of the rain.

The Lyn Treece Boys and Girls Club, Meijer Inc. and the Southern Indiana Racing Association made this year's race possible through monetary donations and numerous hours of planning.

Local kart race provides fun for over two hundred racers

Hotels fill up for Farm Progress Show

CITY DESK PHONE:
(765) 743-1111 ext. 250

City editor:
Heather Mangold

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