It’s a high-speed, winner-takes-all race through the streets of SteelStacks as up to 30 teams compete in the first SteelStacks Grand Prix June 18. The event, presented by Lehigh Valley Grand Prix and ArtsQuest, includes four hours of fast-paced go-kart racing (noon-4 p.m.), fun family activities, food and more, making it the perfect event to bring dad or grandpa for Father’s Day. Admission to watch all the racing action is free, with the public encouraged to attend.
At the SteelStacks Grand Prix, go-karts featuring teams fielded by area businesses will race through SteelStacks on a course designed especially for the race by Mike McCreary of Lehigh Valley Grand Prix. The half-mile track will wind through PNC Plaza before cars zip East down First Street, reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour on the straightaway. The top teams from each preliminary heat will advance to the finals at 3 p.m., with the first-place winning team taking home trophies created by the Glass Studio at the Banana Factory. Fans will be able to watch all the action track-side, including ‘grandstands’ set up just for the event.
“It is exciting that we have the opportunity to host a go-kart racing event of this magnitude in the Lehigh Valley,” says McCreary, owner of Lehigh Valley Grand Prix. “The region has a rich history of racing from Nazareth Speedway and the local dirt tracks, to well-known racing names like the Andrettis and Sage Karam calling the area home.
“SteelStacks is a great location for this event because not only does it offer an ideal layout, the opportunity to race on the former Bethlehem Steel grounds is very exciting. The track itself will be extremely unique due to the venue.”
Among the local businesses already confirmed to participate in the SteelStacks Grand Prix are Aesthetic Surgery Associates, Bazella Group, Cars & Coffee Lehigh Valley, Deiter Brothers, Sands Resort Bethlehem and Valvoline Instant Oil Change.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Lehigh Valley Grand Prix on this event,” says ArtsQuest Chief Operating Officer Curt Mosel. “We’ve had strong interest from the business community so far – it’s definitely a fun and slightly different way for our community to come together to help raise funds to support ArtsQuest’s free programming including Musikfest, Oktoberfest and the concerts at SteelStacks. There are still opportunities for local businesses to sponsor and drive a car, but spots are starting to fill quickly.”
Other SteelStacks Grand Prix highlights include:
- Media race featuring local media celebrities
- Car show presented by Chevy 21
- Food vendors and food trucks
- Mario Kart gaming tourney at the ArtsQuest Center
Looking for the ultimate Grand Prix experience? Special Pit Row VIP Packages, which include access to awesome food catered by Red Robin, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, and the best seats at the event, go on sale this Friday, 10 a.m., at www.steelstacks.org and 610-332-3378. Cost is $110 in advance and $120 day of the event; ages 4-20 are $45 in advance and $55 day of the event.
SteelStacks Grand Prix hours are:
11 a.m.: Event opens
Noon: SteelStacks Grand Prix preliminary qualifiers begin
3 p.m.: Finals
4 p.m.: Awards Ceremony
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