Roaring engines of go-karts filled the Elkhart Riverwalk on Friday, August 2, during the Mayor's Challenge Race at the Elkhart Riverwalk Grand Prix. Several Northern Indiana mayors and their teams competed in a series of races, all vying for the Mayor Cup.
Goshen Mayor Gina Leichty, participating in her second race at the Grand Prix, expressed her enthusiasm for the event.
"This is one of the highlights of the year,” Leichty said. “Northern Indiana mayors are invited to join in a friendly competition. It's a fun way to do team building and build relationships with other mayors."
The Mayor's Challenge Race featured three qualification races, a semi-final race, and a final race. Each participant completed three laps around the course before switching off with a teammate, with each team comprising four drivers in total.
Qualification Race Results:
Race One: First Place - Warsaw, Second Place - Nappanee
Race Two: First Place - Knox, Second Place - Hobart
Race Three: First Place - Mishawaka, Second Place - Elkhart Parks
Warsaw, Knox, and Mishawaka, as the first-place winners, secured direct entry into the finals. The second-place teams, Nappanee, Hobart, and Elkhart Parks, had to compete in the semi-finals for a chance to join the finals. The teams in first and second place in the semi-final race would take the final two spots.
Semi-Finals Results:
First Place - Elkhart Parks
Second Place - Nappanee
With the semi-finals concluded, the final race was set. Warsaw, Knox, Mishawaka, Elkhart Parks, and Nappanee lined up, eager to claim the coveted Mayor's Cup.
While the first couple of laps indicated a tight race for first place between Mishawaka and Elkhart Parks, Mishawaka ultimately took the lead and maintained it throughout the remainder of the race.
Final Results:
First Place -Mishawaka
Second Place - Elkhart Parks
Third Place - Warsaw
Fourth Place - Knox
Fifth Place - Nappanee
Mayor Leichty highlighted the camaraderie and collaborative spirit fostered during the event. She enjoyed this opportunity to get to know her fellow mayors in Indiana.
"In Indiana, we're all working together to succeed,” Leichty said. “Today, we're competing, but it's really about getting to know each other better, which benefits our communities and the state."
Elkhart's sixth district councilwoman, LaTonya King, also participated in the race for the second time, bringing her competitive spirit to the race. She appreciates the deeper impact this event has the potential to bring.
"It's an opportunity for us to represent our community, have fun, and meet new people,” King said. “It's also a chance for the community to meet their city legislators and make new friends."
Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson expressed his gratitude to the participating mayors and their teams.
"It really means a lot to us here in Elkhart to have all the mayors take time out of their schedules to join us,” Roberson said. “We hope that everyone enjoys this event."
The festivities continue on Saturday, August 3, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, with a variety of activities including a 5k run/walk, cornhole tournament, car show, Power Wheels kids race, additional karting races, free concerts, and a fireworks show.
To learn more about the Elkhart Riverwalk Grand Prix, visit elkhartgp.com.