For the last two years, the Thor Industries Elkhart Riverwalk Grand Prix has offered a unique opportunity to experience street racing in the heart downtown Elkhart. For the first time, in 2019, the excitement surrounding Grand Prix Weekend will soar to new levels as guests experience the event’s first-ever night race!
The return of the Thor Industries Elkhart Riverwalk Grand Prix will kick-off Friday, August 9. Heats will begin that day at 5:00 p.m., setting the stage for a race under the stars. Competition will continue through Saturday evening with an estimated 180 karters competing in over 50 races.
“To have any racing-related event, sanctioned and supported by the United States Auto Club is truly special, and to be able to offer that event free to the public speaks volumes about the event sponsors and their commitment to the vibrancy of downtown Elkhart,” said Elkhart Mayor Tim Neese. “What I particularly like about this event is that it has something for everyone, even if you are not a race fan.”
The race itself is the foundation of a series of events planned throughout the downtown, including family-friendly activities, a cornhole tournament, a fireworks display, 12 food vendors, and four live concerts. All of these activities, including the races, are free and open to the public.
NIBCO Park will once again be a designated kids zone for kids 12 and under, featuring a splash pad and bounce houses. On Saturday, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., kids can also enjoy free popcorn, snocones, and cotton candy!
The area’s largest Cornhole Championship, presented by Premium Concrete, will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 10. Two-player teams will compete in a double elimination bracket and will continue until the champion is crowned! To date, 80 teams have signed up to compete in the $5,000 purse tournament. Registration continues at www.elkhartgp.com.
Performances on the Lippert Band Stage include:
Friday: DJ Stickey Boots at 6:00 p.m. and Memphis Underground at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: Starlord at 6:00 p.m. and Headliner, Clayton Anderson at 8:30 p.m.
Festivities will wrap-up Saturday evening with a fireworks display at 10:00 p.m.
All races will follow the same course with the start/finish line near the intersection of Waterfall Drive and High Street. The six-tenths of a mile course will start on Waterfall Drive, continue to Elkhart Avenue to NIBCO Parkway to East Jackson Boulevard and back to Waterfall Drive. Drivers will cross the Elkhart River twice per lap as they race around NIBCO Water and Ice and Kardzhali parks.
This event is made possible through the cooperation of the City of Elkhart, United States Auto Club, Thor Industries, Genesis Products, Selge Construction, Premium Concrete, Lippert Components, Kem Krest, and NIBCO.
See below for additional details.
Pedestrian track crossings
Three pedestrian track crossings will be available, one near the start/finish line, one near Kardzhali Park, and another near Hydraulic Ale Works.
Parking lot closures
Beginning Thursday, August 8 at 8:00 a.m.
The following public parking lots will close to the public:
· the East High Street Public Parking Lot
· the Sears Lot
Beginning Thursday, August 8 at 6:00 p.m.
The following public parking lots will close to the public:
· the Franklin Street Lot, across from the 911 Communications Center
· the Civic Plaza Lot
Street closures
Beginning Wednesday, August 7 at 8:00 a.m.
Waterfall Drive from High Street to Franklin Street, traffic from Jackson Boulevard will still be able to turn west on High Street
Beginning Thursday, August 8 at 8:00 a.m.
Waterfall Drive from Franklin Street to Jackson Boulevard
Beginning Thursday, August 8 at 6:00 p.m.
NIBCO Parkway from Elkhart Avenue to East Jackson Boulevard
Franklin Street from Waterfall Drive to Main Street
Beginning Friday, August 9 at 9:00 a.m.
Waterfall Drive from East Street to Franklin Street
Main Street from High Street to Franklin Street
Elkhart Avenue from Waterfall Drive to NIBCO Parkway
East Jackson Boulevard from NIBCO Parkway to Waterfall Drive
Despite these road closures, many businesses in the area will remain open. City staff are working to ensure customers maintain access. If you have any questions about accessing a downtown business during this time, you may contact the business directly or call Elkhart Fire Department Division Chief Kristi Sommer at 574-293-8931. All streets will remain closed through Sunday, August 11.
Public parking
Public parking will be available at the Marion Street Parking Garage and several other public lots downtown. Two-hour on-street parking will not be enforced after 5:00 p.m. on Friday nor on Saturday.
A complete schedule of events can be found attached. For the latest details leading up to race weekend, visit www.facebook.com/ElkhartGrandPrix/.
