Elkhart Riverwalk Grand Prix 2017
Dawn and I had the pleasure of photographing the Elkhart Riverwalk Grand Prix kart street race that made its return to the city after 20 years. The last time it was held ESPN covered the multi day event with TV crews on almost every turn.
The race course was along the St. Joe river, along the path of the Riverwalk.
The Mayor of Elkhart opened the race with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The singers did a wonderful job with their renditions of the Anthem and America the Beautiful.
Even the kids got an opportunity to race.
This year there was a celebrity race with the mayors from neighboring cities. Driving the number 8 car was David Wood, Mayor of Mishawaka.
Driving the number 4 car was Mark Senter, Mayor of Plymouth.
Driving the number 7 car was , Mayor of .
Driving the number 1 car was Jeremy Stutsman, Mayor of Goshen.
Driving the number 5 car was Tim Neese, Mayor of Elkhart, the host city and the winner of the race, although there might have been an act of kindness from the Mayor of Goshen at the finish line. ;-)
For those racers that were unable to finish a race they ended up hitching a ride back to the pits courtesy of the road department.
Law enforcement was ever vigil in their appointed task of telling the crowd how fast the lead driver was going during each race, I think that is the one time they were happy that this pairing of device and officer was so close to them.
The kids had a great time at the race even if they weren't watching the cars go wizzing by.
The Mayor with his trophy.
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The fans, both old and young came out in great numbers. It was good to see them line the track and cheer all the drivers on. It reminded me of the last race that was held in Elkhart some 20 years ago when ESPN came out to televise the multi day event.
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There was VIP autograph session that all the fans took advantage of. In Indiana, we all love our Indy 500 racers and any chance to meet and chat with them take advantage of.
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Babies and puppies, what more cute could you ask for? These two dogs were having so much fun with this little boy, and the little boy just loved it as well. Their play went on the entire time that we were in the pit area.
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We met some great people from all over the country in the pit area. Most already new each other, the ones that didn't soon did, it was one big happy, albeit competitive, family. Dawn and I enjoyed walking through the pits and talking with them all, they all had something interesting to tell us.
And then there was me and the Mayor discussing how to make the city great again! By bringing back the Grand Prix, I think he is on the right track (get it, track?!)