On Saturday, May 19th, corporate leaders traded in their business suits for racing uniforms as they made a run for the Gold Cup at the 24th Annual Mini Corvette Challenge presented by Houchens Industries to benefit Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky.
The parking lot of the Knicely Conference Center was be transformed into a mini race track as 11 area teams raced their custom-tooled and detailed Corvette go-carts competing for the coveted Gold Cup and bragging rights for the year as they raised money and awareness for Junior Achievement.
Race teams consist of up to nine team members: two to four drivers, three pit crew members and two team assistants. Teams are required to make designated pit stops during the event to switch drivers and change a tire offering the opportunity to match both driving and technical skills with other teams to capture the checkered flag.
“This longstanding event exemplifies the commitment of local businesses and corporate sponsors towards Junior Achievement within our community,” said Drew Martin, President of Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky. “By participating in this event, we are able to implement programs into the schools so that students can become financially literate and workforce ready. Even though only one team may win the gold cup, the real winners are all the students who are able to benefit from these programs.”
One of JA’s largest fundraisers, The Mini Corvette Challenge has raised more than $600,000 for Junior Achievement programming since its introduction in 1995, that equates to more than 1,200 classrooms or 30,000+ students impacted. Houchens Industries is this year’s presenting sponsor along with cup and pit sponsors, U.S. Bank (Gold Cup), General Motors Assembly Plant (Silver Cup), and ESPN 102.7 & SAM 100.7 (Bronze Cup).
Admission to the event is free to the public. In addition to the race, families can enjoy a variety of children’s inflatable games and delicious food. We are excited to offer a place for the community to check out some local food trucks and watch local businesses race for the US Bank Gold Cup. For more information on the event, visit www.jaforkids.com
HISTORY OF THE MINI CORVETTE CHALLENGE EVENT
The Mini Corvette Challenge became the trademark event for Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky in 1995. Local sponsors came together to raise money for economic education and race for the coveted Gold Cup. Last year’s champion was the team from GM.
ABOUT JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT
Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating young people about business, economics and free enterprise. Through a dedicated volunteer network, JA offers in-school and after-school programs for students in grades K-12. Locally, Junior
Achievement of South Central Kentucky serves the seven-county region of Allen, Barren, Butler, Hart, Logan, Simpson and Warren counties. Last school year, JA provided 447 programs to more than 10,700 students.