About this event
WHO ARE WE?
Simply put, APEX THE PLAINS is the new hotness! Established for enthusiasts by enthusiasts, we curate unforgettable driving experiences where you hammer some amazing backroads, swap keys (if you choose) to sample multiple vehicles like your favorite auto journalist, engage in some wheel-to-wheel racing via go karts, push your ride to the limit on track with open lapping and driver challenges, and enjoy an excellent car show. All packed into an epic two-day weekend - no time off work required! Check us out at www.APEXTHEPLAINS.com
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
The Drive – You don't have to make a pilgrimage to the mountains to find amazing roads. The Midwest has plenty of sensational twisties - you just need to know where to find them. Drives are 300+ miles and include 6+ hrs of seat time. Sound a little intense? You are free to head back whenever you feel you’ve had your fill.
The Enthusiast Exchange – An industry-first! Those who choose to take part will have a unique opportunity to swap keys with fellow enthusiasts to experience different vehicles on the road, just like your favorite auto journalist. Participating in the completely optional Enthusiast Exchange brings another dimension of enjoyment and camaraderie to an already memorable event! Only open to adults 25 and over with proof of a valid comprehensive insurance policy with permissive use coverage (most do).
The Karting – Following a full day of tracking, the group will head to nearby ProKART Indoor Racing in Burnsville, MN for an evening of team-based wheel-to-wheel racing. An exciting end to an epic day.
The Track – In partnership with Gary Curtis Driving Experience, drivers may receive both in-class and in-car instruction from professional instructors and let loose on the 1.2-mile driving course at DCTC in Rosemount, MN. Drivers will participate in up to four 20-minute lapping sessions.
The Challenges – This is not your average track day. We've leveled up with our incredibly fun driver challenges. Challenges will include: Stop Box, Reverse Slalom, Figure 8, The Gauntlet and, of course, the Interceptor Challenge including a flooded wetpad. Awards will be presented and Interceptor Challenge times will be posted on our 8ft tall leaderboard.
The VIP Amenities - Get the trackside VIP treatment. Shaded tent area stocked with meals, snacks, beverages, tables & chairs, TV, charging station, fans, and essential track tools.
The Food –Upon check-in at Gaslite Grill overlooking the Trimbelle River, a hot breakfast will be provided. A wood-fired pizza lunch will be hosted at Suncrest Gardens Pizza Farm. A delicious BBQ dinner from Old Southern BBQ Smokehouse will be catered in the SkyBox at ProKart. Lunch and snacks will also be provided in trackside VIP amenities on Saturday. FOUR meals in all for each participant.
The Media– GoPros and DSLRs will be out in full force throughout the weekend. JAY Media will be providing their incredible photography and videography services throughout the weekend capturing memories you won’t soon forget.
The Show - We will be hosting a public car show at the track in the afternoon for some in-between-rounds entertainment. Let the show come to you!
The Planning – We have selected and validated the route (even swept gravel off tight corners), identified fuel stops, found fantastic eating spots, booked track sessions, and filled the swag bags. All you need to do is sign up, show up with a full tank of fuel, and be prepared to drive!
The Value – APEX THE PLAINS represents a 75% cost savings over rallies offering a track day. In fact, we offer a savings over rallies that DON'T offer a track day. No police escorts, no big-city nightlife. Just a curated wishlist of driving nirvana.
WHAT'S THE ITINERARY?
SATURDAY - subject to change
- 7:30 - 8:30am - Check-in
- 8:45 - 9:45am - Driving Skills Class
- 10:00 - 12:00 - Driving Challenges
- 12:00 - 1:00pm - Lunch (provided)
- 1:00 - 2:00am - Open Lapping Sessions - 20 minutes per run group
- 2:00 - 3:00pm - Open Lapping Sessions - 20 minutes per run group
- 3:00 - 4:00pm - Open Lapping Sessions - 20 minutes per run group
- 4:00 - 5:00pm - Open Lapping Sessions - 20 minutes per run group
- 5:00 - 5:30pm - Pack Up and Awards
- 6:00 - 7:00pm - Dinner - ProKart Burnsville, MN
- 7:00 - 9:00pm - Karting - ProKart Burnsville, MN
SUNDAY - subject to change
- 7:30-8:40am - Check-in/Breakfast - Gaslite Bar & Grill, Ellsworth, WI
- 8:40 - 8:50am - Drivers Meeting
- 9:00am - Roll out
- 9:00 - 10:10am - Drive
- 10:10 - 10:30 - Fuel Stop
- 10:30 - 11:50 - Drive
- 11:50 - 12:10 - Fuel Stop
- 12:10 - 12:30 - Drive
- 12:30 - 2:00 - Lunch & Enthusiast Exchange #1 - Suncrest Gardens Pizza Farm
- 2:00 - 2:30 - Drive
- 2:30 - 2:40 - Enthusiast Exchange #2
- 2:40 - 3:00 - Drive
- 3:00 - 3:10 - Enthusiast Exchange #3
- 3:10 - 3:30 - Drive
- 3:30 - 3:50 - Fuel Stop - back to own cars
- 3:50 - 5:10 - Drive
- 5:10 - 5:30 - Fuel Stop
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
TOTAL PACKAGE - BEST VALUE - $499
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TRACK PACKAGE - lapping, challenges, awards, meals, VIP amenities - $349
KARTING PACKAGE - practice/qualifier, three races, awards, dinner - $149
ROAD PACKAGE - 300+ miles, car swapping, meals, private venues - $99
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GUESTS - $49 each per individual package; $99 each for TOTAL PACKAGE
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Event requirements
ROAD PACKAGE REQUIREMENTS
- Must have valid license
- Must have current liability insurance
- If under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be on-site at ProKart for waiver signature
- PLEASE NOTE: 91 octane fuel will be available on route. No 93 or E85. Plan accordingly.
ENTHUSIAST EXCHANGE REQUIREMENTS
- Must be 25 or older with valid license
- Must have current comprehensive insurance
- Must have permissive use coverage (most do)
TRACK PACKAGE REQUIREMENTS
- Must have a valid Driver's License - if under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be on-site
- DOT Helmet. Outdated Snell SA and M helmets will be allowed. A selection of loaner helmets will be available for those without
- Closed toe shoes – no sandals or flip-flops
- Participants will be asked to enter one of three classes, Novice, Intermediate, Expert. Instructors may alter your classification based on their observations
- Convertibles - Factory-installed hardtops, roll hoops, and pop-up bars are allowed. All others are not allowed without an aftermarket roll bar or roll cage
- No passengers allowed in the car at any time. Instructors only
- Passing restrictions will be explained day of event
KARTING PACKAGE REQUIREMENTS
- This event is meant for those 18 years of age and older; kids aged 13-17 will need prior ProKart manager approval and will not be allowed to race unless approved in advance of the event.
- Helmets provided.