APEX THE PLAINS - Road. Track. Repeat.

WHO ARE WE?

Simply put, APEX THE PLAINS is the new hotness! Established for enthusiasts by enthusiasts, we curate all-inclusive, driver-focused adventures where you hammer some amazing backroads, swap keys (if you choose) to experience multiple vehicles like your favorite auto journalist, engage in some wheel-to-wheel karting, and push your ride to the limit with open lapping and driver challenges on track. All packed into an epic two-day weekend - no time off work required!

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 and meet back up for dinner and karting.

The Enthusiast Exchange – An industry-first! APEX THE PLAINS participants 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 driving, the group will travel its final leg to ProKART in Burnsville, MN where the entire venue will be ours for an evening of team-based wheel-to-wheel racing. An exciting end to an epic day.

The Track – Sunday is track day. In partnership with Gary Curtis Driving Experience, all drivers will 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 at least four 20-minute lapping sessions as well as several unique driving challenges.

The Challenges – To kick things up a notch, we are evolving beyond just open lapping to also include driver challenges. Challenges will include: U-Drags, Stop Box, Skidpad , Figure 88, Reverse Slalom, and a flooded skidpad. Awards will be presented.

The Food –Upon check-in Saturday morning at Bay Point Park overlooking the Mississippi River, a boxed breakfast will be provided. A wood-fired pizza lunch will be hosted at Suncrest Gardens Pizza Farm. A delicious BBQ dinner will be catered in the SkyBox at ProKart. Breakfast and lunch will also be provided trackside on Sunday. FIVE meals in all included for each participant.

The Media– GoPros and DSLRs will be out in full force throughout the weekend. Automotive specialist, Erik Blume Photography, will be providing their incredible professional photography and videography services on Sunday capturing memories you won’t soon forget. 

The Lodging– APEX THE PLAINS has a block of rooms reserved at the Best Western Premier in Burnsville, MN. This is an easy drive to and from karting, the track, and MSP Airport. If desired, lodging is the responsibility of the participant to secure; cost is not included. 

The Planning – We have selected and validated the route, identified fuel stops, found fantastic eating spots, booked private 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 60-80% 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

• 7:30-8:40am - Check-in/Breakfast - Bay Point Park, Red Wing, MN
• 8:40 - 8:50am - Drivers Meeting
• 9:00am - Roll out
• 9:00 - 10:00am - Drive
• 10:00 - 10:30 - Fuel Stop
• 10:30 - 11:30 - Drive
• 11:30 - 12:00 - Fuel Stop & Enthusiast Exchange #1
• 12:00 - 12:30 - Drive
• 12:30 - 2:00 - Lunch & Enthusiast Exchange #2 - Suncrest Gardens Pizza Farm
• 2:00 - 2:30 - Drive
• 2:30 - 2:40 - Enthusiast Exchange #3
• 2:40 - 3:00 - Drive
• 3:00 - 3:30 - Fuel Stop
• 3:30 - 4:30 - Drive
• 4:30 - 5:00 - Fuel Stop
• 5:00 - 6:30 - Drive
• 6:30 - 10:00pm - Karting/Dinner - ProKart Burnsville, MN

SUNDAY - subject to change

• 7:30 - 8:30am - Check-in and breakfast (provided)
• 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

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Driver - $749 (required)
Passenger - $99 each (optional)
Lodging - King: $139/night; 2-Queens: $149/night (optional)
NOTE: If desired, lodging is your responsibility to secure. Hotel info will be provided for rates above.