Those of you that participated last year know that this was a fine way to spend a Sunday!   

Once again, we plan to meet for brunch in Maquoketa at the Decker Hotel and then spend the afternoon at 61 Kartway in Delmar, an outdoor karting facility just south of Maquoketa.  This track is six-tenths of a mile full of twists, turns, chicanes, sweepers and brutal elevation changes, including a 45 foot uphill change in less than 100 feet at the end of the longest straight!  I’ve even been told that there is such a thing as a “fat man’s” line around the track!

Best lap times will be available for comparison after each run group completes.  My personal bests have posted average speeds approaching nearly 40 mph—believe me when I tell you that this feels very fast.

We’ll begin by meeting for the Sunday brunch buffet at 11:30.  Price for brunch is $8.95 plus tax and tip, payable at the hotel.

After brunch, we’ll depart for the track, about 9 miles south on Highway 61, arriving around 1 pm.  For those of you that worry about these kinds of things, it’s all hard surface roads until you get to the track parking lot. 

The kartway is open from 11 AM to 5 PM, and we are being provided rentals at a group rate of $20 per participant for the first session and $10 for each additional 10 minute session (price is subject to confirmation at the opening of the rental season).  You will be responsible for payment at the track at the end of your day.  Helmets and neck braces are provided with the rentals, though personal equipment can be used it as long as you also have a visor or goggles for eye protection.  Long sleeves and pants are also recommended.  Kart rentals are also available to those under 18 once a parent signs a consent form—see the track website for additional information. We’ll be going out in run groups of six for 10 minutes at a time, so I’d like to limit the rentals to around 24 participants to avoid significant wait!

For those that would just prefer to watch, digest and just enjoy what we hope will be a sunny afternoon, bleachers and picnic tables are available.  If you are able to bring a canopy for shade, I’d recommend you do so.  A cooler stocked with (non-alcoholic) beverages is also a good idea.  Restroom facilities are portable toilets.

Reserve your spot soon-- registration closes May 16th!