Kids participating in the annual Mount Clemens Grand Prix derby-style race got a chance to practice their skills Thursday night in the parking lot behind Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton Township.
Dozens of youngsters will take part in Saturday’s Grand Prix, which includes a time trial, division races, bounce houses and a trophy ceremony. The event is run by the Mount Clemens Lions Club and several volunteers.
“What we’re doing tonight is letting people who have never raced before take a couple practice runs down the ramp so they’re familiar with braking and how to steer the vehicle,” said Darryl Hissong, chairman and director of the committee of race
A total of 48 runners are registered to participate in the event.
Frankie Gullett, 5, of Chesterfield Township poses next to his car. Frankie attends Francis Higgins Elementary School in New Baltimore. (MITCH HOTTS — THE MACOMB NEWSPAPER)
Several local businesses are sponsoring the event, which is being held at Crocker, east of Gratiot Avenue across from Mount Clemens City Hall. Proceeds from sponsors, who contributed between $200 and $5,000 each, help pay for a program and other expenses, while a portion is donated to various charities.
Organizers say more than $370,000 has been donated over the years.
“It’s all about the kids,” Hissong said. “And the community is there for the kids.”
The Mount Clemens Grand Prix was started in the 1990s by Fred Fox, owner of the Rec Bowl bowling alley at the end of Crocker Raceway, and his wife, Pattie, joined with other civic-minded people who were looking for a family event that also raises money for charities. Competitors assemble their own vehicles from soapbox derby kits and are allowed to paint the vehicles.
On Wednesday evening, Fox hosted a Kids’ Night at the Rec Bowl, with free pizza and bowling.
Richard Shorkey, 6, of Harrison Township, gets some directions from Shawn McParland. (MITCH HOTTS — THE MACOMB NEWSPAPER)
Time trials are held on Saturday morning and then the race starts at 11:30am
Tom Gullett is a true veteran of the event, coaching his 5-year-old grandson, Frankie Gullett.
“I’ve had someone in the race every year for the last 30 years,” he said. “My son ran in the first one and now his children participate. It’s fun for the kids.”
In what has become a community tradition, Mount Clemens Firefighters Local 838 will host its 12th annual All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast from 7:30 to 11 a.m. for runners and the general public.
The firefighters will cook pancakes and sausages, and provide coffee and orange juice. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children 11 and under. The tasty breakfast is beyond a bargain—the fire department hasn’t raised prices in over a decade.
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