Mini Corvette Challenge

Over the past 23 years the Mini Corvette Challenge presented by Houchens Industries has become a staple event for Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky. The Knicely Conference Center parking lot was transformed into a mini-racetrack as area businesses race their custom-tooled and detailed Corvette go-carts competing for the coveted Gold Cup and bragging rights for the year as they raise money and awareness for Junior Achievement. The green flag waved at 10:00 a.m., when a field of local teams competed in heat races to determine their positions in the final three championship cup races that began at 12:30 pm.

Race teams consist of up to nine team members: minimum of two but up 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 sponsors, U.S. Bank (Gold Cup), General Motors Assembly Plant (Silver Cup), and ESPN 102.7 & SAM 100.7 (Bronze Cup).

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 five-county region of Allen, Barren, Logan, Simpson and Warren counties. Last school year, JA provided 414 programs to more than 9,800 students.

For more information on Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky please visit www.jaforkids.com.