Grand Prix
A few passionate engineering students at Purdue wanted to show their skills of what they learned and created a long time standing tradition at Purdue. The Grand prix idea was born on May 17, 1958. Every cart built from scratch, at an average of $5,000 raised by students and sponsored by local venues. 33 student groups compete with full pit crew and go-kart. They race for 150 laps or 50 miles.
The first race took place on the north intramural field. The track was eventually moved to the north side of campus near Ross-Ade Stadium in 1968, and completed for 1969. The track was moved again in 2009 located near McCormick road and Cherry lane. This track is the best one yet, and costs just over $1,000,000.
Originally the Purdue Auto Club had taken control of managing the Grand Prix but in 1965 the Purdue Auto Club had fallen apart. On November 9, 1965 a new foundation came about to save the Grand Prix for the student body. The Grand Prix Foundation was formed and saved the Grand Prix from collapsing. The Grand Prix Foundation still manages the event to this date. The Grand prix Foundation has a President, a Senior Board, a Junior Board, track workers, safety workers, and security workers all ran by students.
The first winner of the Grand Prix in 1958 was James Moneyhun. Records were set when in 1968 Al Brittingham won two consecutive races. That was also completed in 1991 when Dough Hodgton won two consecutive races as well. But then from 1993 to 1995 Ian Smith had broken the record winning three consecutive races. Click here to see an entire list of Grand Prix winners.
The Grand Prix today gives out scholarships to students who deserve the money from hard work in sponsoring. The Grand Prix Foundation tries to raise $10,000 for scholarships from local businesses. The Grand prix has been raising money since its founding in 1958.