Alaska Raceway Park hosting Kids Power Wheel race this weekend

WASILLA— Alaska Raceway Park is holding their annual Kids Power Wheel event in between regular races this weekend, giving local families a chance to enjoy a summer weekend at the tracks while watching their little racers rev their battery-powered engines.

“The kids are able to bring their little Jeeps or Barbie Corvettes, or whatever,” Raceway Park owner Michelle Lackey Maynor said.

The Power Wheel event takes place Saturday during the point race intermission. It’s a laid-back event geared for younger children.

“The little kids get the opportunity to go out on the race track and hang out,” Lackey Maynor said.

Lackey Maynor said there are two age groups for this event, zero to four and five to eight. There will be prizes awarded to the top placers of each age group. She said they have a number of new and established youth programs and the Power Wheel event helps foster an early appreciation for racing.

“It’s just fun thing we do… trying to involve families more… It’s just a way to get more kids out there enjoying racing and learning how to love motorsports like the rest of us do. It’s a good place to get started before they can actually get on the track with their regular cars.

Lackey Maynor noted that battery-powered vehicles must have four wheels and participating children are required to wear helmets. She said that families also need to sign waivers prior to the event. Waivers can be filled out ahead of time on their website or at the track.

The Green Light Grill, Nitro Java, the High Octane Lounge, and the onsite gift shop will be open throughout the day.

Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and military, $10 for children ages 11 to 15, and children 10 and under are free.

The Old Glenn Highway will be closed this weekend for construction, so drivers are advised to drive through Palmer on their way out. Alaska Raceway Park is located at 5599 South Race Way. For more information, visit raceak.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com