History of MKC

The Michigan Kart Club, originally formed in 1969, as a Road Race Karting group, has successfully supported Great Lakes area Kart racers by hosting kart race events at Michigan tracks like MIS, Grattan Raceway, Gingerman Raceway, and Waterford Hills.  Road Racers, also referred to in the karting community as “Enduro” Kart racers, represent about 5% of the total Karting population. The appeal of road racing is the ability to race on the large tracks that Indy Cars, SCCA, NASCAR, and others use for their events, and to experience the aerodynamic attributes of racing.  Drafting, sling shot passes, “freight training”, and other aspects of high speed competition provide a tremendous appreciation for what is seen on TV and an adrenaline rush that is unparalleled. There is nothing like racing down the straightaway at Mid Ohio, Daytona, or Talladega at 115 mph in an 8 kart nose to tail freight train where everyone is hooked up, bumper to bumper, with his foot to the floor. Most of the Road Race events are held over a three day weekend.

In recent years, MKC has hosted races at a temporary road course at the Grosse Ile, Michigan Airport.
We were challenged to provide a temporary road course layout using runway and taxiway surfaces, and, by our third year getting quite adept at it. Using a combination of pylons and 1500 to 3000 car tires, we created a race course quite a bit shorter ( 1/2 to 5/8 mile ) than our traditional track length ( 1.5 to 2 miles ).

Beginning in 2010, and continuing into 2011, MKC suspended race activities at Grosse Ile and returned to racing at the 1.5 mile Waterford Hills Raceway.    This track has the advantage of great logistics, good spectator viewing, and a cozy family atmosphere.  Current plans are to return there in 2012 and fall of 2012 running at the historic Michigan International Speedway!

For historical news, standings, etc, try visiting our Archives.