A go-kart race to benefit Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky is returning to Bowling Green on June 1.

The M&L Electrical Race for JA, which got its start in 2021, will give teams and individuals the opportunity to zip around the track in a go-kart while benefiting an organization that provides free programs that teach financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship to K-12 students in its 13-county service area.

The race will take place from 7 a.m. to noon at the NCM Kartplex located at the NCM Motorsports Park, 505 Kimberlee A. Fast Drive.

“This is a really fun event where people can enjoy a competitive, high energy day of go-kart racing,” said Allie Sharp Hilderbrandt, president of Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky. “Obviously, it wouldn’t be possible without our title sponsor, M&L Electrical, and our other sponsors. It couldn’t happen without them or without the community.”

Racers will compete in two categories: teams of four and individuals.

Registration ends May 20, with various teams and sponsorships available for corporations to purchase.

There is also an opportunity to buy a sponsorship and donate the team of four included if no company team members are available.

Teams must pay $375 to enter and the cost for individual racers is $50.

“Teams can be made up of co-workers at a business or a group of friends,” Hilderbrandt said.

Registrants will receive an event T-shirt, lunch ticket, go-kart experience and entertainment.

To be eligible to race, participants must be at least 60 inches tall and a guardian must be present for anyone under the age of 18.

Closed-toed shoes are required.

Hilderbrandt said the “casual, fun, energetic and high speed event” will also include music throughout the day and a trophy presentation.

Cup trophies will be awarded to the top winners of races in a heat structure format.

Hilderbrandt said she hopes to see a large crowd.

“We really encourage spectators to attend,” she said.

Hilderbrandt said that last year’s race raised around $15,000 for Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky.

The race will be held rain or shine, however, the threat of tornadoes, flooding or lightning will postpone the event. NCM Motorsports Park will make the decision.

In case of postponement, the event will be moved to June 8.

Tents will also be on site to provide shade and relief from the heat, Hilderbrandt said.

– To register and for more information, visit jaforkids.com.