Alaska’s Grand Prix Returns!
22 Nov
In other news (and something that I’m excited about), Alaska’s oldest road race, the Grand Prix is officially returning to the Fur Rondy roster of events in 2009! For me, this was the single most exciting event at the Fur Rondy in the previous years and likely the only reason I would even attend the winter festivities in downtown Anchorage. Unofficially, I know that the Alaska Sports Car Club (ASCC) is planning to introduce some new rules and a slightly different format for the races this year.
Since the event has been scheduled for a Friday and Sunday, intentionally surrounding the ceremonial start of the Iditarod – this will change the nature of how the race is conducted. Details are still being planned and the ASCC has several volunteers working to bring it all together. Although the official press release and event is not scheduled until the first week of December, the ASCC has posted a special announcement and I just had to share my excitement about the return of the Fur Rondy Grand Prix!
History of the races
One thing that I found to be a huge disappointment was the lack of historical information available online about this road race. Only the ASCC seems to have a good summary of when this event began back in 1960. Several famous racing names such as Bob Bondurant and Chris Cook have even taken part in this race. I’m hoping to do a little more digging on the history of the race, but until then check out the history on the ASCC site.
Video
Here’s a little taste of the race from inside and outside the car. Thanks to Daniel Hertrich for posting his video online!
Race Course
where do i find a rule book? i have wanted to run this race for ages
thanks.
Robin, I suggest hitting the ASCC website. Most of the basic forms are there and you can send email to TJ for additional information. I suspect there may be more information coming when the official announcement happens on December 6th. http://www.aksportscarclub.org/forms.htm
Hey Kevin,
I have some Gran Prix pics around, I’ll see if theres anything you can use.
Thanks Kbeefy!
The official press release is not until Jan 10 – it wasn’t in December. I believe AlaskaHDTV is going to try to be there as well getting some good video.