MODESTO — At 2 p.m. Friday, the green flag dropped to officially kick off the first practice session for this weekend’s Save Mart Supermarkets Modesto Grand Prix for the Superkarts! USA Summer Nationals.

The event will mark the first time in the five-year history of the SKUSA Pro Tour that the excitement and challenges of a street course will be in play.

Work began last week to construct the 8-turn, 0.9-mile temporary street circuit in the heart of downtown Modesto. The project included 200 large concert-style speakers placed all along the circuit and over 80 light towers to surround the course during the night sessions.

“The City of Modesto has gone above and beyond what we expected when we signed this deal last year,” said Superkarts! USA CEO Tom Kutscher. “This is not your ordinary street race, throwing up hay bales and a few fences. This is a complete racing facility that is being placed right in the heart of the city. We are talking well over a quarter of a million dollars invested into this project.”    

Over 300 drivers are expected to be competing in eight divisions with double main events on both Saturday and Sunday. Officials expect to see speeds of up to 90 mph on the two main straight-aways, which measure two full city blocks.

In addition to three days of exciting racing fans can expect a variety of food and merchandise booths and a variety of racing exhibits. Jumbo monitors and several footbridges have been installed to aid the spectator viewing experience.

“Of course, I may seem biased, but I honestly think this is the most highly promoted kart race ever,” stated Kutscher. “It truly is an event on par with any professional car race in terms of how it is being promoted.”

City of Modesto officials hope to attract crowds of between 5,000 to 7,500 this weekend.

The schedule for both Saturday and Sunday includes practice from 11a.m.-1 p.m.; qualifying from 1-3; heats from 3-7 and main event racing from 7-10:30.

Tickets are $15 for adults and kids under 10 years old get in for free. For more information visit www.modestogp.com