The Junior 500 at the Gateway Kartplex provides an opportunity for students of all backgrounds to experience firsthand the thrill of motorsports. Through the qualifying process, students can pit their skill against each other in kart racing and compete for a shot at a full year scholarship for the Ignite Karting Series.
📅 Sept 20, 2026 · Jr 500 Championship Shootout 📍 Gateway Kartplex ⏰ Registration Open
The ultimate proving ground for aspiring racers. From the Kartplex to the Championship Shootout, we provide the equipment, coaching, and opportunity.
ABOUT THE EVENT
What is The Junior 500?
The Jr 500 Series is an expansion of the Jr 500 Championship Shootout which started in 2019. The program’s goal is to provide a unique opportunity for qualified youth to experience motorsports. Participation is open to boys and girls ages 15–19 from area high schools and youth organizations who hold a valid driver’s license. A learner’s permit is acceptable.
In addition to the racing, students are introduced to the behind-the-scenes of motorsports and encouraged to explore career opportunities as their interests lead them.
The Racers Experience
Jr 500 Series
Participants must register for the event before attending. For their first qualifying session, participants must arrive with a parent or legal guardian. Once registered, aspiring competitors can practice during regular open-track hours at Gateway KartPlex. The Raceway Gives Foundation will provide discounted practice rates for Jr 500 competitors leading up to the qualifying events.
Official qualifying sessions will take place on August 18th (15-year-olds only), August 20th, August 25th, and September 3rd, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Participants may attend as many qualifying sessions as they wish and will post their best lap time.
The top 14 drivers with the fastest qualifying lap times will advance to the Junior 500 Shootout on September 20th, from noon to 5:00 PM. The qualifiers will practice in Margay K3 karts at Gateway KartPlex before being divided into two groups. The fastest seven drivers will advance to the Championship Final, where the fastest lap determines the Junior 500 Champion and recipient of the Ignite Series Scholarship.
All Jr 500 event participants will receive a special invitation in 2027 to experience the thrill of a NTT INDYCAR SERIES event at World Wide Technology Raceway.
Stage 1: Jr 500 Series
Qualifying Rounds
Qualifier results will be posted within 24 hours of event completion. Top 14 overall lap times will advance to the Jr 500 Shootout.
Stage 2: Jr 500 Shootout
Championship Finals
Finalists compete in Margay K3 race karts. The Shootout includes a practice session, group qualifying, and a Championship Final. The fastest lap in the final determines the Junior 500 Champion.
THE PRIZE
Ignite Series Scholarship
The Junior 500 Champion receives a scholarship from the Raceway Gives Foundation to compete in the following year’s Ignite Series. The 2026 champion’s scholarship for the 2027 season includes a fully prepared Ignite K3 race kart, technical support from the Margay Factory Team, entry fees for all 11 races, an allowance for maintenance and repairs, and practice time and coaching at Gateway KartPlex.
Recent Winner: Breon Austin (2025) secured a full ride for the 2026 season.
MEMORY LANE
Highlights from the previous year.
Interested participants can register here
Get Registered
EXPANDING GRID
How To Support This Event
If you would like to contribute support for this event please reach out to 618-215-8888 and ask for Alex Mahnich or James Caldwell. We have multiple opportunities available and all contributions are tax deductible.
If you are a parent/scout leader/community organizer/school representative and would like to know more about how the Jr 500 can provide opportunities for your students, please reach out to James at 618-215-8888 ext. 105 or jcaldwell@wwtraceway.com.