MADISON, Ill. (Sept. 22, 2026) – Twenty racers competed through multiple rounds of qualifying during August and September for the opportunity to earn an Ignite Series Scholarship provided by the Raceway Gives Foundation at the Junior 500 shootout on Sept. 20.
After weeks of competition, Riley Kirn emerged as the scholarship recipient, delivering a standout performance throughout the event. Kirn topped his group in both practice and qualifying before securing the victory and claiming the coveted 2027 Ignite Series Scholarship.
The Ignite Scholarship is awarded to the winner of the Junior 500 and provides entry into the following season’s Ignite Series, helping young drivers continue their development in competitive karting. Funded by the Raceway Gives Foundation, the scholarship creates a direct pathway for participants to advance their racing careers while gaining experience in a structured motorsports environment.
The Junior 500, a signature initiative of the Raceway Gives Foundation, provides local high school students with a unique opportunity to explore motorsports through hands-on competition, STEM-based learning and career development experiences. The program introduces participants to the technical, strategic and teamwork-oriented aspects of racing while fostering skills that extend beyond the track.
The program is structured around a series of qualifying sessions and kart-building activities that prepare participants for competition.
Drivers compete for positions in the final field, with the 14 fastest qualifiers advancing to the Junior 500 Shootout. The finalists are divided into two groups of seven, with the eight fastest drivers advancing to compete for the overall championship and the 2027 Ignite Series Scholarship.
Held at the Gateway Kartplex, the culminating event showcases the skills participants develop throughout the program while providing scholarship and advancement opportunities.
Through karting competition and educational programming, the Junior 500 continues to create pathways for young people interested in motorsports while supporting the foundation’s mission of youth development and workforce readiness.
To learn more about the Raceway Gives Foundation, visit racewaygives.org.
