Another motorsport steers its way to Florence
Staff writer
Florence is carving a niche for itself as the motor sports capital of Kansas.
At 1 p.m. Sunday, a new motorsport will make its appearance there: the “Cento Miglia di Firenze.”
It’s a cyclekart event in which drivers who build their own cyclekarts will drive about 100 miles on the streets of the town.
A cyclekart is an owner-built gokart styled to resemble racecars from the 1920s and 1930s. They are two-thirds to three-quarters scale models that seat one.
Cyclekart racing became popular about 25 years ago.
Planning for this year’s Florence event began only two months ago. So far, 15 racers have entered.
Florence Mayor Bob Gayle said he hoped next year’s race would draw 40 or more entrants.
“There are people who come from all over the world,” Gayle said.
The race will go all over the streets of Florence.
“I don’t think we have enough straightaway to go more than 40 mph,” he said.
Although trophies aren’t typically given to cyclekart winners, Gayle said he thought the city would give trophies anyway.
“I thought the least we could do is come up with trophies,” he said.
Part of why Florence was selected for a race is its brick streets, which are like streets were in the 1920s and 1930s.
The event will offer food and craft vendors, games, camping, historical places to visit, and a dance that evening.
Along with food vendors, local eateries include Town and Country Café, 401 US-77; Brandin’ Iron, 423 Main St.; and Rusty Spur Saloon, 315 Main St.
Reservations for camping spots are being accepted at RenegadeCyclekarts@gmail.com.
It costs nothing to enter. Cyclekart owners may enter by emailing RenegadeCyclekarts@gmail.com.