Ready to Race? Indiana County Set to Host First-Ever ‘Golf Cart 500′

Full disclosure: I have never been to the Indianapolis 500. When I was growing up, I had several friends who went every year, and they always brought back cool stories to tell before class the following Monday. Having not grown up around it myself, I never had the urge to buy a ticket as an adult. Perhaps it's something I need to add to my bucket list, especially as a born-and-raised Hoosier.

The next Indianapolis 500 is set for Sunday, May 26, 2024, but there is another event happening before then if you want to get into the racing spirit early. One Indiana community is set to host their first-ever "Golf Cart 500," and it looks like it will be a very interesting day. Races will be held at the Johnson County Park Baseball Diamonds and Field on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m.

Johnson County, Indiana Parks and Recreation is responsible for hosting the event, which will feature first, second, third, and even last-place prizes. All competitors are required to possess a driver's license before registering to participate. This can be done by contacting the park office. Here is what officials say visitors can expect from a day of not-so-high-speed racing:

Sign-up for Johnson County Park's first-ever Golf Cart 500! Test your skills in a variety of competitions to determine whether you have what it takes to be champ.

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While these carts won't be moving at super speeds, they do have the capability of moving faster than you might think. According to North Florida Golf Carts, modern gas-powered golf carts can travel anywhere from 20 to 24 miles per hour, while electric golf carts can travel about 20 to 24 miles per hour. I would imagine it feels a lot faster when you ride the golf cart rather than just watch it.

If you want to see some carts in action for yourself, the Golf Cart 500 looks to be the place to do just that. However, officials note that the event is for campers only and is not open to the general public. Therefore, if you want to see some golf cart racing action, you'll need to make plans to camp that weekend.