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Last updated on Tuesday, July 23, 2013
(MITCHELL) - The Third Annual 2013 Hillbilly 500 race will be held August 3 in Mitchell.
Last year 35 racers of all ages competed and more than 800 spectators cheered them on.
The race isn't a soapbox derby -- it's a "hillbilly" race, meaning that the carts resemble hillbilly jalopies with only steering, brakes and four wheels in common.
There are no motors; the carts are required to free-roll down a ramp for 500 feet. The first one across the finish line wins.
Organizer Dan Kemple, Eddie McLain, Kellie Kemple, Jim Gaddis, Ron Marsh and Doug Duncan hope this year draw a larger crowd.
The race kicks off at noon. Registration is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the top of the railroad overpass on Teke Burton Drive near Orchard Street, behind Hoosier Hills Credit Union.
Participants only need to donate a food or toiletry item for the Lawrence InterFaith Endeavor food pantry the day to race. Spectators also are asked to bring donations to help those in need.
The race will feature four age groups: kids ages 5-8, kids ages 9-13, teens ages 14-17 and adults older than 18. Teke Burton Drive will close from just north of Orchard Street down to Main Street for the race.
McLain says there will also be free games for children 5-year-old and younger at Mitchell Motors and the Living Well parking lots during the event. Concessions will also be sold the day of the event.
Those interested in helping or seeking more information, can visit the website,www.mitchell500.com, find "Mitchell Hillbilly 500 Race" on Facebook or call McLain at 278-1317 or Kemple at 583-3359.
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