Rain, Rookies, and Rivalries at the Lafayette Grand Prix

The Touring Kart Championship rolled into Lafayette Motorsports Park on May 31st for the much-anticipated Lafayette Grand Prix, an “arrive and drive” showdown where drivers battled each other—and the elements—in karts supplied by the facility.

Despite the late May date, race day brought cold temperatures and steady rain, turning the tight, technical course into a true test of control and consistency. Grip was scarce, but the competition was fierce.

Ben Gaunt set the fast lap and started on the pole. However, issues with the kart brought him into the pits. In the end, it was Ben Braley who mastered the slick conditions to take the win. Alex Smith stayed close to secure second place, and Anthony Belgiovene completed the podium in third with a strong showing under pressure.

From wheel-to-wheel action to dramatic slides through the wet, the Lafayette Grand Prix proved that you don’t need your own kart to put on a show—just skill, strategy, and possibly a little bit of luck.