More than 100 eighth-, ninth- and 10th-graders competed July 3 in the 13th Annual Teen X-Stream Push Kart Derby – sponsored by the Chicago Park District and hosted by the NASCAR Chicago Street Race – on the Chicago Street Race grounds in Grant Park, where NASCAR held its third annual street race July 5-6. Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa joined NASCAR Street Race President Julie Giese to kick off the Push Kart Derby races. Teens participating in the event built their own push karts during the Chicago Park District summer day camps happening at 20 different parks this year and raced them in a series of heats, leading to the finals later that day. Winners received tickets to the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.  Over 5,000 teens have competed throughout the Push Kart Derby’s 13-year history. This enduring tradition allows teens to engage with their peers from across the city and to travel outside their neighborhoods, including downtown. For more information, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

Photo Credit: Chicago Park District