Event karts to raise cancer awareness

Go-karting fanatics can race to fight breast cancer this weekend at the free family-friendly event "Pushing Pink Pedals Kart Racing for the Cure" Sunday from 5-9 p.m. at Pole Position Raceway.

The event was dreamed up by Candice Cooley, a marketing director with a passion for motor sports, whose mother has recently completed breast cancer treatment.

"Last year my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. ... I wanted to create and organize my own event in honor of my mom and all those others who are fighting, survived (or) who lost their life to breast cancer," Cooley stated in an e-mail.

The event will begin with a ceremonial race among 10 breast cancer survivors, which will include Cooley's mother. Afterward, the tracks will open up for $20 races. The first 100 racers will receive goodie bags and half of all ticket sales will be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Southern Nevada.

For those who would rather not drive, there will be a silent auction, raffle prizes and free food from Claim Jumpers restaurant. Disc jockey Steph MacKenzie from KXPT-FM 97.1 The Point will host the event.

Pole Position Raceway is located at 7350 Prairie Falcon Road, near Tenaya Way between Smoke Ranch Road and Cheyenne Avenue. Call 804-1508 for more information.