Mardi

by Chase Lowenstein

The new NOLA Motorsports Park in Avondale is launching its first major competition this weekend. The Triumph Big Kahuna event this Friday through Sunday, and brings some of the top competition in motorcycle racing to Avondale. And, there will be walking krewes.

The event will be the recently built track's first professional motorcycle race accompanied by daylong party with music, food, and fun. Big Kahuna New Orleans essentially kicks off their debut as a fully-fledged race track.

NOLA Motorsports Park signed a 3 year deal to host the Triumpph Motorcyles, AMA Pro Road Racing, Big Kahuna Nationals - the season finale and self-proclaimed "Super Bowl" of motorcycle racing. Four different classes will compete ranging from a Harly-Davidson spec. class to Superbike with speeds in excess of 190 mph. Present at the finale will be AMA board-leaders Josh Hayes and Martin Cardenas.

The event's motto is "Come for the party. stay for the race". NOLA Defender got a chance to speak NOLA Motorsports Park Assistant General Manager Wes Ratcliff as he was trackside at the park.

"The entire race is surrounded by bands, concerts, alot of good New Orleans food, " Wes told us, "You can't come to New Orleans without having some great food ya know, it's mandatory". Wes said the event is expected to have a turnout of over 30 thousand people throughout the weekend.

Among the great food, Cafe Du Monde will be catering this weekend, accompanied by floats from Mardi Gras World. The Roots of Music Marching Band, Rolling Elvi, Pussy Footers, and 610 Stompers will all enhance the Carnival feel.

There are also restaurants on site for racers and spectators alike to relive the moments with friends. Wes also said the excitement doesn't end this weekend, this is just one of many trackside events the park plans for the future.

Aside from the parties, the track employs a wide array of methods to put your rubber to the road. They have go-karts for youths and adults, motorcycle ride-alongs, and days where you can bring your vehicle and stretch it's legs out on the track on your own terms. If your vehicle isn't sporty enough, "Our go carts go about 50 miles an hour, so they're plenty fast", assures Wes. However, for those with a hot vehicle and a lead foot, your encouraged to bring it to the track with an "Emphasis on safety, enjoying your vehicle responsibly, and having a good time".

Not all races at the park will be held on asphalt, NOLA Motorsports Park is currently working on building an off-road course. It's expected to be ready for action sometime in the near future. The $162.4 million facility spans across a 650 acre lot. It's home to a 2.75 mile road course, a 1.5 mile kart track, and a 34,000 sq. foot activity center. For those whose equipment doesn't fare well on the track, there's also storage garages and a repair facility.

For those who don't fancy themselves in the driver seat, the track will also host monthly car shows along with their larger events. There's even talk of 5k footraces being held.

Friday will be a relatively short day with only practice and qualifying runs taking place. The real action takes place Saturday and live music will be Sat/Sun from 10am-1pm. The Big Kahuna National's event will also come with stunt shows and monster trucks.

NOLA Motorsports Park is located at 11075 Nicolle Blvd., Avondale, La. More information on this weekend's event can be found here.