PHOTOS: Boston Police Athletic League Grand Prix
Photos by Margaret Burdge
Boston’s NASCAR fanatics didn’t have to travel far this weekend to get their adrenaline fix thanks to the fifth annual Boston Police Athletic League (BPAL) Grand Prix.
On Saturday, the Seaport district was transformed into a European-style karting racetrack for the event, which raised money for youth development in the city. Money raised directly benefits youth service officers in Boston, funding cops’ and kids’ activities.
“You don’t want [kids] to see the cops as a threat,” said BPAL Chairman Neal Rossi. “You want the kids to see them as a resource to help.”
Providing everything from martial arts classes to Duck Tours, and funding 12 passenger vans to transport kids in “little buses” as opposed to police cruisers, the work BPAL does affects more than 5,000 underprivileged children in Boston, said Rossi. These events are possible thanks to funds raised at events like the Grand Prix.
This year, 13 corporations (mainly Boston staples like Citibank) gave $10,000 each to have four to six riders participate in the Grand Prix, and more bought banners advertising on the track fence, raising in excess of $150,000 in total for the event. Three corporations chose to give money, but not send racers, in which case Boston Police officers took their place.
“Being a professional racecar driver, you’re always presented with the question, ‘What does it feel like?,’” said RJ Valentine of F1 Boston in Braintree, who put together the racetrack for the event. “You can never explain to somebody what it’s like. This is probably what most closely simulates competition, but [it’s] not at the level of a racecar driver.”
This year, for the first time, the four-hour endurance race was accompanied by a carnival, food and drink vendors, and other activities for those watching the event.
Below, check out some of the racing and activities that took place at the BPAL Grand Prix:
“The youth service officers used to get a lot of federal money,” said Rossi. “All that money is sort of gone now, so we fund their requests.” Without racers like this one who came out to support the cause at the Grand Prix, these funds would not be possible.
Paint Nite, one of the sponsors for the event, got viewers’ creative juices flowing with a tutorial on how to paint a city skyline.
Karts whipped around turns, helmed by anyone from first-timers to professional racecar drivers.
None of the drivers had to go hungry thanks to food provided largely from services donating their time, including Shake Shack, The Sausage Guy, Towne Stove and Spirits, and more. A beer and wine garden also tempted visitors who wouldn’t be behind the wheel.
Above, drivers stand along the sidelines, waiting for their chance to take the wheel.
Event staff issued warnings and penalties for contact with other karts.
From a juggler to face-painting to balloon animals, the carnival area of the event kept families plenty busy.
The track wound down Seaport Boulevard between Northern Avenue and Boston Wharf Road.
Above, a participant pulls up to the pit for a driver change, which happened about every 12 minutes over the course of the four-hour endurance race.
