The 58th Annual Labor Day Hare and Hound Race will begin Saturday, with the motocross portion of the event starting Sunday Sept. 2. The race is hosted by The Garden Island Motorcycle Club and the Kaua‘i Motocross Riders Association. The
The 58th Annual Labor Day Hare and Hound Race will begin Saturday, with the motocross portion of the event starting Sunday Sept. 2.
The race is hosted by The Garden Island Motorcycle Club and the Kaua‘i Motocross Riders Association.
The GIMC was started under the direction of Larry Andrade and its history stretches back to 1945.
Like many motor cycle club’s of its time, it was started by veterans, specifically of World War II according to Bertram Almeida, president of the GIMC.
The Labor Day festivities is the longest consecutive motorcycle race in American history, according to Almeida.
“People from all around the world have attended,” Almeida said. “It is known by many to be one of the hardest motorcycle races in the world.”
In addition to the competition, many faces show up for the unique atmosphere that only Kaua‘i can provide, according to Almeida
“A lot of people come for the aloha,” Almeida said. “You don’t find this kind camaraderie in the Mainland.”
The GIMC will be using funds from the Hare and Hound race and other races
throughout the year to put on its 4th Annual Oma‘o Charity Poker Run in November. The Poker Run will be free to enter, however they would like participants to donate canned food.
“We take the donated food and give to the food bank,” Almeida said. “It is all about providing food to the people for the holidays.”
Last year GIMC was able to come up with 1,800 pounds of food, and this year their goal is to come up with 5,000 pounds, according to Almeida.
The Hare and Hound Race will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday in Anahola, the motocross races start at 9 a.m. on Sunday at the Wailua Track with an awards ceremony following.
Those interested in entering can to do so today at the Wailua Track at 6 p.m. or on race day. For more information contact Bertram Almeida at 651-3000.
•Rick Killeen, sports writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 237) or sports@thegardenisland.com. Follow Rick on Twitter @RickKilleen.
