THE REVIVAL TIMES

By 1964, the Lake Garnett Grand Prix had become a well-established racing event. This official program captures that momentum, detailing the day’s events, competitors, and the local businesses that supported the race. Programs like this preserve the character and energy of the era, offering insight into how the Grand Prix was experienced by spectators at the time. We are grateful to Susan Wettstein for contributing this piece of history.

Mustang is the featured marque at this year’s event, and organizers of the LGGPR are putting out a call to owners of all years of Boss 302, Boss 351, and Boss 429 Mustangs – in street trim or race versions. Participants and Mustang enthusiasts will be treated to special displays and track groups dedicated to the “World’s Most Popular Ponycar”. Scott Ward, LGGPR President said, “The Mustang crowd has consistently been one of the largest supporting groups at the Revival, and we felt it was fitting to give them the honor of being the featured marque this year, especially since...

This documentary explores the early “street years” at Watkins Glen, when racing took place on public roads before the construction of the permanent circuit. Much like Lake Garnett, the original Watkins Glen races were run through everyday roadways, transforming quiet communities into high-speed motorsport venues. During the 1960s, Watkins Glen and Lake Garnett even competed for the opportunity to host National Championship SCCA events. Both shared similar beginnings — grassroots organization, passionate volunteers, and drivers eager to test their skills on challenging road courses. This film offers a compelling look at a legendary circuit whose early history closely mirrors that...

This image captures a published article from Victory Lane Magazine highlighting the history and spirit of the Lake Garnett Grand Prix. Written by longtime participant and sponsor Russ Sifers, the piece reflects both firsthand experience and deep appreciation for the event’s legacy. Russ has been an integral part of the Lake Garnett Grand Prix community for years, and his article helps share that story with a wider audience of vintage racing enthusiasts. We are proud to see the Grand Prix recognized in print and grateful for Russ’s continued support of the event.

This red metal-on-wood plaque is a unique piece of Lake Garnett racing history. Featuring a detailed map of the lake with labeled corner names, it reflects the layout of the course that hosted multiple forms of motorsport during the 1960s. The plaque notes that the event was “Sanctioned by I.K.F.,” most likely referring to the International Kart Federation, a national karting sanctioning body established in the late 1950s. Kart racing events were held at Lake Garnett during the same era as the original Grand Prix road races, though they were separate competitions with their own organizers and sanctioning structure. While...

Due to flooding, this year’s Lake Garnett Grand Prix Revival (www.LGGPR.org) was rescheduled for November 9-11. It was a cold weekend (15 degrees at sunrise on Saturday) but three brave KC MG Car Club members took their TCs to the event. Robert Griffey took his ’46 TC, Chris Cassell took his ’47 TC and Russ Sifers took his ’49 TC to run at death defying speeds up to and including 60 mph in the Great Britain Group at noon. Jon Green always brings his ’38 TA but he was out of the country and Cleo Simmonds’ ’48 TC needed carb...

The 1968 Lake Garnett Grand Prix program reflects a later chapter in the original run of races. Its pages document the competitors, schedule, and community partnerships that kept the event thriving. As the racing world continued to evolve, Lake Garnett remained an important venue for drivers and fans alike. Thank you to Susan Wettstein for preserving and sharing this historic program.

There is something special about watching racing history come alive on film. In 1958, the quiet roads around Lake Garnett transformed into a high speed circuit filled with sports cars, open exhaust notes, and the unmistakable energy of American road racing’s golden era. Long before modern safety barriers and digital timing systems, drivers relied on raw skill, courage, and mechanical intuition to navigate the winding lakeside course. This original footage captures the Lake Garnett Grand Prix as it happened — not recreated, not retold — but preserved in motion. A Glimpse Into 1958 Road Racing The late 1950s were a...

This newspaper article, written by Dane Hicks and published in The Anderson County Review, highlights the return of the Lake Garnett Grand Prix through the modern-day revival event. The piece captures the excitement surrounding the renewed celebration of Garnett’s racing heritage, connecting today’s community with the historic road races that once drew national attention. Coverage like this reflects the continued local pride and growing interest in honoring the legacy of the original Grand Prix. We appreciate the thoughtful reporting and support in helping share the story of the Lake Garnett Grand Prix Revival.

There is a unique thrill in watching vintage racing footage — especially when it captures a moment in time that helped shape a community’s passion for motorsport. The 1961 Lake Garnett Grand Prix sits squarely in that place where history, enthusiasm, and pure racing spirit intersect. Just a few years after the original events began, this race showcased drivers and cars at the height of early American sports car competition — raw, spirited, and deeply connected to local fans. This video is more than moving images. It’s a window into a bygone era where the roar of engines echoed across...

Take a look around from these birds eye point of view images. If it is your first time to the track or want to learn more about it, you can get oriented really easy using these images. Thanks to JP Peck for submitting them. If you are interested in getting any of these photos or services contact mpeckable@gmail.com Different images from the track Shots from the car show and paddock Example run at the Autocross https://vimeo.com/1021575808

This scanned program from the original 1959 Lake Garnett Grand Prix offers a detailed look at the event as it was presented to spectators more than six decades ago. Spanning approximately 28 pages, the program provides insight into the race schedule, participating drivers, sponsors, and the atmosphere surrounding one of the early years of the Grand Prix. It captures not only the competition itself, but the community support and organization that made the event possible. We are grateful to Susan Wettstein for preserving and sharing this remarkable piece of Lake Garnett Grand Prix history.

The original Lake Garnett Grand Prix was a SCCA sanctioned race from 1959 to 1972.  It is an historic 2.8 mile road course around a fishing lake in the small town of Garnett, KS which was about an hour south of Kansas City.  Many sports car greats raced at Lake Garnett: Dave McDonald, Ken Miles,Don Yenko, Jack Hinkle, Jim Hall, Bob Johnson, Bob Aylward, Toly Arutunoff and KC legends Bob Hindson, Tom Newcomer, Grace Harris, Joe Egle and Woody Woodward among others.  Carroll Shelby brought his factory race team with Cobras 97, 98 and 99 to take on the new...

The LGGPR was delayed until November which brought snow and 14F weather! A few of the HVR drivers came from TX, OK, KS, and MO to overcome the cold and enjoy some great camp fire time and fun driving on the track! HVR truly appreciates being able to participate in this one of a kind event! See you in 2019!

The 1963 Lake Garnett Grand Prix program documents one of the most memorable years in the event’s history. Featuring driver information, race schedules, and sponsor support, the program reflects a race that drew notable talent and growing attention. It stands as a tangible reminder of the professionalism and excitement surrounding the Grand Prix during this era. Our thanks to Susan Wettstein for sharing this historic document.

Here are a few jpeg files of SCCA races in 1971/72 era. My dad, Glen Shepard, raced there in the 1960’s and 1970’s. I remember being at the last race when Ralph Miller was killed. My dad will most likely be attending this years gathering and I’m still trying to see if I can make it. I live in San Francisco and will have a long drive to get there. These were all shot on a movie camera by my dad, Glen Shepard. These are screen grabs that i spruced up to be presentable pictures. Glen went there as a...

The 1972 Lake Garnett Grand Prix program represents one of the later chapters in the event’s original history. Its pages reflect the continued passion for road racing at Lake Garnett and the enduring community involvement that supported it. This program stands as a reminder of the legacy built over more than a decade of competition. We thank Susan Wettstein for preserving and sharing this important historical document.

There’s something magnetic about watching vintage race footage — especially when it takes you back to a time when grassroots motorsport was still finding its feet and every event carried a sense of discovery. The 1960 Lake Garnett Grand Prix is one of those moments captured on film that speaks to the heart of early American road racing. This original video brings you into an era where enthusiasm powered the sport as much as the cars themselves, and where the community gathered beside a lakeside course to witness speed and skill in motion. A Glimpse Into 1960 Road Racing By...

Ever wonder who took the green flag at the 1969 Lake Garnett Grand Prix? This original entry list offers a fascinating snapshot of the drivers and cars that lined up to compete that year. From familiar names to forgotten contenders, the document captures the depth and diversity of the field during one of the later years of the original races. For longtime fans, it may spark memories. For newer enthusiasts, it provides a glimpse into the competitors who helped shape the Lake Garnett Grand Prix legacy. Take a look and see what names you recognize.

Here is some of the crew recruiting at the All Speed Expo for 2020. We had a great turn out and met lots of great folks while getting to talk about this years event for Lake Garnett Grand Prix Revival. We are holding the event October 9th, 10th and 11th which is the second weekend in October. The second weekend is always our goal unless, mother nature tells us otherwise. Look forward to seeing you on the track. Enjoy a few pics