Purdue University - Debris Yearbook (West Lafayette, IN)

Page 27 text:

Gina Zordani, the 19S6 Grand Prix Queen, accepts congratulations from last year's reigning queen, Annie Ross. Zordani won the crown during ceremonies held at Slayter Hill the Thursday evening before the race. (Tom McGovern photo) Taking a spin on the carousel, this little girl verified that the Carnival provided fun for all ages. (David Whittemore photo) Gala Week ♦ 23

Page 26 text:

Gala week is .... By Melissa Cline Excitement peaked on Thursday evening with the crowning of Gina Zordani as 1986 Grand Prix Queen. The queen contest followed the Grand Prix Girls and Grand Prix Promoters fashion show, just one of numerous activities sponsored and promoted by the men and women during Grand Prix Gala Week. The spirit of competition prevailed throughout the week as students participated in tennis, golf, and racquetball tournaments. The Grand Prix Distance Classic, a five and ten kilometer race, also offered students, faculty, and the general public an opportunity to excel in competition during Grand Fes Prix. The Les Filles Prix provided something for everyone. Based mainly on spirit and enthusiasm, it consisted of teams of five girls trying to complete an obstacle race in the shortest time. The main purpose of all the events was to raise money for scholarships. Students helping students was the theme of Grand Prix. More scholarships were awarded last year than any other year, said Zordani. Recipients were not chosen on the basis of financial need. Rather, they were chosen on the basis of their contributions to the advancement and welfare of their fellow students. The original motive behind Grand Prix was to provide a fun and enjoyable activity for students before finals week. Although Grand Prix has served that purpose since 1958, many facets of the race have changed over the years allowing more students the opportunity to become involved. The Grand Prix Foundation, one of the largest organizations on campus, sponsored all events before and during the race. Assistance was received from a number of students serving as senior and junior board members. Grand Prix Girls and Promoters, trackworkers, and safety and security workers. All the hours of service devoted by students insured the success of Grand Prix for another year, students helping students in every sense of the meaning. ♦ Grand Prix Girls and Promoters released balloons, signifying the start of the opening ceremonies for the Grand Prix race. (Paul Siegfried photo) 22 Gala Week

Page 28 text:

An efficient crew, perfecting a well tuned engine boosts a driver's confidence after a year of ambition, endurance, and dedication; necessities for any team to compete for .... By Jenn Hiler Anticipation in the crew members' faces was observed by the 30,000 spectators. However, all felt tension as the 33 karts strove for the number one position. The drivers' consistency determined which kart was in the coveted spot; but the crews' efficiency and knowledge produced the kart with the stamina to win. In the end, a combined effort between driver and crew would tell which one was superior. It was an hour and seven minutes before a champion would finish the 50 mile long race, but the wait was well worth it. Bob Pitzer, one of the drivers for Cary Meredith Racing, had the One Moment of Glory consistency and crew to win the 29th Annual Grand Prix Race. This was Pitzer's 4th and final year to be involved with the race and his 3rd as a driver. He also acquired the poll position for the second year in a row which made him feel better. I'd learned a lot since last year's race and 1 had a little more confidence. Eric Lethen, driver for Alpha Sigma Phi, finished second while Triangle's driver, Kevin Bayless, came in third. Preparation for the race began back in September with driver's meetings; however, the crews had been working for the past year to perfect their karts. Many teams raced during the summer at tracks around Indiana. The karts were set up differently for each track but the experience was still gained. For a team to be competitive, the next Grand Prix season starts the day after the race, claimed Barry Grigsby, Crew Chief of Phi Kappa Psi racing. The Grand Prix Foundation also made some improvements with their new scoring system. A new computer scoring system was instituted and is one of the most advanced automated race scoring systems in the United States. The original purpose of this system was to settle any disputes over the number of laps a driver has gone. However, a technical difficulty at the last possible minute prevented the new system from being tested. Despite the unfortunate setback. Grand Prix ended in success for all and high hopes for next year. ♦ 24 ♦ Grand Prix