Kalamazoo Times

 Middle schoolers, start your virtual engines!

This spring, Kzoo Parks and Western Michigan University are launching a Mario Kart Racing League for middle schoolers, according to a news release from the City of Kalamazoo. Interested students will race their favorite character in Mario Kart for Nintendo Switch.

The events will be held at WMU’s Esports Arena in the Little Theatre Building on East Campus at 798 Oakland Drive. 

You can register at www.kzooparks.org/mariokart or in-person at the Kzoo Parks office, 251 Mills St, through March 11.

The competition will start March 14 and will go until April 20, with a postseason tournament on Saturday, April 23, according to the release.

There are four sessions: Mondays at 5:30 p.m., Mondays at 6:45 p.m., Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m., and Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. 

"Each week, students will race eight times on two tracks during their hour-long session," the release said. "Points will be recorded throughout the league to place racers in flights for the postseason tournament."

The cost is $68 for City of Kalamazoo residents and $75 for non-residents, with financial assistance available to city residents through Kalamazoo Friends of Recreation.

Residents using financial assistance will need to register for the program in person at the Kzoo Parks office.

This is the second season for the program, which was launched in fall 2021 with a Super Smash Bros League, the release said.

“Esports has been gaining popularity for several years and we’re thrilled to be able to offer these new programs for youth in our community,” Pete Aerts, recreation coordinator at Kzoo Parks, said. “It’s a great way for students to make friends and connect with others in a friendly competition. WMU Esports has been such a great partner, and their support makes these new programs possible.”