MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – One of the most difficult and well-respected off-road rally car races is happening this weekend in and around Marquette County.
It’s called the Lake Superior Performance Rally. It carries on a long tradition of rally car racing in the UP. Starting with the Press on Regardless race in the 70’s, it became the LSPR in 1994. Drivers from around the world converged on Marquette County to race against the clock, the elements, and the challenging road conditions. For driver Adam Van Damme the challenge is his motivation.
“I love the challenge. Rally’s extremely difficult, running mostly stock cars through really rough roads. You have to watch for rocks. We get to look at the roads ahead of time, but you never know if a competitor in front of you has pulled a big boulder out of the ditch or something,” said Van Damme. “So there’s always something to avoid.”
The day began with a car show. All 71 cars were on display along with their drivers. One unique feature of the race is the variety of vehicles.
“So, some of these cars are very close to what you’re driving every day. And then some have essentially the body of a car, and everything else is been upgraded,” explained Heikkuri.
Driver Jess Davids is competing in only her second race and starts well behind the other cars, which adds to the difficulty.
“To start at the back of the pack. You never know what you’re actually going to get, because by the time you’re going through the course, all the fast guys rip that thing up, and it’s a whole new ball game out there,” said Davids. “And it’s a little rough, but it’s really fun.”
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist stopped by the start of the race, an event he says captures the spirit of the UP.
“I want to be associated with things that are Super Yooper like this and so to be here and see all the cool cars, and people out here having fun and with the backdrop of the fall colors, it’s beautiful,” said Gilchrist. “This is Pure Michigan.”
