FOUNTAIN — Pikes Peak International Raceway is celebrating the Class of 2020 the only way it knows how - by taking it to the track.
PPIR is hosting an event on June 11th and 12th called Cruise to the Finish where graduates are invited to drive their own vehicles on the famous oval track. It's a rare opportunity and another way to celebrate a class that's been impacted so much this year.
Elias Saabedra said, "We were still planning for prom, for everything like end of the year, senior sunset, stuff like that."
With the golden days of their senior year taken away and restrictions put on graduation ceremonies it's been a tough last few months for the Class of 2020.
Saabedra, a senior at Air Academy High School said, "We missed high school."
It's why local establishments like PPIR are stepping up to give grads a speedy send-off through Cruise to the Finish.
Chelsy Offutt, director of communications at PPIR, said, "Not only do these kids get to take three laps, get driver credentials, and even get a really cool photo-op in a victory lane we're building, but the cars will be led by this beast here."
She's referring to a championship winning car from 2017 that won right here in Colorado.
Offutt said, "Not only do the grads get to drive the track, but they can have passengers. So if people want to ride along with them or if parents want to come and spectate that's also an option."
Tickets will cost $15 for drivers, $10 for passengers and $5 for spectators.
Offutt said, "It's just going to be such a fun way to celebrate the kids and literally get the checkered flag across the finish line and their academic career."
As for Saabedra, he shared that he's already signed up for the event.
He said, "Just super excited. I come from a racing family so this is definitely well worth it...it actually means quite a bit because not everyone can actually drive there...being able to have the opportunity to do that is actually quite amazing."
CLICK HERE for more information on how to sign up for Cruise to the Finish.
