Students from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis[a] have won the race on several occasions, possibly due to the motorsports engineering major offered at that campus.

The first race was held on May 17, 1958, at the North Intramural Field and adjacent parking lot as a way for engineering students to exercise their skills.

David Wolf, a Purdue graduate and astronaut, was the grand marshal for that year's pre-race parade.

It cost roughly $1 million to build and is modeled after the World Kart Championship Track in Japan.

Breakfast Club is a tradition where students and alumni dress in costumes to fill local bars and nightclubs early in the morning.

It was started by members of the Theta Chi fraternity in the mid-1980s who wanted to see how early in the morning an establishment could be legally open for drinking.

[5] Breakfast Club is also seen the morning of home athletic events, and plays a significant role during the football season.

[6][7] Fred BartlettGregory BomanRonald MoffettKenneth Shull This year the race was held on April 20, 2024 at the Purdue Grand Prix Track on Cheery Lane.