Second Mini Grand Prix to Benefit Arthritis Foundation

Engines roaring, small racing cars will zip around city streets Saturday before hundreds of spectators.

The free event, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is the second annual Arthritis Foundation Mini Grand Prix. The 3.5-horsepower racing cars, sponsored by Southern California businesses and corporations, compete to raise money for arthritis research. The foundation hopes to raise $75,000.

The starting point is at Valley View Street and Katella Avenue. The racecourse will go through an area of about one square mile, said Eve Swire, spokeswoman for the event. Streets will be blocked off to traffic, and spectators can watch from around that area.

There will be concessions stands for food, as well as rides and activities for children up to 12 years old. The first 250 children will receive free toys.

“We’re doing a lot to attract kids and make this a real family attraction,” Swire said.

The City Council has voted to waive some city fees normally charged for similar events.

Swire said the national Arthritis Foundation sponsors similar fund-raising mini grand prix races in other parts of the country, but the Cypress event is the only one in California.

Teams of race car drivers and pit crews come from the sponsoring organizations for each vehicle.

“There will be 10 different heats, and each car will participate in four heats plus the championship race,” Swire said.

The fund-raiser will benefit research for a physical malady that affects close to 40 million children and adults in the United States.