A Real Life Mario Kart Racing Course Is Coming To Cleveland And It’s Just As Awesome As It Sounds
By Nikki Rhoades|Published April 25, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Have you ever wished you could immerse yourself in the nostalgia of childhood? Whether that means jumping into the setting of your favorite book or movie or playing a life-size board game, we’ve all dared to indulge our inner child. However, you may have heard a rumor about an incredible old-school video game that’s coming to Greater Cleveland… and this is no mere daydream. You’ll soon have the opportunity to face off against the Mario Brothers in real life!
The Mushroom Rally, a real-life Mario Kart race, will be taking place right here in Northeast Ohio later this year.
This ginormous go-kart race was inspired by the classic Mario Kart video game, allowing your inner child to playfully coexist with the competitive grown-up in you.
The track, of course, will be decked out in bright colors that will leave you feeling like you're actually in a Mario Kart game.
Costumes are included in the ticket price and provided at the track, and many find dressing up to be one of the highlights of the event.
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The Cleveland Rally is scheduled for September 15th & 16th, 2019, and will take place at High Voltage Indoor Karting in Medina, just minutes from the historic Medina Square.
High Voltage Indoor Karting is located at 333 Foundry St., Medina, OH 44256.
And you won’t just be racing against other Clevelanders - this is part of a national event with 16 races held in 16 cities throughout the country. The winners of each one move on to a championship race held in Las Vegas!
There are a limited number of spots for participants in the races, and tickets are selling out fast. If you are interested in jumping into the action, click here to reserve your spot as soon as possible. Tickets cost $55 each and racers are allowed to bring a guest to cheer them on as they zoom around the track.
The Cleveland Mushroom Rally will take place at the tail end of the racing season, so tensions are sure to be running high as the big competition approaches.
Here’s what to expect on race day: after checking in and donning a costume, participants will take to the track in groups to compete in a preliminary race.
Should you win your first race, you’ll advance on to a second stage where you’ll compete for prizes and to determine the finalists who will move on to the championship in Las Vegas.
The racer with the fastest lap time from each of the 16 cities will advance to final race, but that’s not the only way to win your way to Sin City; there will also be other games and activities where you can collect prizes and win stars - just like in the video game - and you earn enough stars to be among the top three throughout the country, you’re also headed to Las Vegas!
There will be also a lottery drawing for the final spot. Everyone who purchases a ticket to the Mushroom Rally will be automatically entered and the lucky winner will be announced via Facebook before the big event.
Although only adult racers (age 21+) will compete in the championship in Las Vegas, younger drivers are welcome to race for fun in preliminary events.
Drivers must be at least 14 years old and 55 inches tall. The go-karts used are built to accommodate drivers up to 6’6" and 300 pounds and a photo ID will be required to participate.
Prepare for a competition unlike any other, because Clevelanders are already gearing up to make this an unforgettable event!
If you haven't reserved your spot, what are you waiting for?! The event is right around the corner, and old-school gamers won't be able to resist the fun it offers.
For more information about the Mushroom Rally, visit its website and check out your competition on its Facebook page to see updates on the fastest racing times from competitors in other cities. For specific details about the Cleveland Mushroom Rally and to purchase tickets, click here. Don’t wait – they will definitely sell out far in advance!
