Race Weekend at a Glance

Everything you need to plan your trip to Lorain, Ohio

Dates

Friday–Sunday
Sept 18–20, 2026

Location

2000 Root Road
Lorain, OH 44052
Open in Maps ↗

Track Layout

National Circuit
+ Turn 7 Bypass

Nearest Airport

Cleveland Hopkins Intl (CLE)
approx. 35 min drive

Schedule, Classes & Entry

Race weekend runs Friday through Sunday. The daily run schedule, class list, entry fees, and registration deadlines are all managed by USPKS — head to the official event page for the latest information before you travel.

Hotels Near the Track

Not sure where to base your team? Here’s a quick guide to the areas around the track.

Avon – Most Dining ~18 min

Surrounded by restaurants and shopping, most within five minutes of your hotel — the easiest area for grabbing dinner with the team.

Extended Stay America, Residence Inn, Fairfield, Wyndham Avon

Lorain – Lakefront ~12 min

The Ariel Broadway Hotel sits right on the waterfront with lake views, steps from Black River Landing — home to Rockin’ on the River, Ohio’s oldest and best-attended riverfront concert series. On Friday nights it draws 4,000–5,000 people for live rock in a family-friendly, safe, and fun atmosphere.

Ariel Broadway Hotel

Vermilion – Lakeside Town ~15 min

A small, touristy Lake Erie town with a walkable main street, waterfront dining, and things to do — a change of pace from the highway hotels.

Holiday Inn Express Vermilion

Elyria – Easy Access ~12 min

Right off the highway for quick, easy in-and-out to the track. The largest of the nearby towns — fewer dining options than Avon, but everything you need is close by.

Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Courtyard by Marriott

How to book

These are the closest hotels to the track, sorted by drive time, so you can book directly with whichever property fits your team. When you book, mention you’re in town for the USPKS Lake Erie Grand Prix — and ask about trailer or oversized-vehicle parking if you’re towing a rig.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cleveland Sheffield
Homewood Suites by Hilton Cleveland/Sheffield
4930 Transportation Dr., Sheffield, OH 44054 (440) 695-0735
In-suite kitchen
~10 minfrom track
Website ↗
Ariel Broadway Hotel
Ariel Broadway Hotel
301 Broadway Street, Lorain, OH 44052 (440) 246-6669
Enter promo code GOKART online or when booking for 10% off
~12 minfrom track
Book ↗
Hampton Inn & Suites Elyria
Hampton Inn & Suites Elyria
1795 Lorain Blvd., Elyria, OH 44036 (440) 324-7755
~12 minfrom track
Website ↗
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Elyria
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Elyria
645 Griswold Rd., Elyria, OH 44035 (440) 324-0099
~13 minfrom track
Website ↗
Courtyard by Marriott Cleveland Elyria
Courtyard by Marriott Cleveland Elyria
1755 Travelers Ln., Elyria, OH 44035 (440) 284-3000
~13 minfrom track
Website ↗
Holiday Inn Express Vermilion
Holiday Inn Express Vermilion
2417 State Route 60, Vermilion, OH 44089 (440) 967-8770
~15 minfrom track
Website ↗
Extended Stay America Select Suites Cleveland Avon
Extended Stay America Select Suites Cleveland – Avon
1610 Moore Rd., Avon, OH 44011 (440) 934-1909
In-suite kitchen
~18 minfrom track
Website ↗
Residence Inn Marriott Avon at Emerald Event Center
Residence Inn Marriott Avon at Emerald Event Center
33040 Just Imagine Dr., Avon, OH 44011 (440) 937-0909
In-suite kitchen
~18 minfrom track
Website ↗
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Cleveland Avon
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Cleveland Avon
39050 Colorado Ave., Avon, OH 44011 (440) 934-7445
~18 minfrom track
Website ↗
Wyndham Avon
Wyndham Avon
35600 Detroit Rd., Avon, OH 44011 (440) 695-1270
~18 minfrom track
Website ↗
The Hotel at Oberlin
The Hotel at Oberlin
10 East College Street, Oberlin, OH 44074 (440) 775-7001
~20 minfrom track
Website ↗
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cleveland West Westlake
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cleveland West – Westlake
30500 Clemens Rd., Westlake, OH 44145 (440) 808-0500
~22 minfrom track
Website ↗
Sonesta Simply Suites Cleveland Westlake
Sonesta Simply Suites Cleveland Westlake
30100 Clemens Rd., Westlake, OH 44145 (440) 892-2254
In-suite kitchen
~22 minfrom track
Website ↗
Wyndham Garden Westlake
Wyndham Garden Westlake
1100 Crocker Rd., Westlake, OH 44145 (440) 871-6000
~23 minfrom track
Website ↗
Sawmill Creek Resort
Sawmill Creek Resort
400 Sawmill Creek Dr W, Huron, OH 44839 (419) 433-3800
~35 minfrom track
Website ↗

Drive times are approximate estimates from the track at 2000 Root Road. Please confirm current distance and travel time in your map app. See our full hotel & lodging page for more options.

Dining Near the Track

From Lorain’s lakefront and famous Puerto Rican kitchens to Avon’s pubs and steakhouses — here’s where to fuel up during race week.

Waterfront & Lakeside

On the water — closest to downtown & the harbor
The Anchor Lorain
Upscale-yet-affordable New American with Lake Erie & lighthouse views, inside the Ariel Broadway Hotel.
301 Broadway Ave, Lorain (440) 246-6669
LorainDowntown
Website ↗
Trent’s Joint on the River
Laid-back riverside spot with rotating food trucks by the marina and Black River Landing. Seasonal — check ahead for hours.
138 Alabama Ave, Lorain
LorainRiverfront
Website ↗

Puerto Rican & Latin

Lorain’s “International City” heritage
El Kefon Puertoriqueño
Authentic Puerto Rican plates — rice, beans and tender pork in generous portions.
1836 Broadway, Lorain (440) 246-6396
Lorain
Rainbow Bakery
Beloved Puerto Rican bakery & kitchen: flaky pastelillos, rice & beans, potato balls and fresh-baked treats.
2901 Pearl Ave, Lorain (440) 277-9540
Lorain

Mexican

Papasitos and Beer Mexican Grill
Authentic Mexican grill with fresh, homemade dishes and a full bar.
2532 W Erie Ave, Lorain (440) 444-0821
Lorain
Mezquite Mexican Kitchen & Bar
Bright, modern Tex-Mex and margaritas in Avon Commons.
35846 Detroit Rd, Avon (440) 695-0779
Cilantro Taqueria
Award-winning tacos, burritos, birria and bowls — quick and casual.
35516 Detroit Rd, Avon (440) 517-5553

Italian & Pizza

Lorenzo’s Pizzeria
Wood-fired pizzas — Margherita, Americana — and wings from a Lorain favorite.
818 Broadway, Lorain (440) 766-0080
Lorain
Antica Italian
Contemporary Italian — house-made pastas, seafood and wood-fired dishes.
35568 Detroit Rd, Avon (440) 517-0096
In Forno Pizza
Neapolitan wood-fired pizza (pizza Napolitana) done right.
35840 Chester Rd, Avon (216) 394-9784

Japanese, Sushi & Hibachi

Fujiyama Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
Hibachi grill and sushi bar — a long-running Avon favorite.
35840 Chester Rd, Avon (440) 937-3888
Avon

Mediterranean

Istanbul Mediterranean Grill
Turkish & Mediterranean — kebabs, gyros, hummus and fresh-baked bread.
35840 Chester Rd, Avon (440) 937-0733

Coffee & Lunch

Fuel up before track time
Magdalen’s Coffee
Specialty espresso and in-house bakery — house coffee roasted by Michelin-star chef Dante Boccuzzi.
633 Broadway Ave, Lorain Mon–Fri 7:30a–3p, Sat 8a–2p
Tree House Gallery & Tea Room
Charming tea room & lunch spot in Olde Avon Village that doubles as a gallery and gift shop. Reservations recommended.
36840 Detroit Rd, Avon (440) 934-1636
Barry Bagels
Fresh-baked bagels, breakfast sandwiches and deli lunch.
2100 Center Rd, Avon (440) 695-1167

Brewery, Pub & Grill

Lorain Brewing Co.
In-house craft beer and Americana classics on the waterfront at the Shipyards, with boat docks and weekly specials.
500 Shipyard Way, Lorain (440) 434-2020
Bar Nova
Gastropub with homemade meatballs, wood-fired flatbreads, tacos and burgers — plus 50+ bourbons and rotating taps.
36816 Detroit Rd, Avon (440) 695-1083
Two Bucks
Award-winning gastropub & sports bar: pizza, burgers, wings, cocktail towers and weekend brunch.
36931 Detroit Rd, Avon
Mulligans Pub & Grille
Classic pub & grille favorites — sandwiches, tacos and more — open late every day.
38244 Colorado Ave, Avon (440) 934-6666

Burgers, Family & Casual

Heck’s Cafe
Award-winning grass-fed gourmet burgers (50+ years), plus hand-cut steaks, seafood, pastas and brunch.
35546 Detroit Rd, Avon (440) 937-3200
Red Robin
Gourmet burgers and bottomless sides — an easy, family-friendly pick.
35858 Detroit Rd, Avon (440) 937-0260
Swensons Drive-In
Classic Ohio drive-in burgers — try the Galley Boy — open late.
36041 Main St, Avon (440) 493-1934

Special Occasion

Worth the short drive
Strip Steakhouse
Chef-driven steaks and Midwestern fare in the restored Ewers Barn at Olde Avon Village.
36840 Detroit Rd, Avon (440) 934-9900
Nemo Grille
Globally-influenced American fine dining in the historic 1850 Alten House.
36976 Detroit Rd, Avon (440) 934-0061
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Upscale-casual American with an on-site winery and wine tastings.
35351 Chester Rd, Avon (440) 709-1800
Chez François
Northeast Ohio’s definitive upscale French dining, riverside in Vermilion. Reservations recommended.
555 Main St, Vermilion (440) 967-0630
Vermilion
Website ↗

Hours vary by day and season — please confirm directly with each restaurant before you go. Towns are approximate; most Lorain spots are 5–12 minutes from the track and Avon is ~15 minutes.

Track Layout

USPKS races the National Circuit with the Turn 7 Bypass — a fast, technical 0.80-mile layout on the shores of Lake Erie.

0.80Mile Race Length
800 ftFront Straight
Lorain Ohio KartPlex National Circuit track layout
↻ Drag track to rotate
Download Track Map (.ztracks) ↓

Fly the Circuit — FPV Lap

Paddock & Trackside

Rigs, Trailers & Camping

Bringing a hauler or motorhome for the weekend? Review paddock parking, RV space, and on-site camping details before you arrive.

Parking & Camping →

Race Fuel

Fuel up on site. See what’s available at the track and plan for your class before the weekend.

Race Fuel Info →

Service & Support

Need parts, service, or a set of hands trackside? KartZone’s dealership and service center is based right at the facility.

KartZone Dealership ↗

Getting Around Lorain

Fly In

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is the closest major airport, roughly 35 minutes from the track, with all major rental-car brands on site.

Eat & Explore

From lakefront dining to local favorites, here’s what to do around Lorain when you’re off the track for the day.

Welcome to Lorain →

On the Lake

Lorain sits right on Lake Erie. Many hotels above are minutes from the waterfront, marinas, and Vermilion’s harbor town for a change of pace between sessions.

Friday Night on the Waterfront

Rockin’ on the River — Ohio’s oldest and best-attended riverfront concert series — is minutes from the paddock at Black River Landing in downtown Lorain.

Race Weekend Show · Friday, Sept 18

Live Music on the River

Rockin’ on the River brings a live concert to Black River Landing on the Friday of race weekend. Expect 4,000–5,000 fans, live music, and a safe, family-friendly evening on the Lorain waterfront — the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Free entry with your event wristband.

Rockin’ on the River ↗

Need a Hand?

Entries, class info, and the official run schedule are handled by USPKS. For questions about the facility, paddock, or getting to Lorain, email us directly.