BLOOMINGTON - Drivers from companies across the area hopped into go-carts Friday night and raced for a good cause, hoping to raise thousands for the Junior Achievement of Central Illinois program. | Video: How fast can go-carts go?

A record 144 racers participated in this year's McLean County Grand Prix, held Friday on a makeshift go-cart track at the Interstate Center, said JA President Larry Timm. The track, about a quarter of a mile, was created using orange cones, tires and other barriers. Many Central Illinois companies sponsored racing teams that competed in timed heats throughout the evening, eventually leading to a championship race late Friday night.

Trevor Walden, sponsored by Commerce Bank, was the winner of this year's Grand Prix. Matt McQuelling from First Midwest Securities Inc. took second, and Pete Pontius of National City Bank took third, Timm said.

JA, which has business and economic education programs for students in kindergarten through grade 12, integrates program materials, training and support in its innovative classroom approach.

Last year's Grand Prix raised about $8,000, minus expenses.

JA's other McLean County event for this year is its online-only auction. Bidding on the dozens of items in the auction opens Nov. 10 at www.juniorachievement.biz, Timm said.