Visitors to the IMRRC would be justified in thinking our collections are mostly made up of materials on drivers, cars and races. Why not? It’s largely true. Much of the racing literature is focused on racers, their cars, the results of specific events. But among our rich archives are several that focus on other aspects of racing. One recently-donated example is the Gordon Ensing Collection of materials on the West Michigan Grand Prix (collection number 22A21). This the second supplement to Gordon Ensing’s original collection, gifted to us in 2015 (15A54). Ensing’s first donation and supplement included posters from race events in the 1980’s-2000’s; framed prints of IMSA and CART cars and drivers; programs from CART, Formula 1, SCCA, IMSA, and other racing series (a boon to our extensive collection of racing programs!)
Programs from the 1998 and 1999 West Michigan Grand Prix. Both races ran on the 1.5 mile Scott Brayton Memorial Street Circuit in downtown Grand Rapids and featured Trans-Am Series races as their featured race. 22A21
The second supplement to Ensing’s collection consists of documents related to the planning and running of the West Michigan Grand Prix in Grand Rapids in 1998 and 1999. Among the materials are: West Michigan Grand Prix Association (WMGPA) corporate records dating from 1994 to 1999; notebooks titled “Race Operations”, “Operations Manual”, “On-site Marketing Manual”, “Sponsor Handbook”, “Event Operations Manual”, “Post-Event Analysis,” and “Construction” (2 vols.); publicity and media material in print and video formats; graphics such as race guides and spectator maps; and a large collection of relevant newspaper and magazine articles.
Gordon Ensing was uniquely positioned to collect these materials. As a Director of the West Michigan Grand Prix, he was there from the beginning the Association’s efforts to host the Grand Prix, to the successful inaugural running in 1998, through to the decision not to host a Grand Prix in 2000. His archive offers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on the history of the Grand Prix. The bulk of the collection consists of various handbooks detailing racing operations. Particularly intriguing are the “Post-Event Analysis,” a retrospective evaluation of the 1999 Grand Prix and a notebook on “Construction” which includes correspondence, meeting minutes, and maps related to the engineering and construction of the course.
The 1999 West Michigan Grand Prix “On-Site Marketing Manual” and “WMGP Design & Operation Manual.” Two of several notebooks in the Archives concerning race operations and preparations. 22A21
Among the more intriguing items in the collection are items documenting efforts to promote the race. Included are several copies of a glossy colored booklet titled “Corporate Sponsorships: 1999 West Michigan Grand Prix,” a prospectus detail marketing opportunities for corporate sponsors of the race. This booklet was likely distributed to perspective sponsors.
“Corporate Sponsorships: 1999 West Michigan Grand Prix.” A booklet detailing opportunities for potential Corporate Sponsors. 22A21
More unique is a Certificate of Appreciation awarded to the West Michigan Grand Prix in recognition of their participation and support of the West Michigan Science Festival, which ran from April 18-25, 1998. An evaluation of the Science Fair is also included. Clearly the organizers of both the Science Fair and the Grand Prix were keenly interested in the impact of their events.
A Certificate of Appreciation awarded to the West Michigan Grand Prix in recognition of their participation in and support of the West Michigan Science Festival. 22A21
Still more unique, and a favorite item in the Archive, is an unused half-gallon container for Fast Trax Sundae Country Fresh Ice Cream. The ice cream appears to be another marketing campaign for the West Michigan Grand Prix as a note on the box indicates: “Visit Country Fresh online through our link @ www.westmichigangrandprix.com.”
An unused half-gallon container for Fast Trax Sundae Country Fresh ice cream: mini brownie fudge tires in vanilla ice cream streaked with dark chocolate. 22A21
The item with the most emotional resonance is surely the draft of the press release announcing the WMGPA Board of Directors’ decision not to host a Grand Prix in 1999. Dated November 11, 1999, the release discusses the Board’s efforts to find a title sponsor, efforts that ultimately failed despite their finding “a good deal of general support for the race through discussions we had with many different companies.”
Draft press release dated November 11, 1999 announcing the WMGPA’s plans to discontinue the Grand Prix in 2000. 22A21
As we build the International Motor Racing Research Center’s Archives, we strive to document all aspects of racing and the business of racing is of particular interest to the Center. We are grateful to Gordon Ensing for collecting these materials and entrusting them to the IMRRC for preservation and use by racing researchers.