You may think that you're a good driver, but taking the wheel in a go-kart you built from scratch might put your skills to the test.

It's that time of year again, when Purdue students can sense the semester coming to its close, and when all the go-karts come out. It's time for Purdue's annual Grand Prix.

It may not be your normal, everyday vehicle to drive around in, but for racers this coming Saturday it's the chance to show off their skills on the track. Students from all different majors and organizations participate in the race each year, building their go-karts from scratch and racing them on a track carefully modeled after the World Kart Championship Track in Japan.

I first learned about the race through my sorority, Phi Sigma Rho. As the only sorority on campus to currently have a go-kart in the race, our team consists of talented young women that participate for the fun of it. Having the chance to work with them in the pits this year has shown me the other side of it all, the part that's just as grand.

Amidst all the excitement, it's still quite a bit of work to race and maintain the karts. A flat tire, a wide turn, and a clutch that engages too high: these obstacles aren't uncommon on the track. Leaving room for error and working through your mistakes is half the battle, but it's completely worth it. At the end of the day, you get to stand back and admire the effort and engineering that went into race day.

Let's not forget the reason for all the excitement on campus around now. If you have the chance to attend this year's race, I definitely encourage you to go. Whether or not your house is participating in the race this year, it's still a great experience unique to Purdue. There isn't much like it to make you proud of being Greek.