I-500 International Snowmobile Race

 

I-500 International Snowmobile Race

Since 1969, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan has hosted the I-500 International Snowmobile Race. It was classified as an endurance race. This even is one of the largest ones held in Michigan annually. The event receives support from the governor, House of Representatives and the Senate. Snowmobiling is a popular sport in Michigan and this event brings many spectators and participants to the area. Motels and hotels are already fully booked for next year’s event. Corporations such as Choko and Woodies support this event. The oval one mile track is the only one of its kind in Michigan. 38 teams are allowed to participate. For the 2015 race, 60 teams tried out for the race. The I-500 board of directors and volunteers do not have any trouble filling the team slots. The event is covered in snowmobile magazines such as Snow Tracks. CBC purchases 10 seats in the VIP Room each year. They use these seats for drawings and other activities. These seats cost $300. per person. Over 200 volunteers help pull off the race. People from all over the world travel to the Sault to attend and compete in this event.

            To set up for the race, two million gallons of water is poured on the track prior to the race. The volunteers and board of directors start preparing for the race soon after the annual race is held. They advertise all over the state. Someone mentioned that more advertisement needs to occur in the Sault right before the race so community members in the Sault would know what’s going on. Ric Federau, Director and Spokesperson and Race Chairman for the I-500 stated he plans on enhancing the media announcements for the Sault. Ric is in charge of setting safety standards. Part of preparation for the race involves flying Nascar officials from Atlanta and they use their transponders to track laps, speed, time and driver’s name for the entire race. One bunker building from the Brady Army Base is left standing near the track and 3,000 bales of hay are stored to put around the track to provide cushion in the event if snowmobilers are thrown off their machines. People in prominent positions were starting the race; however, it was decided to ask disabled veterans to start the race. As part of their community involvement campaign, the board decided to invite and include the disabled veterans program in Michigan and the I-500 race is advertised in the Disabled Veterans magazine which has over 75,000 readers.

            In order to demonstrate the importance of volunteers, all volunteers are fed during the week of activities associated with the I-500 race. Ric’s wife decided to take on that task and she is given a budget of $3,000 to do so. The I-500 association receives a lot of in-kind from local businesses concerning the food provisions. The board works with a lot of charitable organizations. The elementary school children in the community of the Sault participate in a competition involving the buttons for the race. The winner receives $50. and the child’s family is given the opportunity to attend the race for free. Buttons cost $10 to $15 and are good for the entire week’s events.

            Concerning teams, each team brings 14 members. There are two drivers and the others work in the cockpit. The cockpit is run just like the ones in major car races. They repair anything that is wrong with the machine in a few seconds and fill the machine with gas. Each entry pays $10. Drivers are switched after 70 laps. Ric was wondering what happens if they have to go to the bathroom. I am wondering the same thing. The race starts at 10:00 a.m. sharp and the race is usually held during the first week in February. If weather is a problem, they try to get in at least 250 laps to constitute as a full race. One year the weather was unseasonably warm and the drivers ended up driving on mud. Things got very messy. Gary Moyer tried out for the 2015 race and did not qualify. He’s a world champion. He’s coming back next year. Everyone who wants to race has to provide a resume. The resume needs to include what races they participated in.

            A Miss I-500 pageant is held each year. In 2015 there were 60 contestants. Each entry pays $10.  This year they worked with the Pink Ribbon Riders which supports breast cancer awareness. The Queen and her court attend functions throughout the year around the state. The pageant contestants have to provide an essay about specific topics and perform in a talent contest.

            During race week, there are activities scheduled from Monday night to Saturday, the day of the race. On Monday, families are invited to participate in public skating. There were 200-250 skaters enjoying the ice. Tues. and Wednesday time trials are scheduled. Wednesday night a Rookie race is held. On Friday night, one of the largest children’s race is held. The children are on their little 120 machines and family members become their race crews. Officials judge the race. A big bon fire is held. Every child receives a trophy and pizza is served to the families and children.

            A beer tent is provided for those who want to drink and this is supervised to make sure no one is driving him intoxicated. Security is provided during all race functions.

             There are 390,000 registered snowmobiles in Michigan and 70% of the snowmobiles are trailored to the north of the state. The trail from Sault Ste. Marie to Tahquamenon Falls is one of the most traveled in Michigan. My husband and I traveled on that trail several times. The scenery  is gorgeous and when you get to the end of the trail, many snowmobiles are parked at a popular restaurant and brewery which serves phenomenal food. Ric stated that there is a need for more involvement with Lake Superior State University and Canada. Snowmobiling can be a very fun sport in which the whole family can enjoy and the I-500 race is set up for family enjoyment.