20 minute read
SledderXtra
What we have here is a look at the Midwest’s premier events located across the snowbelt for 2022. There’s a lot to take in, and the winter season is a short one, so soak it up and start laying out your calendar – you’re about to have a busy winter. Tune in to a livestream of a race, or better yet, choose from one of the many to spectate at in person, or even compete. High-flying snocross, youth racing, enduros or ovals, there’s bound to be a venue to satisfy your competitive sweet tooth. If competition isn’t your jam, there are countless smaller vintage gatherings, and even one of the world’s largest right here in the Midwest. How neat is that? If you’re the type who wants to give back to the sport or help others via the seat of a snowmobile, this guide details some of the ultimate fundraiser and charity rides. Let’s get out there this winter – it’s going to be a great one!
AMSOIL Championship Snocross saw several major changes last season as the pandemic caused the series to move away from its traditional schedule and find new stomping grounds for its 17-race national championship. The 2022 version will build upon a number of those changes, as well as bring high-flying action back to several historic stops, including New York and Michigan. For the second straight year, AMSOIL Championship Snocross will start its season after January 1,beginning with one of the sport’s biggest events. After a one-year hiatus, the series returns to Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minn. for two days of racing on January 7-8. The schedule gets busy after the opening rounds as the series heads to Dubuque, Iowa, January 14-15. The Dubuque County Fairgrounds offers up an exceptional race experience and has become a favorite of racers and fans over the past few years. After a week off, teams will turn to South Dakota and the historical mining town of Deadwood on January 28-29. The Days of ’76 Event Complex packs in a tight crowd that hovers over an even tighter racetrack that will be a test of survival for championship contenders. February opens with a return trip to Fargo, N. Dak. (February 4-5), which became a national event for the first time in 2020. Two weeks later, AMSOIL Championship Snocross heads east as it resumes its annual stop in Salamanca, New York. on February 18-19. March will be a hectic stretch run for the national championship with three weekends of racing on the schedule. The first stop will feature a return to Elk River, Minn. and ERX Motor Park. ERX hosted two national snocross events in 2021 and offered up one of the largest tracks in the sport’s history. As was planned originally in 2021, The Grand Finale of the Snocross season will not be scheduled for Lake Geneva, Wis. The annual snowmobile festival will instead host the penultimate rounds of the snocross season on March 18-19, at the Grand Geneva Resort. AMSOIL Championship Snocross will hold its final two days of racing March 2526, near Grand Rapids, Mich. The series heads to the Cannonsburg Ski Area, which will finally become the home of the Michigan National for the first-time after being paused the past two seasons. The series will also bring back a full slate of regional racing this winter. Series officials will host two-day regional events in Fargo, Elk River, Brainerd (Minn.) and Shakopee starting December 11-12, in North Dakota. The 2022 AMSOIL Championship Snocross season will continue to air all 17 rounds on CBS Sports Network, and via livestream atsnocross.com.
NATIONAL EVENTS ///
Shakopee, MN January 7-8 Dubuque, IA January 14-15 Deadwood, SD January 28-29 Fargo, ND February 4-5 Salamanca, NY February 18-19 Elk River, MN March 4-5 Lake Geneva, WI March 17-19 Cannonsburg, MI March 25-26
REGIONAL EVENTS ///
Fargo, ND December 11-12 Elk River, MN December 18-19 Shakopee, MN January 22-23 Brainerd, MN February 12-13 Fargo, ND February 26-27 Elk River, MN March 12-13
The NSSR is a professional snowmobile racing organization specializing in 1000′ speed runs. Are you a racer looking for top notch races, or maybe you’re a spectator looking to watch some of the fastest HOT RODS to ever hit the ice? NSSR provides racing action at two scheduled events to the pro and amateur racers looking to compete in the straightline arena.Fun runs are also available for the trail rider or those just wanting to see how fast their machine is on professional equipment without having to be competitive. Forest Lake, MN Sweetheart Challenge January 29 Chetek, WI Winterfest February 26
What started out as a small, family run snocross practice facility sitting on 13-acres has exploded to encompass more than 400-acres and is recognized throughout the Midwest as a premiere event complex. ERX has become a must attend facility for any motorsports enthusiast, whether you’re a Minnesota or Wisconsin local or a visiting motorhead from the far reaches of the snowbelt. Every year ERX features professional short course offroad truck racing, extreme athletic competitions, beer sampling, live concerts, motorcycle endurance racing, and of course, plenty of snowmobile racing. The popular Thursday night grassroots snocross series returns with six nights of action. The FXR Learn 2 Ride clinic takes place over the holiday break and continues to be one of the best hands-on snowmobile racing clinics for young riders anywhere. And the Midwest Vintage Ride-In, the world’s biggest vintage and antique snowmobile event, called ERX home in 2020 and returns for 2022. Lastly, ERX is the home to the 6th stop on the Amsoil National Snocross tour.
ERX GRASSROOTS SNOCROSS SERIES ///
December 9 February 10 January 6 February 24 January 20 March 10
ISOC REGIONAL SNOCROSS ///
March 4-5
DITCHBANGER NATIONAL ///
January 22
MIDWEST RIDE-IN ///
January 28-30
FEBRUARY 12 mnsnowmobiler.org
The Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association and Minnesota Snowmobile Education and Advancement Fund will hold their 13th Annual Veterans Appreciation Snowmobile Ride on February 12, 2022 at Grand Rapids. The annual ride is provided as a token of appreciation to the veterans who have given part of their lives to serve all of us. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and one night lodging is provided to the attendees and snowmobiles are available to those that want to to try snowmobiling but do not have one. Others are invited to come along and bring their own snowmobile. All veterans and active duty military personnel are invited to attend this annual event. 130 veterans and their family members attended the ride in Two Harbors in 2020.
corpowersports.com Cor Powersports Race Series Corpowersports
The 2021-2022 season marks the 11th year Cor PowerSports has been putting on races in the Midwest. For the upcoming season, Cor will host 7 cross-country races at various locations in the Midwest starting with the notorious Pine Lake season opener in Gonvick, Minn. This LeMans style lake course lets top competitors hang it all out reaching speeds over 100mph. The mid-season schedule hosts the grandaddy of all cross-country competitions – For 2022 the I-500 will return after a year hiatus with two new 125-mile loops for each day! Day one’s North loop starts in Goodridge, Minn. then routes to Skime, Minn. for a fuel stop, then back to Goodridge to close out the first 125-mile loop. Day two’s South loop again starts in Goodridge, Minn. but route towards Oklee, Minn. for the first fuel stop, then heads back to Goodridge to close out the first 125-mile loop. The season ends March 26 on the ski hills of Whitecap Mountain in Upson, Wis.
Gonvick, MN December 11-12 Okoboji, IA January 15-16 Park Rapids, MN January 29-30 Goodridge/Grygla, MN I-500 February 12-13 Nisswa, MN February 26-27 Naytahwaush, MN March 5-6 Whitecap Mountain Upson, WI March 26
RACING TO HELP BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS, FEBRUARY 4-5, 2022 radarracers.com Hiller’s Radar Run
Hiller's Radar Run combines the fastest shaved ice, manicured snow lanes, and the Midwest's largest Bikini Run into a weekend festival for racers and fans alike. Since 2004, St. Germain, Wis. evolved into the must-see winter race event in the Midwest. Racers and fans can share the tracks, or browse the venues heated tents for winter gear, food, and entertainment in the Boondock Nation concierge tent. The most watched venue of the weekend, women don their swimsuits and race at speeds over 100 mph! Pledge drives from the racers are donated to Wisconsin Breast Cancer survivors and the local rescue organizations. Over $250,000 has been donated since its inception.
53RD INTERNATIONAL 500 ///
January 31 - February 5 i-500.com
The International 500 Snowmobile Race is the most grueling and prestigious snowmobile race in the world and it’s located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Since 1969, hundreds of thousands of diehard snowmobile and winter enthusiasts have journeyed to Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. to enjoy the sights and sounds of professional drivers giving it their all. You’ll feel sweet chills and thrills of the track, as the industry’s fastest, sleekest snowmobiles tear around the only 1-mile high-banked oval ice track in the world.
KCPRO (KidsChampionshipPowerRacingOrganization)originated in 1987 in Thief River Falls, Minn. At that time, the club consisted of 18-20 race families traveling from the Iron Range to Thief River Falls. Because travel was so widespread, the club opted to divide into East and West divisions. This prompted the official creation of KCPRO-East, a non-profit youth ice racing organization. Today, the mission remains the same: teach youth, ages 4-17, snowmobile safety while also encouraging friendship, good sportsmanship and family fun.Presently, the club offers ten racing classes from Beginner 120 to Junior Novice and ten competitive ice oval races take place throughout Northeastern Minnesota. At the end of each race event, a celebratory ceremony is held during which each racer receives awards and goodie bags. Crane Lake, MN January 8 Side Lake, MN January 15 Cotton, MN January 22 Elk River, MN January 29-30 Aurora, MN February 5 Superior, WI February 12 Duluth, MN February 19 Duluth, MN February 26 Eveleth, MN March 5 Tower, MN March 12
KC PRO WEST YOUTH RACING ///
kcprowest.net
KCPRO West is a non-profit, volunteer organization that promotes safety, teaches children safe driving practices, encourages friendships among families, and aids in the building of a child’s good character. The organization was founded in 1989 and currently has over 60 families as members. KCPRO West offers 14 different classes of snowmobile racing that appeal to all; from the beginner driver to the advanced modified classes. Trophies or plaques are awarded depending on the class for all racers from placing in final, last chance qualifier, and participation; with goodie bags for all at each race day award banquet.The ages of the children range from 4 years to 14 years.
Pine Lake, MN December 11-12 East Grand Forks, MN January 22-23 Oslo, MN January 29-30 Roseau, MN Mini I-500 February 12-13 Thief River Falls, MN February 26-27 Naytahwaush, MN March 5-6 Warroad, MN March 19-20
Kids Pro Ice Racing is a non-profit youth ice racing association based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota with over 30 active families who teach kids safe driving and racing practices as well as good sportsmanship and friendship. Kids Pro Ice offers 14 racing classes from Amateur Kitty Cat and 120 to the “Big Guns” Formula 1, Champ 120 and Junior Novice.Racers range from 4 to 16years of age. The season begins at the end of December and runs through early March.We take pride in how well our families get along and share race and tech tips, as well as watch out for everyone’s little racers. This is a great way to spend Minnesota and Wisconsin winters as a family! Getting started with Kids Pro Ice is easy. Race-ready sleds are available to those with serious interest, so you can try before committing. If you have a 120 or Kitty Cat yard snowmobile, members will show you how to prepare it for safe racing.Other race-ready snowmobiles are usually available to purchase from past members. Luck, WI January 8 Eagle River, WI January 14-16 Sauk Centre, MN January 22 Elk River, MN January 29-30 Center City, MN February 12 Forest Lake, MN February 19-20 Chetek, WI February 26 Garrison, MN March 5
MANAWA SNODEO ///
THE BEST SHOW ON SNOW FEBRUARY 19-20 manawasnodeo.org Manawa Snodeo The Manawa Snodeo provides a safe, controlled environment for individuals to display their talents on an outdoor power sports vehicle in closed-course winter conditions. The Snodeo is also intended to promote the hobby of snowmobiling, while encouraging a sense of community by including various charitable and civic organizations. Compete or spectate in the snowmobile lakecross, radar run, Kitty Cat racing, pro-vintage ovals, motorcycle ice racing, vintage speed run, parade and vintage snowmobile show. This event has it all, living up to its claim of “Best Show on Snow.”
ERX MOTORPARK, JANUARY 28-30 mwvss.com Midwest Ride-In
The Midwest Vintage Ride-In is the world’s biggest family-friendly vintage snowmobile get together. Held annually at the Elk River Motorsports Park (ERX) in Elk River, Minn., this 400-acre facility features trail rides on genuine groomed wooded trails that twist and weave through rolling hardwoods. Enjoy the beautiful banquet room, expanded indoor show space, silent auction, plentiful food and drink options and bonfire pits for congregating. This year’s feature snowmobile celebrates the 50th anniversary of John Deere. Don’t miss out on this incredible ride-in weekend no matter what year snowmobile you have!
MIDWEST INTERNATIONAL RACING ASSOCIATION (MIRA) ///
miraracing.com
MIRA started in 1979 as a snowmobile enduro racing circuit with race events spreading throughout the Midwest and Michigan. CurrentlyMIRA runs a full sprint racing program on Saturday, with the Kitty Cat 120ss and the main event enduro following on Sunday. The class structure is similar to that of most other sprint racing associations, which allows them to participate without having to make drastic changes to their equipment. The feature competitors in a MIRA enduro are the 600 Modified sleds. Eagle River, WI World Championship January 14-16 Gaylord, MI Extreme Powersports 250 January 29-30 Kinross, MI EUP Merchants 250 February 12-13 Lincoln, MI FireRite 250 February 19-20
The Black Woods Blizzard Tour is 3-day snowmobile ride and fundraiser to support individuals with ALS. Every contribution, one dollar at a time, adds up to help support families living with ALS through a myriad of services offered to these individuals and their families, all at no charge. The Black Woods Blizzard Tour starts with a reception at the Black Woods Grill and Bar in Proctor, Minn. After a night's stay at the local AmericInn and Best Western, riders depart Thursday morning for Lake Vermilion where they enjoy dinner and accommodations at Fortune Bay Resort Casino. On Friday morning participants ride down the scenic North Shore to Two Harbors where Black Woods Grill & Bar hosts dinner. Riders spend the night and return to Proctor on Saturday, February 5. Buses transport riders for a welcome home Celebration Dinner hosted by Black Woods at Cirrus Aircraft. The ride is for experienced riders only (riding up to 150 miles each of the first two days and 80 miles the last day).Speeds average 40 mph during the trip.
WISCONSIN BLIZZARD TOUR ///FEBRUARY 9-11
neversurrenderinc.org This event is for experienced snowmobile riders, riding 300 miles over two days. Participants come together the evening of Wednesday, February 9, for a gathering and check-in. They depart on snowmobiles Thursday morning from Lake of the Torches Casino, with a stop for lunch and return to Lake of the Torches Casino for dinner and a program. Friday morning participants hit a different trail from the Casino, stop to have lunch, then return to the Casino. That evening, riders gather one last time for dinner and an awards program. Meals, lodging, fuel and oil are provided Wednesday night through Friday. Proceeds from the Wisconsin Blizzard Tour benefit individuals living with ALS and their families. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS usually strikes people between the ages of 40 - 70, but it can strike anyone at any time. Although there is no cure or treatment yet, advances in scientific research have made significant progress in understanding what causes ALS.In 2020, Never Surrender Inc donated over $1 million to support the fight against ALS.
The World Championship Derby Complex (WCDC) is excited to announce the first-ever “Legend Laps” snowmobile show and exhibition in Eagle River, Wisc. sponsored by Country Cat. This live event is for collectors, drivers, and racers of oval race sleds to make laps on the legendary Derby oval track in a safe, non-competition format. The event is a fundraiser for the Snowmobile Hall of Fame (SHOF) in St. Germain and the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame (ISHOF) in Eagle River. For race fans, Legends Laps will showcase many famous drivers along with their iconic original, reproduction and/or collectable race sleds on the famed half-mile World Championship track. Participating drivers and sled owners will relive the famed ice oval, sleds and glory representing every storied era of snowmobile oval racing— from the leaf-spring beginning to special built factory IFS Sno Pro, to Twin Trackers, Formula III and more. Drivers, collectors, and racers can participate in this event, which will be limited to 40 snowmobiles.
TWO EIGHTY SIX YOUTH RACE SERIES ///
286snoseries.com Two Eighty Six Sno Series The 286 Series is a youth (17 and under) snowmobile racing circuit in eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota. The series is supported by some of the largest race teams in professional snocross including Christian Brothers Racing, KC Motorsports and the All Finish Racing teams. This is a family-friendly environment and an incredible way to introduce your youth to the sport of snocross racing. Fargo, ND December 9 Fargo, ND December 30 Fargo, ND January 1-2 Finley, ND January 15-16 Perham, MN February 12-13 Fertile, MN February 19-20 Ada, MN March 12-13
ussaprostar.com The United States Snowmobile Association is the world’s premier, first and oldest snowmobile sanctioning body with the most elite ice oval drivers. USSA ProStar Series was founded in 1965 and sanctioned its first event at Crandon, Wisc. in December of 1967. The USSA is the original and the only continuous snowmobile race sanctioning body since organized snowmobile racing began. The association has the endorsement and full cooperation of the four major manufacturers to stage quality events for race competitors, promoters and spectators. When you attend a USSA sanctioned event you are watching the best the snowmobile racing world has to offer.
USSA PROSTAR SERIES WEEKENDS ///
Ironwood, MI Ironwood Snowmobile Olympus January 8-9 Wausau, WI Wausau 525 January 22-23 Fargo, ND Buffalo River Race Park January 29-30 Weyauwega, WI Fire on Ice February 4-5 Eagle River, WI World Series February 6
NORTH AMERICAN PROSTAR CUP TOUR ///
Beausejour, MB CPTC December 11 Ironwood, MI Ironwood Snowmobile Olympus January 9 Eagle River, WI Friday Night Thunder January 14 Wausau, WI Wausau 525 January 23 Fargo, ND Buffalo River Race Park January 30 Weyauwega, WI Fire on Ice February 5 Eagle River, WI World Series February 6 Valcourt, QC Gran Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt February 12 Beausejour, MB CPTC March 5
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DERBY COMPLEX (WCDC) RACING AND EVENTS /// derbycomplex.com 21st Vintage World Championship Snowmobile Races January 6-9 59th World Championship Derby January 13-16 2nd World Championship Pro Enduro January 13-16 World Series of Snowmobile Racing February 5-6 Legend Laps February 17 Arctic Derby Dash February 25-26
WKSRA-Wisconsin Kids Snowmobile Racing Association promotes youth snowmobile racing in north central Wisconsin. Our emphasis is to offer children an opportunity to have fun & enjoy the sport of snowmobile racing in a safe, controlled & competitive environment.Children’s snowmobile racing for ages 4 to 15. From Kitty Cats and 120’s (for the young and beginning drivers 4-12 years old), Modified Kitty Cats and 120s (for more experienced drivers 7-14 years old) to Junior 300-340 (for the veteran drivers 10-15 years old). Trophies are awarded each week to the top six drivers in each division.
Ironwood, MI Ironwood Snowmobile Olympus January 8-9 Eagle River, WI Eagle River World Championship January 14-16 Wausau, WI Wausau 525 January 22-23 Minocqua, WI Minocqua January 29 Weyauwega, WI Fire On Ice February 5-6 Gleason, WI Gleason February 12 Manawa, WI Snodeo February 19-20 Hortonville, WI Outagamie Conservation Club February 26-27 TBD TBD March 5
WISCONSIN MILITARY RIDE ///
EAGLE RIVER, WI, JANUARY 17 wimilitarysnowmobileride.com
The military appreciation ride is a family snowmobiling event designed to thank Veterans for their service and grow the sport of snowmobiling by introducing them to a winter sport that’s safe and fun for the whole family. Additionally, we’ll educate Veterans about Wisconsin’s 600 Snowmobile Clubs and the great camaraderie enjoyed by thousands of club members who volunteer their time to create and maintain over 22,000 miles of public snowmobile trails in Wisconsin.
Join the DL One Lunger 100 on Big Detroit Lake in Detroit Lakes, Minn. This classic 100 mile endurance race of vintage single cylinder snowmobiles will leave a smile on your face whether you race or spectate! Classes include Relic, HR, HD 73 and older and Enticer 250 class. The 38th Annual Ride with the Champs is presented by Livingston’s Arctic Cat for 2022 and packs a weekend full of snowmobile excitement. Start Friday off with one of three poker runs and end the evening with the infamous SHOF fish fry. Saturday provides six different rides to choose from dividing the groups into vintage and late model riders. Ride alongside some of snowmobiling’s most legendary racers, engineers, tuners and pioneers. Prepare for the evening events including an autograph session, dinner, live auction, and of course, the annual induction ceremony. The Snowmobile Hall of Fame Ride with the Champs weekend is a great way to get out and enjoy a winter’s day, support the Hall of Fame, and have a great time applauding some of the legends who have made the sport of snowmobiling so great!
