January 31st Thru February 5, 2022
Let’s get right to it…. Back in April of 2020, the SOO International 500 Board of Directors took on the task of determining what to do when Covid set us back. All Directors (including the Race Director) agonized in making the decision to postpone the 53rd. running of the world’s most exciting snowmobile endurance race. At the time, major events were shutting down to avoid becoming known as a “super spreader” of Covid. Hours of discussion and deliberation transpired and collectively, the decision was made to postpone the race until 2022. At the time the decision was made, everyone seemed somewhat in shock. Michigan State officials had set safety guidelines and restrictions which were being enforced. Collectively, the I-500 Directors decision was in the best interest of the community, volunteers, fans, teams and sport of oval ice racing in general.
Once the snow dust had settled on the decision making process, the I-500 Directors reluctantly accepted their decision and decided to take a positive approach to the negative issues. Sometimes we have to take a step backwards to get a step ahead.
This being the obvious situation, the Board adopted the theory “For every seed of adversity, there’s an equal or greater benefit, we simply have to identify it and work it”. The positive approach paid off and the board of directors have collectively come together to accomplish so much as we head towards our 2022 running of the SOO I-500. Fact is…. fans of snowmobiling and snowmobile racing are excited to get out and get back to the experiences the SOO I-500 allows everyone to enjoy.
There’s no doubt the sport and I-500 were missed. Throughout Michigan sled heads and endurance race fans are talking about the upcoming 2022 season and all that goes with oval ice racing excitement. The impact of not hosting the 2021 I-500 was felt throughout the State and snowmobile recreation industry. The sights, sounds, smell and the ability to be around the venues has long been set back. Guess what folks?….. We’re not going to look back, we’re taking a victory lap over Covid! Rest assured I-500 fans and teams alike….. The 53rd running of the SOO I-500 will be a memory that’ll last a lifetime. The adrenaline and passion run parallel for hosting the 2022, 53rd running of the SOO I-500. From every aspect of the event, it’s anticipated the 2022 SOO I-500 may be the largest and most memorable ever. The week long series of events hosted at the SOO I-500 venue will be nothing less than “High Octane” excitement for everyone.
Back on track & “All left turns from here…..” Jan. 31-thru- Feb. 5th. 2022. The world’s oldest, longest, fastest and toughest snowmobile endurance race bar none, The Grand Daddy of Snowmobile Endurance Racing – The “SOO I-500”.
