By Ric Federau, Contributing Writer
For 56 years Michigan has been home to the worlds most prestigious snowmobile race bar none. Recognized by many throughout the circle of all types of professional racing as the “ Indy 500 of Snowmobile Racing” and they couldn’t be more spot on. The lnternational 500 snowmobile endurance hosted at Sault Ste. Marie, the first Saturday in February each year is the Grand-daddy of all professional snowmobile races on a global stage. It’s the “Big One” all drivers want to win. All the excitement of any level of professional auto racing or any other type of professional racing. That being said… Take all the elements of racing that keeps fans interest at a high level of excitement. It’s a level that keeps racing fans coming back for more week after week throughout the summer months.
So, here’s the thing… Throughout racing history auto racing ends when the Fall season starts to settle in here in Michigan and other midwest states. However, the excitement, thrills and world class racing doesn’t stop when the leaves fall.
The SOO I-500 has a tradition of exciting racing that parallels the best of the best In professional racing of any type. The S00 I-500 recently hosted one of professional racings closest finishes in any style of racing. When this happened, I-500 management knew it was time to share what Michigan has to offer for winter racing that’s certain to keep the most passionate race fan in high octane mode.
It’s time to take the S00 1-500 on the road to promote professional racing on a year-round basis. Racing is racing and if you’re a true race junkie, the S00 International 500 is your ticket to follow exciting racing beyond the leaves falling and the race cars are all in pit mode waiting months to race again. That is why, the S00 I-500 is on a fast track to promote” Michigan’s Premier Winter Sporting Event”. We’re going on a summer tour to auto race venues throughout the whole state.
Therefore, we commenced scheduling tour visits to some of Michigan’s outstanding auto race venues and the reception has been beyond what was expected. Each venue visited has an I-500 race sled on site for race fans to view up close and kids can have their photos taken setting on them. Fans will gain firsthand knowledge as to what the SOO I-500 is all about from the track to the spectator experiences. There are I IIII 500 directors on site at every venue visited and race drivers are there to answer questions about racing the full 500 miles on a snowmobile, and drivers sign autographs as well.
Each venue offers its own unique race characteristics. The I-500 “Pure-Michigan tour started at Flat Rock speedway. A super venue with a long history of racing. The seating is designed for comfort and the hospitality is great. Serving S.E. Michigan and neighboring states, Flat – Rock speedway is perfect for the metro areas and fans from other states to visit.
Next UP… We traveled to Owosso Speedway. The hospitality is always second to none and there’s activities for the whole family. The facility is totally family friendly. The entry fee is designed to be affordable for all ages. The seating is spectacular. There’s not a bad viewing area in the whole place. A very clean venue with a full schedule of exciting races each weekend. Destined to be one of America’s more prestigious auto racing short tracks.
V.I.P. seating is available as well. A racing atmosphere that builds memories.
From there the I-500 was scheduled to visit Whittemore race track at Whittemore. Mich. Mother nature forced a postponement due to heavy rains. It’s been rescheduled to 8/17/24. Whittemore is Michigan’s oldest auto race track.
On July 12th the I-500 embarked upon the Birch Run Race track, Birch Run, MI (aka: Dixie Motor Speedway). A unique race venue with a seating area that is conducive to family picnic dining. Food at Birch Run is good and there is a unique “bar’’ on site with indoor seating. Owners and staff are gracious and the hospitality there is first rate.
That brings us to sharing the following tour venues and visiting schedule whereby YOU can visit our booth and leam more about racing after the leaves fall.
Aug. 3, 2024 Merritt Race track – Merritt. MI
Aug. 7, 2024 Berlin motor-sports race venue: Martin, MI
Aug. 17, 2024 Whittemore Race track, Whittemore, MI
Aug. 24 & 25 Laird Race track, Ont. Canada
Aug. 30, 2024 Kinross race park, Kinross, MI (UP)
Sept.1. 2024 Norway race track, Norway, MI (UP)
Sept. 21 2024 Owosso Speedway, Owosso, MI
Should YOU be one of the race fans mentioned above or…. a true race Junkie, be sure to visit our I -500 booth
at one of the above scheduled venues. To learn more about the Sault Ste. Marie International 500 snowmobile race you
can visit the1-500 site at: www.I-500.com and…. be sure to visit our I-500 booths at any of the above venues.
The SOO International 500, the world’s oldest, longest, fastest and toughest professional snowmobile races. The ONLY mile oval ice track in North America.
“All left turns from here” …