The International 500 is all about volunteerism and the people who are passionate about the sport of ice oval racing.
By Ric Federau, Contributing Writer
Let’s face it, part of my job in producing articles like this is to try and keep your attention so you’ll read through the whole article. That means I have to develop a perspective of my own that hopefully keeps you interested enough to read through the whole darn article. That being noted, I’ve decided to talk to you versus write to you. In doing so I’ll put my words into print as though we were standing right in front of each other carrying on a very interesting conversation about the world’s most prestigious snowmobile endurance race. Of course, you know I’m speaking of the International 500 snowmobile race hosted at Sault Ste. Marie Michigan the first Saturday in Feb. each year.
Now that it’s officially the Fall season, it’s time to ramp up information about the I-500 that needs to be shared. For the next few months leading up to the 56th. running of the International 500 each monthly issue will feature interesting information about the world’s most prestigious snowmobile endurance race, bar none.
Now that we got that information out of the way, it’s time to get this thing rolling, don’t you think? Grab your favorite beverage and snack, Kick back, Let’s get roll”n. Now that we’re face to face, I’m going to let my fingers do my talking. Let’s get started by talking about the many “elements” that make the International 500 what it is today. You’re more than welcome to “fact check” the definition of the word “elements” but, I’m going to tell you folks, it fits this project to a tee. (or stud)
Therefore, I want to tell you about the most important historical “element” involved with making the I-500 the world’s toughest, longest, fastest and most exciting snowmobile endurance race in the world. For 56 races past and present the most important “ element” has been VOLUNTEERISM !!! I’m ready to ramble about this for a little bit because I want you to be able to wrap your mind around this visually and think about what I’m going to tell you. It’s mind blowing.
The International 500 is a total volunteer project. Seriously, let me say it again, It’s a TOTAL volunteer project. Really….. Let that sink in and just think about how damn big this race is! And to think every aspect of it is and has been run by volunteers for 56 races.
Let me ask you, how cool is that? Give me the name of one professional race in any professional racing arena of any type, anywhere in the world that is run totally on a volunteer basis like the I-500. Ha, I knew it, you can’t. You know what?……
The volunteer aspect of this race is a story in itself. The international 500 brings people together. Individuals as well as commercial people willing to give of their time and personal efforts to create one of the most prestigious professional races in the world. Just think about that and think about this….. For over fifty decades of racing, local families, local businesses and race fans have come together planning and developing this unique event. I mean think about this….. You know how many aspects of this race has to be considered? When you think about it, it’d take me a long time to go over each “ element” involved in volunteering for this race. I mean… We’re talking vendors, emergency rescue services, food services, security, media relations, parking, ticket sales, I-500 apparel sales. officiating, track building and more. I mean, the list goes on and on and every single aspect has to be covered and it’s all covered by volunteers. I mean, this race draws thousands of people from all across the country and Canada, for Gosh sakes. Are you wrapping your mind around all this now? During the months to come in these articles I’m going to talk about additional “elements” that make the I-500 Possible each year.
I found the element of volunteering for the I-500 has historically been a passion with people who have a lot of personal integrity and love for the community of Sault Ste. Marie. as well as the sport of snowmobile oval ice endurance racing.
Over five decades volunteers have shown they have a sense of pride. By volunteering they feel as though they have part ownership of one of the most unique professional races in the world. As they should. Basically each year, the I-500 volunteers become a part of a family for a full week of racing excitement. Every individual volunteer plays a part in the success of this event, they feel a sense of worth because they know that’s what it takes in order for this event to be safe. and exciting. They know what it does for the community and they know in their own minds that volunteering is a good thing overall. Volunteering benefits everybody and every cause. Wanna know something else?…. Every race throughout the history of the I-500 management and staff make certain all volunteers are fed and well cared for the whole week through the main event. Hey, before I go I wanna share an example of volunteer commitment. integrity and passion shown in just one “element “ of volunteering for the I-500 race. It’s the mindset of all volunteers who work the I-500 race. Each year, every volunteer displays the same mindset which supports the fact that ALL I-500 volunteers are the backbone of this world class event. Check this out……. sometimes there’s a misconception about the I-500 as a lot of people think Snowmobile endurance racing is done on snow. After all, that seems kind of logical, doesn’t it? Not so in the case of the I-500.
Snow is not our friend. Cold on the other hand, is our best friend. That’s because the I-500 race is run on the only mile oval ice track in North America. You got it, racing on ice. That being said, this track is built by dispersing thousands. and thousands of gallons of water by virtue of large tanker trucks making the famous mile ice oval. It takes volunteers to do this. The I-500 has a crew of track building volunteers who come together weeks before I-500 race week begins. The track building crew committee chair puts together a schedule that has volunteers driving around the mile oval dropping water on the ground to build this magnificent ice Oval. It brings people together who enjoy volunteering for a good cause. They like the camaraderie and fun they have doing it. Again, “volunteering” is only one “element” of the race that makes the International 500 Snowmobile endurance race what it is today.
That’s it. Time for me to head into the pits. I’m running out of finger fuel. I’ll close by sharing this information….. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer for the I-500 or if you want to know more about the race event itself, visit our website at www.i-500.com The I-500 Project, Inc. is always looking for volunteers. Don’t hesitate to visit our website, click on the volunteer link and contact our volunteer committee. You can also visit our booth at the Novi Snowmobile Expo Nov. 1, 2 & 3rd. Hosted at the Suburban Show Place Novi, Michigan.
This “element” of the I-500 is done for now. See ya next month. Remember….. “Racing doesn’t end when the leaves fall “. •
“All left turns from here”