Northern Power Race Park to host First Ever
By Dom Santina, Contributing Writer
Photography By Ashley Lizzie
Northern Power Race Park is once again doing something unique in the snowmobile racing industry. After making news with their Border Cup in December, they have also announced they will host a ditchbanger five-race points series.
The director of NPRP, Rene Maier defines a ditchbanger race as the following,“We flatten our Michigan Snocross track, removing all major jumps and rhythm sections but keeping the shape. We have 14 classes to allow every year and type of sled along with every skill level of the rider the chance to participate.”
The event has continued to grow in the racing industry after Levi Lavalle introduced it in Minnesota for the Ditchbanger National at ERX. The difference is that the race at ERX is one-off, while there are five races at NPRP throughout the winter.
The race park held ditch banger races last season and continued to add them as their popularity grew and the snow continued to be limited. This year, the series gets more support as anyone can now have a chance to chase a championship on a snowmobile track.
“We have five events this year and have introduced points into every class. Racers will accumulate points across all five events. The top three in each class at the end of the year will receive points championship awards at the final event,” Maier said about turning the series into a championship series.
The opening round of the season will be Saturday, December 21. The rest of the races will commence on January 17, February 15, and February 16, and the final round will be on February 28.
Racing Classes
The series breaks down the 14 different classes into three different groups : general, Specialty, and Youth. The general courses will include Beginner, Amateur, pro, Women, 35-plus, and 50-plus. The specialty classes include Mod, Vintage Snocross, Greasy Triple, Two Up, 2004-2010, and High Dollar. The youth classes will include 120 cc and 200 cc.
While some classes are simple to understand, some have been given better descriptions. To race in any of the general or specialty classes, you must be 14 years or older unless you are racing in age-specific classes, such as the 35 and 50-plus classes.
If you want to race in the general classes, your snowmobile must be from 2003 or older. A beginner-class rider is a “racer with little to no experience.” Meanwhile, an amateur rider is considered a “racer with some racing experience.” Then you have the pro class for the experienced racers, including many local snocross riders. The women’s class is for both amateur and beginner female riders. In the 35-plus class, it is a money-paying class. In the 50-plus class, you decide how many laps you are up for.
The specialty classes get slightly more technical. The Mod class is for snowmobiles 2003 and older and is open to any modifications. The vintage snocross class requires a snocross sled from 2014 or older. The Greasy Triple class requires snowmobiles 2003 and older with triple-cylinder motors. The final class breakdown is the high-dollar class for any trail sled from 2011 to the present and is offered as a payout class.
“The ditchbangers are a snowmobile race for everyone from the most skilled snocross pro to the beginner trail rider. These races are designed to be a fun experience while testing your racing skills in a welcoming environment, “ said Maier.
Rules & Requirements
Participating in any of the classes mentioned requires some rules and requirements for both riders and equipment. The most significant requirement for the series is to have numbers on the snowmobile. The number must also be provided during registration and on the snowmobile to be scored for points. While there is no required positioning of the number, it is recommended that it is on the right side of the snowmobile, either on the hood, windshield, or tunnel. It is important to note that NPRP will not provide the numbers.
Regarding the snowmobile rules, all engines must be in stock except for the Mod class. The snowmobile must have working breaks but is allowed to run any breaks. The shocks must travel no more than the stock suspension. The snowmobile must have a working tail light and tether. The snowmobiles can be studded but not more than a half inch past the lug. They can run on gas, race fuel, or non-ethanol gasoline. You can not run your snowmobile on E-85, Nitro Methane, or other fuel. The clutch must have a clutch cover and you can use an aftermarket clutch.
Protective Equipment
The biggest thing about racing ditch bangers is having fun and enjoying yourself. The last thing you want to happen is for someone to get injured. So, to remain safe, riders must wear helmets, eye protection, gloves, boots, chest protection, and shin or knee protection. It is recommended that young riders wear mouthguards for 120 riders. Meanwhile, hoodies outside your jacket and pit coats are not allowed.
Racing or racing a ditchbanger snowmobile around the track is an absolute blast. Whether you want to race for points or want a place to have guaranteed snow to ride on, visit Northern Power Race Park this winter. If you would like to learn more about the ditchbanger racing series, go to northernpowerracepark.com •