The I-500 and Owosso Speedway Have Created a Bridge Between Summer Auto Racing and High Octane Snowmobile Racing in the Winter.
By Ric Federau, Contributing Writer
As many know or if you don’t know, the International 500 snowmobile race has partnered with Owosso Speedway here in Michigan creating a bridge that can carry the interest and enthusiasm fans express while going from a summer of racing excitement directly to high octane professional snowmobile racing excitement. Race fans can enjoy their interest in racing going from season to season without missing a single lap.
After all, auto racing is exciting and racing doesn’t stop when the leaves fall…….
Let’s take a lap around both types of racing venues whereby YOU can learn more about the transitions being done to better accommodate fans and race participants as well. Let’s venture into the venues here in Michigan that are experiencing venue changes and reconstruction that enhances the experience for race fans, race teams and sponsors as well. We’ll take a lap and share the updates at two of Michigan’s most prestigious and famous race venues. International 500 at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Owosso Speedway located in central Michigan near Owosso and Ovid, Michigan.
It’s time to take a look at the midsummer development progress happening at both race venues. The International 500 has been operating since 1969 and Owosso has been in service since 1939. Both race venues are currently experiencing many new changes and venue improvements designed to benefit all who attend events at these respective venues. Heavy construction has been ongoing at both locations for months on end and will continue late Fall season and possibly longer. The basis behind the renovations and changes are to enhance the visitors experience in a most positive way. Historically, the I-500 venue has a reputation for hosting the world’s most exciting, fastest, longest endurance race in snowmobile history to this day. It’s known globally as the “ Grand-Daddy” of all snowmobile racing. Teams and fans attend from all across the country and Canada as well. Being the only mile oval ice track in North America it’s important to have a venue that is conducive to professional racing as a big time, professional venue. No different than M.I.S. or any other NASCAR venue. Hence, changes are in progress that represents such professionalism within the world’s racing community. Given the historical background for being a total volunteer project, the I-500 has always had a ‘Local flavor” of involvement that makes it very special. The volunteerism is still the driving force behind the event but it’s time to enhance the venue experience conducive to what race fans expect at this level of professional racing. While keeping the “Local flavor” involved, it’s recognized that the famous ice oval venue needed a face lift. The growth of the I-500 has created the need to improve the venue that are actually long overdue. I can assure you, these venue changes will be appreciated by all. A few changes already taken place at the I-500 venue are newly reshaped bluffs that overlook the track. The bluffs located around the track have all been reshaped. Ground work there has been changed, grated and leveled for better fan viewing. The track entrance to the “Pit area” has changed as well by opening up the hill area that follows the entrance into the pit area. This too has all been reconstructed and groomed as well. The North Bluff area overlooking the track has been reshaped to enhance the fan and team perspectives. In addition, the venue will have a NEW road leading into the venue itself. Y’all will experience the changes first hand before ya know it. Should you have the opportunity to be near the famous I-500 track, drive by and see the changes. As much as the time will fly by before it’s winter and race week, I cannot express enough that YOU should make your plans to attend in advance by booking lodging as needed a.s.a.p. For additional I-500 race week information moving forward to 2026, you can visit our website at: www.i-500.com
As for Owosso Speedway, over decades of operation the short track venue didn’t experience many venue changes. That’s ALL changing now folks. The current owner recognized the need for a venue overhaul that will eventually make it one of (if not the most ) prestigious short tracks in all of the U.S.A. and Canada. Such changes at Owosso Speedway are catching the attention of NASCAR and venues nationwide. The changes are designed to promote a total family friendly and affordable atmosphere. The conditions will be no less in design than any NASCAR venue anywhere. For the fans, teams and sponsors Owosso’s improvements and betterments to be experienced run parallel with what is expected when attending any professional venue on a global stage. Owosso Speedway considers family participation a number one priority. They want the fans and teams to have the best and most affordable and safest time while attending. SAFETY for everyone is paramount without question, Owosso goes beyond caring in this regard and it’s obvious this is a safe, clean and affordable family venue for all race fans to enjoy with confidence.
The hospitality is second to none!
Let’s look at some of the changes taking place through midsummer reconstruction for a moment at Owosso Speedway. The seating has totally grown and there’s not a bad viewing seat in the house! The north side of the track has changed with an additional 8,000. seats have been constructed. In addition to the grandstand changes, Owosso will be introducing high tech V.I.P. booth availability as well. The V.I.P. area is perched high above the track and is accessible by elevator travel and overlooks the whole track and pit areas. Ticket entry is now located on the North side of the track below the newly constructed grandstands. Same with the food venu area. The eating area is located under the Grandstands with a ton of picnic tables to accommodate fans. This area also serves as a weather retreat area should incumbent weather take place. The “Pit-Area” has been enlarged allowing race teams plenty of room for their garage work. The “Pit-Area” itself is huge!! It can certainly accommodate race teams in a first class setting. In addition, Owosso is constructing a really large area for overnight camping that will handle any size motorhome or camper, even room for tent camping during events. Parking areas have changed making access easier everyone. There’s plenty of parking room and….. Owosso does something no other venue does to my knowlege and I attend many! Owosso offers parking shuttle service to various locations around the track. Who does that?….. That’s a bonus for ALL spectators to enjoy. The list of improvements and betterments at Owosso goes on and on…. This track venue is destined to make very visitor experience all it can be. Building memories that’ll last a lifetime for race fans.
Owosso mgt. are always thinking outside the box so to speak. At Owosso facility mgt. and ownership are consistently keeping the fan and teams in their forefront of consideration.
At this point I hope you’re convinced this is the type of environment you can enjoy with comfort and a secure feeling for a great experience.
One venue your whole family will enjoy. For more detailed information about the Owosso Speedway experience, visit Owosso Speedway social media site at: Owossospeedway.com
Together the I-500 and Owosso Speedway has teamed to bridge the gap between auto racing into the Fall season and winter racing such as the I-500 snowmobile endurance and oval ice racing. The two entities have collectively joined together to promote racing in general and to offer YOU a year round opportunity to enjoy what YOU do about racing. The bridge between racing seasons is complete and growing stronger from a race fan perspective.
With everything YOU have read to this point in this article, keep in mind….. Support Auto racing at it’s finest by visiting Owosso Speedway and keep in mind as true race fans, “Racing doesn’t stop when the leaves fall”. Hope to see YOU at Owosso and…. at the International 500 snowmobile race always hosted the first Saturday in Feb. each year.
Until next time……..
“ It’s all left turns from here”… •