The SOO I-500 is alive and strong because of our Canadian friends and neighbors.
By Ric Federau, Contributing Writer
Snowmobiling in general has become a bond that’s influenced a way of life for which two countries share historically. I’m speaking of snowmobiling between the U. S. and Canadian connections. Over the decades past and present it’s become more than a way of life, more than a recreation hobby. Throughout time the development of the snowmobile has gone beyond being a recreational vehicle by title. Snowmobiles became a mode of transportation that brings out excitement and anticipation and yes… even the competitive spirit. It’s become a “ Thrill Ride “ for thrill seekers evolving in some respects to racing. This being noted, the evolution of the snowmobile regardless of the O.E.M. (Orig. Equip. Mfg.) has created a desire to enhance speed as a thrill for riders and race drivers. You know as well as I, there’s a bit of competitive spirit that thrives within us all. Given the fact that people in both the U.S. and Canada historically share a lifestyle that supports snowmobiling in general, including high octane snowmobile racing. It seems only fitting the inception of the International 500 snowmobile endurance race would be designed in part to include other countries that share the common bond and aspects of snowmobiling and snowmobile racing.
In 1969 when those outstanding individuals from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan decided to test the endurance of “Man vs Machine,” they knew their idea and passion to start a snowmobile endurance race would interest their counterparts to the north. After all, historically the Canadians helped pioneer the snowmobile industry. It stands to reason, the Canadians in general are a pride driven population. Those dudes from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan knew once their neighbors to the north got wind of their idea whereby they poked the competitive spirit within both countries. Hence, with two or more countries involved the title of the race would harbor the noun “International.” Let me clarify how fitting this is…. The definition of the word “International” is: “A contest between teams representing different countries in a sport. “It was a goal to commence a race project that mirrored the famous “Indy-500” auto race in all aspects of the well known event. FYI — The original name of the “Indy-500” was actually, “International 500-mile sweepstakes” race. Designed to include competitors from other countries. In 1981 the “Indy-500” officially changed its name to the 65th Indianapolis 500 mile race.” Today it’s commonly known as the “Indy-500.” Those cool dudes that titled the “International 500 snowmobile race” kept the International flavor alive to include other countries as well. They knew it would solidify the competitive participation without question. Although other countries can certainly take part in this prestigious project known as the I-500 of snowmobile racing, Since the inception of the International 500 race at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan it is known that USA and Canada are the catalyst that drives the sport of “Oval Ice Endurance Racing.”
It’s time within this article to hit the throttle a little harder and fast forward to today and relate to the extremely important aspect of the I-500 that has confirmed the INTERNATIONAL connection so respected by people from both countries. It has always been the objective of the I-500 race directors (Past & Present) to keep the International flavor alive by involving both countries and any other country as well. Over time the involvement from the Canadian neighbors to the north goes far beyond simply putting race teams on the famous monster mile track. The Canadian involvement each year at the I-500 also includes volunteer support. Canadian volunteer participation is vital to the I-500 and the sport of oval ice endurance racing. Many of our Canadian volunteers are track officials who volunteer throughout race week at the I-500. They also help with building the famous mile oval. It’s their way of showing they care for the race and sport in general. Sponsors from Canada recognize the value of sponsoring Canadian race teams and the I-500 itself. Sponsors understand a captured audience is certainly a good opportunity for a lot of product awareness such as Choko Design, Algoma Country and Elliot Lake to name a few who recognize the importance of keeping the sport of Oval Ice Endurance Racing and the I-500 in the public eye.
Let’s not forget the race teams from Canada who know the importance of winning the International 500 race. It’s the “ONE everyone wants to win.” It’s known to all it’s the “Grand-daddy” of all snowmobile races. Without a doubt the overall combined efforts on behalf of the Canadian support is critical to the success of this world class professional racing spectacle. A little more information to consider is the fact that Canada currently has two individuals currently serving as I-500 Board members. In addition, the I-500 Race Committee who oversees the infrastructure of the infield and track itself has a Canadian person being groomed to help assist and direct the race committee objectives. It’s obvious the Canadian participation with the I-500 has helped build a true legacy in professional sports racing everyone can be proud of.
At this point in the article it’s time to make a “Pit-Stop” and ponder the following information before ending.
A quality and unique aspect to consider now that you’ve experienced this article is to recognize there’s NO political tone in any manner. Historically there’s a ton of mutual respect for individuals and businesses from both countries. It’s people pulling together for the betterment of a good, quality, common cause that inspires us to respect and care about one another. For over 56 years the camaraderie has been strong between folks from both countries and never wavered. We ARE family. The success of the International 500 and the sport of “oval ice endurance racing” is due to relentless combined efforts on behalf of quality people from both countries. Together as Americans and Canadians we bridge the borders to make the sport of oval ice endurance racing a world class professional sport second to none.
There isn’t another professional motor-sports race anywhere managed and operated by volunteers. This is a story in itself. Fact is, when you volunteer to assist with the International 500, you’re treated like family from the start. It’s a great way to be involved around a fun, high octane, exciting event. Should YOU be interested in knowing more about the International 500 race with an interest in volunteering or become a sponsor, visit the I-500 social media web page at: www.i-500.com
The INTERNATIONAL 500 SNOWMOBILE RACE IS……. TRULY “ INTERNATIONAL”.
Until next time…. a simple reminder, don’t wait to reserve your lodging for the 57th. running of the I-500 2026. •
