By Ric Federau, Contributing Writer
Photography by PPP Studio
You are the reader, I’m the writer. So grab your beverage and seat of choice, get comfortable and let me write about the everyday happenings that transpire during race week each year at the International 500. 2026 and the 57th running of the I-500 is no exception. The race is known worldwide as the most prestigious snowmobile oval ice endurance race bar none.
The “GRAND DADDY” of ALL snowmobile oval ice endurance races. The one all race teams want to win!
Fast forward to the weekend before the main event. Every year the Sunday before the main event all volunteers that make this event possible in every aspect is called together for a volunteer workers meeting. It’s the opportunity for our race management teams to meet with all volunteers in advance to go over rules, safety guidelines, radio communication, volunteer availability, the individual volunteer responsibilities while working the track, and protocol for connecting with various key management staff. Virtually every aspect for good communication throughout race week is done at this meeting to enlighten everybody that volunteers for this event as tothe proper protocol and what is required for taking action as deemed necessary under any in all circumstances. Make no mistake about it safety is paramount, there is little or no regard for error. Every volunteer at every position understands the I-500 format following the 5-P’s…. Proper, planning, prevents, poor, performance. SAFETY FIRST!
That’s just the beginning of many itinerary objectives that take place each year on the Sunday before race week starts. But… hold on, there’s more I-500 family fun the Sunday before race week. How bout this? The Sunday prior to race week the I-500 hosts the worlds most excitiing “kids-race”. Held on the main I-500 famous mile oval. Kids race mini-sleds, coming from different areas throughout the region and Canada as well. Main I-500 track officials manage this outstanding fun kids race activity. It’s run like the “big one” a ton of kids attend to race with their family as their crew. Another successful kids’ race this year and a great time for all to enjoy. Do you have a child you want to enter? Simply go to the I-500 website: www.i-500.com and click on the link. Come join the fun.
Now that we’ve reviewed the pre-race week volunteer itinerary, let’s move toward Monday, day one. City officials proclaimed the Monday of race week each year as opening day, titling it “Bud Clarke Day.” A loyal and valued volunteer who set high standards in support of the International 500 Project. “Bud-Clarke Day” is the first day race teams can enter the infield pit area to park their rigs for the duration of race week. It’s beyond exciting for the community and race fans to see the teams come to town each year. Seeing the teams arrive each year is colorful; they arrive at different times with their rigs decked out. It’s part of the I-500 race week hoop-la that gets everyone pumped. Teams take advantage of arriving the Monday before time trials begin. It’s their initial ON SITE prep time. So cool to see them get settled, situated, and commence race prep. It’s the first of many days where the sights, sounds and yes… smell of race fuel floats in the air like a B.B.Q. It’s the aroma or smell of bacon at a campsite in the morning…. Pending time allowance and prep time, teams also start going through “ Tech.” A must before skis and drivers hit the ice. Check this out, Monday of race week the I-500 track is open to the public for ice skating. Yup, the track is like glass and this year as in every year, people of all ages—kids, hockey teams, moms, and dads—can ice skate on the I-500 mile oval under the lights. Beverages and food are provided for everyone to enjoy. A true family night experience that’s successful every year. Come skate the mile…. It’s free!
This brings us to Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday two of race week. Teams are still arriving and getting settled into their respective pit garage areas. From early morning teams already settled in can get into the “Tech Center” and get approved for seat time on the ice. Let the time trials begin!! Fans can enjoy watching time trials generally from 9am well into the late afternoon and evening. The on track racing excitement starts Tuesday evening as the I-500 hosts its first of three midweek races. Midweek races are held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights of race week. Midweek racing starts with the Vintage race on Tuesday and the Rookie race on Wednesday. And… our designated Thursday night sponsored “Shoot-out” race. This is the last chance to qualify for the main I-500 event. This year as in our “Fiftysix” previous years, each daily event proved successful in every aspect. You can be assured from Monday through Thursday each year, you along with thousands of race fans will enjoy the high octane excitement through all I-500 race week activities. The 57th Midweek races are outstanding and this year’s midweek racing events did not disappoint. Every race features fast and furious competition. This last race week was another success story that our fan base, teams and viewers on FloSports could enjoy.
On the Friday of race week, all volunteers and race project management staff put the final touches in place for the main event which historically has been and always will be held the first Saturday each year. That being said, the “on track” activity is completely closed on Friday the day before the I-500 main event. However there is one exception, I-500 apparel can be purchased on site Friday. Outside the venue itself, the I-500 proudly hosts our Miss I-500 Pageant each year. This tradition is special and involves the public as well. This year as with every year the Miss I-500 Pageant is hosted at the Kewadin Casino Resort in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Young women of various ages participate in the pageant, offering all attendees an evening of beauty, talent and family time together. There is never a charge or entry fee for attending as a spectator or a contestant.
This past pageant was no different from any previous one. A capacity crowd filled the concert facility at Kewadin Resort, and the attendees enjoyed all the contestants and the entire pageant. It’s like a Vegas act and as always, everyone has a fun family time. To learn more about becoming involved as a contestant or volunteer. Simply access the I-500 website: www.i-500.com. Did I mention the Miss I-500 pageant offers contestants the opportunity to achieve a scholarship to further their education endeavors?
FINALLY, RACE DAY 2026 was everything everyone wanted it to be. The morning of the main event, race day is so special. Fans arrive early to claim their spots around the track for the best possible view. Gates open early and as always, anticipation for the day includes spectators, officials, and media representatives, as well as project management and teams in the “can’t wait t o get things roll’n” mode. As usual, the opening ceremonies commenced at 9am. sharp! Thousands of spectators enjoyed a beautiful day of racing in the most perfect weather conditions. Sunny, with just enough wind to move the ice dust off the track and the temps made for a great spectator race day.
YOU can enjoy the awards ceremony following each I-500 main event race. That’s right! This year as in every year, YOU the fan can attend the I-500 awards ceremony hosted at Kewadin Casino Resort. There’s no charge for attending and as always, all teams, team owners, sponsors and public can attend and share in the celebratory event. It’s a memory you’ll hang on to I assure you.
Now that you’ve read my rendition and recap of the 57th Running of the International 500, I’ll finish by stating “ the I-500 enjoys many success stories that surround the week-long series of events, fiftyseven years of enjoyment!” The goal is for every fan, spectator, team and more to return year after year. That’s success!
To have folks like YOU build memories and share them with race fans and winter sports enthusiasts. That’s awesome. We strive to give everyone a positive, fun and exciting experience of a lifetime. For the project management team and all volunteers alike, the real success at the I-500 is having everyone attending in any capacity going home only to return again and again and again…..
To learn more about the I-500, become a volunteer or sponsor, or for new and upcoming information, visit our social media site throughout the year. Please stay tuned and please share I-500 race week information with others. I’m racing to put our I-500 social media following in the “pole position” for snowmobile oval ice endurance racing information. YOU can help make the I-500 social media a winner by sharing our information with others! That’ll give the International 500 a “VICTORY LAP!”
“ALL LEFT TURNS FROM HERE…” •
