By Ric Federau, Contributing Writer
There’s a lot of truth behind the title of this article. Throughout the decades “Oval ice” racing has gained recognition and interest from race fans across North America, especially within the mid-west region of the United States and Canada. For years on end the sport has survived struggling economic times, the “Covid” period and unpredictable weather conditions. Three elements that have had a directed impact on the sport. The sport never wavered through the tough times and uncertain conditions. There’s a driving force behind the sport of oval ice racing that overcomes adversity. It’s the solid camaraderie among race teams, track venues and fans who support the sport. In addition, there are three main entities within the sport of oval ice racing who collectively recognize the importance of working together to support the sport. These three main entities within the snowmobile oval ice racing arena have a huge impact on how the sport influences race fans, teams and sponsors. What’s recognized among these entities is the importance of working together in order to keep the interest and sport alive and strong.
Assuming you’re not aware of who the three entities are, I’ll back off the throttle somewhat and explain a tad bit about the three main entities I’m speaking about.
First:
“Eagle River Derby Track” (Aka: World Champion Derby Track) The venue is located in Northern Wisconsin. It’s a first-class racing venue that has supported oval ice racing for decades on end. From a racer’s perspective, racing at Eagle River is a MUST. The history and reputation of Eagle River make it many racers favorite place to race. Throughout the winter months race fans can count on Eagle River to provide exciting competition from various styles of snowmobile racing and the opportunity for snowmobile race fans to experience the unique venue and all it has to offer for spectators, teams and sponsorship participation.
Second:
M.I.R.A. (Mid-West International Racing Association) This organization is dedicated to working with teams providing a scheduled circuit of oval ice track venues who host races throughout Michigan. In addition to a circuit schedule in Michigan, M.I.R.A. team members race at Eagle River and occasionally at Canadian ice track venues. The M.I.R.A. participation has a major influence on the sport of oval ice racing. The dedication to their race teams is second to none recognizing race teams need to have set schedules of race venues to visit. There’s a lot more that M.I.R.A. does to benefit the sport of oval ice endurance racing and race teams who participate under the direction of M.I.R.A.
Third:
Third and certainly not least by any means is the International 500 snowmobile race hosted at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Aka: I-500 or SOO 500, the venue is totally different than Eagle River or any of the venues that M.I.R.A. has scheduled. It’s the “Grand-Daddy” of all snowmobile endurance racing.
Hosted on the only mile oval ice track in North America, it’s the “Big-One “ all drivers want to win. The I-500 venue is an experience that everyone is sure to enjoy assuring you’ll return to enjoy future exciting experiences and high-octane excitement that race teams and fans crave. There’s not a race anywhere in the world like the “ International 500.” A weeklong series of events leading UP to the main 500-mile race always hosted the first Saturday in Feb. each year. “It’s all left turns from here.”
In a class act move the first weekend in November 2026, the host of the Novi Powersports and Snowmobile expo offered the three entities the opportunity to set down together and collectively discuss the history, current status of oval ice racing and the importance of WORKING TOGETHER in the best interest of the sport and all its participants. Based on facts supporting “ where we were, where we are and where we’re headed.”
Representing Eagle River Derby Track was Mr. Tom Anderson. M.I.R.A. was well represented with Mr. Chris Reames and the International 500 being represented by Ric Federau (I-500-Project Chairman).
This meeting was simply outstanding as were the discussions between the three representatives about the importance of working together for the betterment of the sport of oval ice endurance racing. For those of you who may not know, many of the teams who race at Eagle River, participate in the scheduled racing circuit directed by M.I.R.A. Plus they race at the International 500 as well. There is a mutual understanding of support for each of the three entities towards one another. The fact is all three entities must collectively support and promote each other in order for the sport to continue on the path towards success.
Hence…… “ United We Race/Divided We Stall.”
A special word of gratitude to the staff from Snowmobile and Powersports U.S.A. for facilitating the most memorable meeting experience between the three main entities providing promotion and exciting high-octane experiences on behalf of the sport of oval ice snowmobile racing.
I’ll conclude this article with a lingering thought I wish to share. The sport of oval ice endurance racing is gaining much needed and deserved recognition; we encourage you as race fans to get on board and continue following the sport of oval ice endurance racing by visiting the social media sites of the three entities. We’re committed to ongoing support for each other and our involvements within the sport of oval ice endurance racing.
The bridge that carries race fans from Summer into Winter has been built to perfection. Join us this 2026 snowmobile oval ice racing season.
“RACING DOESN’T STOP WHEN THE LEAVES FALL” •
Meet Your I-500 Board Member
Brent Kohn
What attracted you to the I-500?
I learned about the I-500 when I started dating my wife. She was always telling me about how fun it was and how awesome the people were. I started volunteering at the race in 2019 and I’ve been drawn in since. The community and tradition that surrounds the I-500 is legendary. It’s more than just a snowmobile race, it’s a celebration of our local culture, dedication, and teamwork. The excitement, the history, and the amazing food really pulled me in.
What year was your first as a volunteer and the first year you got on the board of directors?
My first year volunteering was in 2019, and I officially joined the Board of Directors in 2024. Starting as a volunteer gave me a real appreciation for all the time and hard work that goes into making the race possible, and it inspired me to take on a larger role. I really appreciate the help from past and current board members, and more seasoned volunteers who have helped guide me and learn my role. The work at the track doesn’t stop once the checker flag flies. It is truly a year round production.
Being a board member for the I-500, what is your favorite part of race week?
My favorite part of race week is the energy from the early morning preparations to the excitement on the track and on the bluffs! Our fans are truly amazing. Seeing the volunteers, racers, and fans all come together after months of planning is incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing quite like the roar of engines at the start line and the sense of accomplishment when the checkered flag drops.
What is your fondest memory during your time serving as an I-500 board member?
One of my fondest memories from the race in general is from my second year volunteering, which was the first year I flagged with my wife on the back stretch. When that green flag dropped on the first lap and the roar of the entire pack of sleds came flying by, it was unlike anything I’d ever experienced before. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.
As a board member, one of my favorite memories is traveling to Canada with fellow board member, Ryan to work at the promotional booths. I loved meeting so many people, hearing their stories, and talking about the races, especially when we met past racers or family members of racers. Moments like those remind me exactly why we all work so hard to keep this incredible tradition alive year after year.
As an I-500 board member, what aspiration do you have for the future of the I-500?
My hope for the future of the I-500 is that we continue to grow while preserving the race’s rich history. I’d love to see more young volunteers and racers get involved, ensuring the event thrives for generations to come. Expanding community engagement and continuing to improve the racer and fan experience are key goals moving forward.