Over the last few years racing vintage snowmobiles has grown into a major sporting event on the Canadian prairies. What started with 3 or 4 older ex sno-pro racers (and their ego clashes), is history. Born from the utterance of thinly veiled threats of dominance within the geriatric group, the event has grown by leaps.

“Ya know, I still have an old Sno-Jet.” Not able to leave it at that, his buddy responded, “Yea, and I still have a Cat that will blow your socks off.” And away it went.

Introduction

None of us had the physical stamina, and the $20,000, it would take to field one of our old Sno-Pro . But we all have the memories of the race, the thrills, the satisfaction and the camaraderie of the old days. (I’m stuck somewhere in the early 70’s.) Mere interest wasn’t all that was required however. What to race? What to race and still survive to function as grandpa!

“Singles.“ someone suggested. “Old ones, as old as say... 1973, that should put everyone on even ground.” “Besides”, another dinosaur added optimistically, “How fast do they go anyway?”, convinced that 70 km/h still represented safe.

Basic Rules

Because it all started out as a race, and because we all believe that a sled should be modified just short of a failure to start, some unusual rules spewed forth:

Yes you can port or cut or plane or do whatever you want.; The points stay in.; The muffler is stock.; The race is 100 miles long.; There are also 2 classes, HR or HD, depending on your OEM carb type.;

Eventually we added a few more rules for safety and to put a lid on the expenditures.

Costs

Still, realistically, a good sled costs about $2000.00 - $3000.00 to roll up race ready and competitive. A $50.00 entry fee and a 100% payback policy keeps everyone interested. The first race had five entries, paid $125.00 to win, $75.00 for 2nd and $50.00 for third. That was five years ago! Now it’s not uncommon to see up to 50 riders, you can do the math.

Strategies

So, want to do it around your place? Sounds like fun, doesn’t it? Find three other people with older single sleds that run, designate about a 2 mile course and get at it!