The revving of snowmobile engines around a 1-mile track will be on full display during the 57th Annual International 500 Snowmobile Race from Feb. 1–7 in Sault Ste. Marie.
Better known as the I-500, it is considered by some to be the world’s most prestigious and challenging snowmobile endurance event, with races throughout the week, culminating with the feature race on Sunday. The I-500 takes place on a unique 1-mile high-banked oval ice track, where competitors pilot high-performance snowmobiles at incredible speeds for 500 miles. The event draws competitors from across the U.S. and Canada.
“We see top speeds of sleds as high as 115 miles per hour,” said I-500 Chairman Ric Federau. “It’s the largest and only oval ice track of its kind in the U.S.”
The track, located at 984 W. 4th Ave., required two million gallons of water when it was poured in December. It also requires countless volunteers from the Sault Ste. Marie community, many of whom give their time after full days of work elsewhere. There are sleeping quarters on-site, which come in handy for long days preparing for the weeklong races.
“Our facilities are pretty incredible,” Federau said. “It’s no different than the quality you see at NASCAR locations with the tech and maintenance centers.”
NASCAR officials, teams and drivers have become more involved in the I-500 over the years, from attendance to partnerships. Federau said organizers hope to attract a NASCAR truck race during the summer at some point.
“Frankly, we don’t even know how big this can get,” he said.
The race’s roots stretch back to 1969, when local founders in Sault Ste. Marie were inspired by the Indianapolis 500 to create a snowmobile equivalent. It has grown to a point where the I-500 is now an enduring winter tradition attracting thousands of fans annually.
Race week is more than just a one-day event. Starting Sunday, Feb. 1, activities include youth Mini-5 races, Skate Night at the Track, rider meet-and-greets, time trials, qualifying heats and many family-friendly events leading up to the big race day.
Federau said there are nearly 400,000 snowmobiles registered in the state of Michigan, which makes the I-500 a destination event for all Michiganders. He invites any spectators to feel the excitement in the frozen air as engines rev, snow flies and the fastest snowmobile racers compete at the highest level.
“Many of our (fans) come every year,” Federau said.
Daily tickets are $30, and children age 12 and under get in for free. Learn more by visiting i-500.com or calling 906-635-1500.
(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Ready to race: Sault Ste. Marie preps for 57th Annual I-500
Reporting by M. Alan Scott, Special to the Sault News / The Sault News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
