By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
HOULTON — A winter sport rolling through The County is snowmobile drag racing.
In conjunction with this weekend’s Frozen Motor Mayhem II, starting at 10 a.m. Saturday in Presque Isle at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds, Houlton will also be hosting its own snowmobile drag races Sunday at Houlton International Airport.
The event is open to the public, with registration starting at 8 a.m. and races to follow at 10 a.m.
“We started out trying to appeal to the local crowd,” said Jane Torres, executive director of the Houlton Chamber of Commerce. “But, it turns out that people are very serious about this sport. We had calls from northern New Brunswick to southern Maine and even from the Quebec area.”
The snowmobile drag races will feature numerous classes: Stock (500, 600, 700, 800 and 1,000); Improved (500, 600, 700, 800 and 1,000); Prostock (800, 1,000, open and promax/outlaw); and mini sleds and vintage machines (single, twin or triple cylinders).
All snowmobiles must have tethers. There will be no exceptions made. A technician will be on site to inspect all snowmobiles before and after racing. There will be a $5 tech fee one time per snowmobile. Registration to race is $20 for each class.
“I would say speeds could reach 130 miles per hour on some of the bigger horsepower sleds,” said Arty Ledger of New Limerick, former snowmobile drag racer.
In the late 1990s, Houlton had a trio of snowmobile drag racers. Ledger, who raced mostly on grass, along with Chris Mills and the late Nelson Hughes, who both competed on the professional snowmobile circuit for McGuire Motorsports, which included racing stateside and Canada.
Racers will compete on a 660-foot drag strip adjacent to the old runway at Houlton International Airport.
“We did not want to place the strip on the runway because the racing sleds tend to dig down through the snow and we did not want to end up on the pavement,” Torres explained.
“Grooming started on the track last weekend and we will be bringing in 25 feet of crusher dust to lay down at the starting line to give the sleds traction,” she added.
Winners receive a 75 percent pay out for first and second places.
“Insurance is pricey,” said Torres. “So, if 10 sign up at $20 a race, $100 goes to first place; $50 to second and $25 to the chamber to help defray insurance costs.”
Bill and Lisa Sawyer will be running the registration and timing, while Jim Jones of Caribou will be on hand as a consultant. On-site technicians will be Ricky Tidd of Tidd’s Sport Shop, Inc. and another specialist from Houlton Power Sports. They will provide safety inspections in the pit area.
As of now, there are at least 150 sleds making their way to Houlton.
“In the beginning, we were hoping for 50 sleds, but when Caribou did their race, they had 163 at their first-time event,” said Torres. “There is a setback for the crowd, which is strictly enforced.”
Those attending will enter the event site through at gate to a groomed road at the end of the runway off Military Street. This location will bring the spectators onto the course.
“People will be able to see very well from that location,” said Torres. “Bring chairs. We do not have any bleachers.”
The reasons to watch or participate in an event like this varies.
“Most people like the speed and sound of the sleds,” Ledger said. “Some go to support a family member who is racing, while others go because they are die-hard fans of snowmobiles. There is not a lot to do around here in the winter and it is a fun outing to do as a family.
“There is a lot of excitement with snowmobile drag races. The sound, speed and danger will attract just about anyone,” he added.
Torres is hoping for at least 200 spectators on Sunday.
“Caribou drew 700,” she said. “So, let’s keep our fingers crossed.”
Concessions will be onsite with the Bus providing food and refreshments, along with a couple of other vendors, as well. The Houlton Police Department has offered radar checks, as well.
“The projected weather is perfect,” said Torres. “Barring a snowstorm, we will have the event.”
For more information, call 532-4216 or 694-3414 or visit the Houlton Chamber of Commerce Facebook page: Houlton International Snowdrags.
