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Eight-year-old Sault girl to compete in Snowcross races; she’s got the need for speed

Ava Dawn Sartini will be racing her Arctic Cat in the Can/Am International Snowcross event in the Sault this weekend

At the age of eight, the Sault’s Ava Dawn Sartini will be a young but seriously competitive participant in the Canadian Snowcross Racing Association (CSRA) Rockstar Energy Can/Am International Snowcross races, to be held at The Yard (west of The Machine Shop at the former St. Marys Paper site) Jan. 12 and 13.

Ava comes from a racing family, her father Rob a stock car racing veteran, the Sartinis an avid snowmachine family.

This weekend will mark Ava’s first appearance at the snowcross races at The Yard, supported by her father Rob as crew chief, Ava Dawn Racing #598 team manager Debbie McMillan and pit crew members Dawn Chaimbrone (Ava’s mother), Dustin Jackson, Rena Brouillard and Zowie Luck.

“I honestly believe, with her drive and her competitive edge, that she’ll do very well in this competition,” McMillan said, speaking to SooToday.

“This is something she’s got a great interest in and she wants to pursue it, and her parents Rob and Dawn are going to let her follow her dreams and are supporting her.”

“She’s going to be in the Novice 200cc division with her Arctic Cat machine, competing against 12-year-olds (talk about punching above her weight!).”

“She’s one of very few local competitors (at the Can/Am International Snowcross),” McMillan said.

Ava is already something of a seasoned pro on the snowmachine racing scene.

In 2015, at the age of five, Ava began her racing career at Runway Park’s Snow Drags, continuing to compete in the 120 and 250cc races at the park through to 2018, winning several events over that period of time.

“She’ll be running in events in northern, southern and eastern Ontario in the CSRA circuit in her category, powered by her Arctic Cat,” McMillan said.

“Her drive and competitive edge will prove her well as she competes in different events throughout Ontario in the CSRA circuit. She’s excited to continue her schedule in snow drag racing events.”

Ava is scheduled to race at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Jan. 12 and 13.

Saultites are encouraged to come out to The Yard and cheer Ava on, McMillan said.


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Darren Taylor

About the Author: Darren Taylor

Darren Taylor is a news reporter and photographer in Sault Ste Marie. He regularly covers community events, political announcements and numerous board meetings. With a background in broadcast journalism, Darren has worked in the media since 1996.
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