Gueco wins I-500; Shawn Ritchie takes fifth

Gueco wins I-500; Shawn Ritchie takes fifth

Despite the bitter cold, it was snow that forced an early checkered flag at the 39th International 500 Snowmobile Race in the Michigan Sault.

Despite the bitter cold, it was snow that forced an early checkered flag at the 39th International 500 Snowmobile Race in the Michigan Sault.

After 376 laps of 500, Chad Gueco of Wasilla, Alaska won I-500 on a Yamaha over veteran drivers Gabe Bunke and Corey Davidson of Minnesota and Michigan's Todd Krikke.

After running over three-quarters of the race, I-500 race officials dropped the checkered flag due to safety concerns regarding the snowy weather conditions that hampered visibility.

Rounding out the top five with a solid run was Sault, Ontario driver Shawn Ritchie.

Other local drivers included Echo Bay's Antero Tarvudd in 18th spot and Ted Ritchie 25th overall. The Michigan Sault's Jason Komarnizki finished in 16th position.

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