Start your engines! I-500 checkered flag drops Saturday

The Canadian Sault will have a strong presence on Saturday in the I-500 snowmobile race in the Michigan Sault.

The popular annual event is widely regarded as the oldest and fastest snowmobile race in the world and begins at 10 a.m.

Shawn Ritchie was the top local qualifier in ninth position with a speed of 89.09 miles per hour on his Yamaha sled. Ritchie is the lead driver for Loshaw Racing.

Other local lead drivers qualifying are Echo Bay's Antero Tarvudd in 22nd spot with a speed of 86.40 mph on a Polaris, Terry Wright in 31st at 85.18 mph on a Yamaha and Ted Ritchie 35th at 85.18 mph on a Yamaha.

The Michigan Sault's Jason Komarnizki qualified 47th at 82.88 mph on a Ski Doo.

*** SNO-CROSS SERIES JOINS THE SHOW:

A combination of the world's most famous snowmobile racing events, the I-500 and Sno-cross series racing, will bring together two of snowmobiling's most popular racing events of all time!!

For the first time in history, the two spectacular snowmobile-racing events will bring snowmobile enthusiasts together of all ages! Two main events for the price of one! The spectator base should increase by thousands and snowmobile enthusiasts can enjoy their two favorite snowmobile-racing events on the same day, same location at the same time!

This is news worthy to say the least. Michigan leads the nation in total number of registered snowmobiles. Hence, the sport is a major contributor to our state's economic base.

*** CONTINGENCY MONEY

Yamaha 1st Place: $ 7,500 2nd Place: $ 2,000 3rd Place: $ 1,000 4th Place: $ 400 5th Place: $ 200

Polaris 1st $2500 2nd $1000

Arctic Cat 1st $5,000 2nd $2500 3rd $1000

Ski Doo None

*** SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

* Race Day! 39th Annual I-500 - 10:00 a.m.

* WPSA Regional Snow-Cross 9:00 a.m. I-500 Facility

* “Memories at the Mile” Vintage Snowmobile Show Awards Banquet - Kewadin Casino DreamMakers Theater following race

***

(With files from www.i-500.com)