Snow machine riders of all ages, children as young as five to seniors in their 70s, competed in the Snow Drags at Runway Park Saturday.
Runway Park has hosted the one-day annual event since 2013. However, Saturday marked a return for the Snow Drags as the races were cancelled in 2024 due to last year’s mild winter.
“It feels good to be back. The weather cooperated with us this year. We got so much snow in December that we couldn’t get a whole lot done out here but then some of the snow melted so we could get in and get things ready. It’s perfect weather today. It’s minus 2 so we’re not going to freeze. The racers like it and the spectators like it,” said Ryan Nolan, Runway Park owner/operator and race organizer in an interview with SooToday.
Races began at approximately 12 p.m. and were anticipated to last until dark.
Nolan estimated that at least 200 racers of all skill levels were registered for the Snow Drags.
The event attracts competitors from not only Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma District but also from southern Ontario, Quebec and the U.S.
Spectators looked on clearly enjoying the roar of the motors and the speed of the machines.
“There are some really fast sleds. The races are 500 feet but our track is just shy of 2,000 feet leaving enough time for a slow down,” Nolan said.
Cash prizes were available for winners in over 50 races that included competitors grouped according to age, skill level and sled size.
With Saturday’s Drag Races a success, Nolan said Runway Park will be hosting more Snow Drags and a Grand Prix event on Feb. 22 and 23.
More information on Runway Park events can be found through the facility’s social media presence and its website.