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Several kinds of races are run today. As well as
races on snow or ice, summer competitions are also popular. Snowmobiles are
just as competitive on asphalt, grass and even water as they are on snow, to
the great delight of spectators.
Winter races
Oval track
The oval track was the first used in competitions of the 1960s, which were
organized on lakes. They were originally practised as races on snow, and
then turned to ice tracks in the 1970s. These races require a certain number
of circuits, from 10 to 25, on a track that's usually about one kilometre
long. Their duration depends on the models competing; for instance, 15
minutes for "stock" snowmobiles, and eight minutes for "Formula 1" models.
The best-known oval track race is held in Eagle River, Wisconsin, USA.
Cross-country racing
The cross-country race was also among the first type established in the
1960s. Travelling over ungroomed trails, through snow-covered woods and
fields, the first racers to cross the line take top place at the podium. The
length of these competitions mean that a snowmobile's reliability, as well
as its operator's skill, capacity and endurance, are put to the test.
The best-known cross-country race is the International 500, starting in St.
Paul, Minnesota, USA and running all the way to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Hill climb
The hill climb takes place on a very rugged mountain course. Participants
must travel over natural obstacles such as rock, deep snow, and ice, all
while fighting the force of gravity constantly pulling the vehicle down.
Speed, control, and manoeuvring, combined with a high-traction tread are
what makes a racer "King of the Hill".
The most popular hill climb is the World Hill Climb Championship in Jackson
Hole, Wyoming, USA.
Drag races
Drag races happen on a straight course, on ice or packed snow, where
everything depends on the start. They only last a few seconds, which is why
the acceleration must be so rapid. Snowmobile engine cylinders drive this
race and, in some categories, can exceed 1000 cc and produce more than 230
c.v. The racers themselves must have excellent balance, great reflexes, and
be well equipped and protected.
Several drag races are organized each year, the most popular being the World
Series of Ice Drags, which takes place in different locations annually, as
well as the Minocqua Ice Drags in Wisconsin.
Relay races
Relay races cover vast distances and resemble long-distance car races. One
of the most prestigious is the Harricana ("long road" in Algonquin) in
Quebec. It consists of a 2000+ km trek. Nicholas Hulot of France and his
associate René Metge, one of the winners of the Paris-Dakar race, came up
with the idea in 1988.
The first Harricana race took place in 1990. It started in Montreal and
finished in Radisson, north of James Bay, travelling over groomed and
off-road trails. Drivers had to pass 11 timed trials with one day of rest
provided. Competing teams of three members each drove a snowmobile, and
shared a single sled of equipment and supplies.
After a 10-year hiatus, the Harricana returned to the racing scene in
February 2002.
Snocross races
A snocross race takes place on a twisted track, with jumps, sharp turns, and
hairpin curves. Stemming from motocross racing, the snocross is demanding on
racers, allowing no room for distraction. These races truly test the
manoeuvrability and acceleration of the machines, while putting the skill,
agility and balance of the racer to the test. It's a spectacular kind of
competition, and always draws crowds of admirers.
The largest snocross race is at the X-Games, which take place in a different
location every year.
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