CARIBOU, Maine — Despite cold winds, approximately 750 racers and spectators from all over New England and Canada gathered at the former Van Buren Lodge for the first snowmobile drag race hosted by the Caribou Snowmobile Club Sunday.
Racers competing in a multitude of classes were given a 660-foot track to prove their point during Sunday’s popular fundraiser. Proceeds went to the Caribou Snowmobile Club’s future race fund as well as to the grooming of snowmobile trails. Money collected from sled registrations was used for cash payout prizes.
Caribou Snowmobile Club board member and race organizer Gary Marquis says not only will money be going back to the club, but racers from all over Maine, New Brunswick and Quebec put a little cash in the pockets of local businesses after staying the night in hotels.
“The response has been humongous. We’re trying to get the younger generation involved and the younger generation wanted snowmobile racing and that’s what we’ve done. It shows on a day like today they welcomed it with open arms.
“This is the first [race] the club has done in ages. If this is a success and we have a good response, we’re looking at doing grass drags in the fall and continue year after year if we have a successful race today,” Marquis said.
A second fundraiser gained steam as spectators poured in. The Harley Owner’s Group served up burgers and hot dogs with proceeds going towards their general fund which, according to HOG director Karla Hanson, goes to support local charities throughout the community.
According to race director Kurt Dumond, over 25 volunteers from Caribou, Presque Isle, Limestone and Fort Kent were on hand Sunday to help prepare for the races. “There’s been so much support. [Volunteers] are glad that racing is back in The County. They’re so happy there’s a race locally and they don’t have to go somewhere to see it or do it,” Dumond said.
Spud Speedway’s Marcel Bosse filled in as track announcer for Sunday’s event and offered a glimpse into the sport, “snow drags are basically set up the same way as NHRA (National Hot Rod Association), the lights go down, when you see green you dash down to the other end. You race against similar sleds — including the kiddie class and the vintage sled competition.”
Marquis says races continued into the evening and ended just after 6. Prizes were paid out to the first- and second-place finishers. First place of each class walked away with 70 percent of sled registration and the second place received 30 percent. At the end of the day, the Caribou Snowmobile Club garnered $3,650 for future races.
“All the clubs in the state are starting to get a little grayer and to get the younger generation has been tough, the old guard doesn’t want to let go and let these younger guys come in and have fresh ideas. Caribou was one of those clubs that didn’t have that young blood involved and now we do and today is the result,” Marquis said.
