Michigan Snowmobiler & ORV - January 2024

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Tommie Bauer Racing

A “made for movie” finish in the I-500 2023 race, this team defines what competitive racing is all about

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Keweenaw Unlocks for the Season Under the Helmet: Furkey Racing 1-500: The Final Approach

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6 4

EDITOR’S LETTER

6

VISIT SAULT STE. MARIE

14

UNDER THE HELMET: FURKEY RACING

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I-500: THE FINAL APPROACH

32

A PHOTO FINISH FOR THE RECORDS

40

BRIAN CASWELL - OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER FOR THE I-500

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SNOWCROSS RACING IN MICHIGAN IS HEADED FOR BIG CHANGES

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KEWEENAW UNLOCKS FOR THE SEASON

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ON THE COVER: The historic photo-finish for Tommie Bauer Racing at the 2023, I-500 PHOTO BY: Brain Caswell, SpeedShot Photography

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Michigan Snowmobiler + ORV Magazine.

Gaylord...................... 5 Sault Ste. Marie......... 9 New Lothrop.............. 9 Deer Park................... 9 Newberry................. 12 Naubinway............... 13 Houghton Lake........ 13 Paradise.................. 13 Hulbert..................... 13 Cadillac.................... 19 Midland.................... 27 Quincy..................... 27 Hubbell.................... 29 Greenland................ 29 Grand Marais........... 29 McMillan.................. 29 Curtis....................... 29 Grayling................... 30 Lake gogebic........... 31 Calumet................... 35 Twin Lakes............... 35 White Pine............... 35 White Lake............... 37 Seney....................... 37 East Jordan........43-44 Rexton..................... 44 Elmira....................... 44 Indian River.............. 47 Copper Harbor........ 51 Epoufette................. 53 Fenton..................... 53 Grand Traverse........ 54 Marquette................ 54

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY • 2024

| 3

from the editor

T

he excitement at Michigan Snowmobiler and ORV has been building as we head into the last few days before the 55th running of the I-500! You can’t even think about this year without remembering the “made for movie” photo finish of the 2023 race. Neither driver knew until the tapes were reviewed which team won. Can you evn imagine that kind of feeling after 9 hours of competition coming down to that moment? In that moment it was the Tommie Bauer Racing team with sled #19 to make history, but believe me, D.L. Racing has been spending the entire year analyzing, testing, racing and reworking in order to be perfect for the ice on February 3, 2024.

All the race teams, we have featured

in our Under the Helmet series, work passionately year round to be in top form for this GrandDaddy of Snowmobile events. Just read Ric Federau’s, The Final Approach article to get an idea of the pure adrenaline that goes into each year – from all facets of the race – the teams, the Race Committee, the volunteers, the media and of course the RACE FANS! Each of us plays a part. Hope you get a chance to be there or tune into …. To watch the race remotely…

Speaking of passion for this event – our I-500 Race Committee – was so dissappointed to have to cancel the 2020 event due to Covid that they needed an outlet for that race vision once the covid restrictions were lifted. The board members got together and made a plan.

The 9 board members, plus our race announcer decided to go on a summer tour of race track venues and promote Ice Oval Racing, but especially the I-500. Race teams also supported each venue by displaying a race sled or two and handing out team swag, autographs and of course photo ops. In all – the board and our announcer traveled 11,000 miles from the UP, attended 14 race events (including NASCAR) and ended their promotional season at the

newly renovated Owosso Speedway.

So much work went into this promotion – but as this group of volunteers will tell you – every minute is worth it! A huge thank you to: I-500 Board Members: Ric Federau, John Babcock, Dave Thomas, Dan Burho, Ray Bell, Ryan Kostanowick (Canadian Board Member) Wes Jourden, Carri Bradley and I-500 Track Announcer Matt Prieur.

To anyone traveling to enjoy the I-500 as a volunteer, race fan, Board Member, Race Team, Race Announcer or member of the media – Safe travels!

Please make sure to visit the I-500.com website for more race details including how to become a volunteer. We look forward to seeing everyone soon. As always, please remember to keep our veterans and first responders in your thoughts and prayers. Plus, this month – please say a special prayer for the safety of all of our race teams and that everyone enjoys a spectacular race event. Be safe and enjoy the trails until next month.

As alway, you can reach out to us at Michigan Snowmobiler at scottd@faragoassoc.com

PUBLISHER | Peter Farago

VOLUME 57 - NUMBER 5

EDITOR | Ann Drzewiecki

Founded September 1967

ADVERTISING MANAGER | Scott Drzewiecki

EXECUTIVE OFFICES, ADVERTISING, EDITORIAL AND CIRCULATION OFFICES:

CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR | Michelle Sheridan

30600 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 306 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48434 810.348.1325 scottd@faragoassoc.com www.michsnowmag.com

THE MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER+ORV is an independent publication endorsing the goals of MISORVA, and other associations. Opinions expressed herein are the opinions of the editor or contributing writers, and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions of the MSA, or their board of directors. Reproduction of material in whole or part is prohibited, unless authorized in writing by the publisher - all rights reserved.

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER and ORV INC., The Michigan Snowmobiler is published 10 times per year, September through February and May through August.

4 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR | Chelsie Dzbanski Fontenelle WEB MANAGER | Kelly Kosek CONTRIBUTING WRITERS | Jim Duke, Ric Federau, Patrick Grzebinski ,Terri Norey, Mike Olmstead, Dominic Santina, Melissa Sullivan, Jesse Wiederhold , Joyce Wiswell SALES | Scott Drzewiecki, Peter Farago DESIGNERS | Kelly Kosek, Kaitlyn Schoen

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4 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - November, 2019

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our town

Sault Ste. Snowmobiling Paradise and the Pinnacle of Winter Racing

BY SAULT STE. MARIE CONVENTION/TOURISM BUREAU

N

estled in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, Sault Ste. Marie stands as a favorite for snowmobiling enthusiasts, offering an extensive network of groomed trails and hosting the world-renowned International-500 Snowmobile Race. With an annual average snowfall of 120 inches, this winter wonderland transforms into a snowy paradise, inviting riders of all

6 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

levels to experience the thrill of its diverse snowmobiling scene.

THE INTERNATIONAL-500 SNOWMOBILE RACE: A LEGACY OF ENDURANCE At the heart of Sault Ste. Marie’s snowmobiling legacy lies the International-500 Snowmobile Race.

This iconic event has been a staple

.Marie since 1969, attracting riders and spectators alike to witness the pulse-pounding action. Taking place on the first Saturday of February each year, the I-500 is a grueling 500-mile endurance race that tests the mettle of the best drivers in the world.

Over the years, efforts have been made to enhance the racetrack, creating a more welcoming environment for the thousands of attendees who flock to Sault Ste. Marie annually. The Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau is helping lead plans to revitalize the area, eventually transforming it into a year-round entertainment hub. For now, the I-500 remains a significant highlight for those planning an unforgettable continued on page 8 snowmobiling vacation.

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY • 2024

| 7

our town: Sault Ste. Marie

continued from page 7

BEYOND THE RACE: EXPLORING SAULT STE. MARIE’S SNOWMOBILING SCENE A closer look at the Sault Ste. Marie snowmobiling scene reveals a haven of fun and excitement for riders of all experience levels. From leisurely Sunday cruises to extended expeditions into the heart of the Upper Peninsula, Sault Ste. Marie offers a diverse range of experiences.

Navigating the trails directly from within the city has never been easier, as most Sault Ste. Marie streets permit snowmobiles. This snowmobile-friendly environment allows riders to traverse the town, refuel their sleds, and explore locally owned coffee shops for a quick bite and a caffeine boost. The city trails seamlessly connect to the main regional trail system through the 12’ x 12’ “Soo Tunnel,” conveniently located beneath Interstate-75 just south of the I-500 track. Remarkably, you can even ride your sled directly from your hotel room to the trailhead.

Once you hit the trails, you’ll discover a labyrinth of routes connecting small communities, national forests, state forest lands, snow-covered hills, and plains across the region. Touring the EUP by snowmobile is both exhilarating and awe-inspiring. Some believe it’s the best way to experience the UP during the winter months. As you traverse the snow-covered landscapes, encounters with wildlife and hidden gems, such as tuckedaway restaurants and taverns, add to the adventure. continued on page 10

8 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

that the stretch between the Soo and Kinross has improved greatly. They have fixed most of the problems in that area. As you may recall, there

SAULT STE MARIE

work out, should go un-noticed by most sledders.

And, a reroute in the Raco area. Moving a bit of Trail just a bit. Maybe this year. Probably

watch

Alexa Peterman & Grandfather, Al Cottle shar a moment over Smores. Yum Yum.

the race

groomed and Also, they ke membering the ber One Rule: you have a s picnic, you hav vite the re Thanks again g always… What said, “Good Good fun. Goo radery.”

ride the trails &

streets

Alexa Peterman & Grandfather, Al Cottle shar a moment over Smores. Yum Yum.

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our town: Sault Ste. Marie continued from page XX

Venturing deeper into the trail system by heading west on the ever-popular Trail #8 toward Brimley reveals a spectacular view. This trail leads through the Hiawatha National Forest and includes the Mission Hill Overlook, offering breathtaking views of Monocle Lake and, just beyond that, Lake Superior.

Continuing west past Bay Mills brings you to the Point Iroquois Lighthouse, a historical landmark that adds charm to the snowmobiling journey.

Trail #8 is a must-ride for all snowmobilers looking to take in the Upper Peninsula’s unparalleled beauty. It leads straight to Paradise, Michigan, along Lake Superior, with nearby Whitefish Point just ahead. Although the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is closed during the winter, this stop allows riders to behold the vastness of the Big Lake.

The adventure doesn’t end there. You can take your sled directly to one of Michigan’s most famous locations, Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

The two waterfalls at the state park epitomize the Upper Peninsula’s spectacular winter beauty. The Upper Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls east of the Mississippi, should be on every snowmobiler’s bucket list. Additionally, the area hosts the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub, offering dine-in and takeout options that make even the coldest rides worthwhile.

Throughout your westward adventure from the Soo, you’ll encounter numerous small towns and villages like Bay Mills, Raco, Newberry, and continued on page XX

10 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

Elliot Lake boasts high annual snowfalls and an endless number of groomed and ungroomed trails, but we’re more than just an awesome snowmobiling destination.

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NEWBERRY

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our town: Sault Ste. Marie

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er was

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owmor was of

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Mailing address______________________ continued from page 10 TO MEET ALL YOUR VACATION NEEDS! City________________Zip_____________ Miles and Miles of Snowmobile and Phone______________________________ Paradise. These areas ORV Trails maintained all year for the offer ideal pit stops to email_______________________________ BEST Riding Experience in the UP! refuel your sled and

explore local attractions. to win just & Hunting ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. SomeTo of qualify the BEST Fishing Whether you choose to Mail or Fax to: hason tothis offer. complete theMichigan information page. continue further west into Michigan Snowmobiler Magazine Winners are responsible for any the heart of the Upper tahquamenoncountry.com P.O. Box 417 shipping or transportation costs and no Peninsula or circle back PO Box 574 | Newberry, MI 49868 | (906) 287-1962East Jordan, MI 49727 cash equivalent will be given. to the Soo, the mostly Fax 231-536-7691 Deadline for entries January 11th 2020 flat trails and abundant stopping points make it all possible.

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12 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

E IN GRAND MARAIS THIS WINTER!

onto the trail. As soon as snowfall begins, the grooming process commences, ensuring optimal conditions for snowmobilers. The association serves as an invaluable resource for planning your snowmobiling trip to the Soo, offering updates on the trail systems and information on regulations for snowmobiling within city limits.

Sault Ste. Marie beckons snowmobilers to a winter wonderland that seamlessly blends the thrill of the I-500 Snowmobile Race with the excitement of vast, wellgroomed trails. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the snowmobiling scene, the diverse offerings of Sault Ste. Marie promise an unforgettable winter adventure. Embark on a journey where the landscape is blanketed in snow, the trails are meticulously groomed, and the thrill of the ride is only matched by the breathtaking beauty of the Upper Peninsula. •

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| 13

Under the Helmet brought to you by

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Who got you into snowmobiling and when; and what was their influence on you with regard to the sport: There’s been snowmobiles in our family as long as I can remember. The first photo of me on a sled is on my grandparents 1965 Polaris Mustang. I still have that sled. The racing bug I think began when I was 13 years old. The Sunday after watching my very first I-500 with my Dad and Grandfather, they brought me back over across the border to the Soo track with my trail sled and let me loose on the track. That’s when I knew I’d be racing some day at the I-500.

When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far on the track: I started racing in my twenties at the local drags, hill climbs, CSRA Snocross, snow ovals.

Anything that involved snow & racing I was into it. Ice oval racing started later in 1996. I raced the MIRA Enduro’s with Shawn Ritchie aboard an Arctic Cat ZRT. In 1997 I wanted to build my own race sled. With alot of help from friends & family including my brother Cory, we finished 6th that year at the I-500. In 2004 Cory & I teamed with John & Matt Hoos #67 to win the I-500 that year.

What is your career goal as owners: I had been retired for many years after 2004 with reaching the goal of having an I-500 win under continued on page 16 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY • 2024

| 15

under the helmet | owner interview

2023 Rotary Parade Sault Ste Marie Ontario continued from page 15

my belt. I started racing Vintage sleds in the G.L.A.S.S. series.

Ryan McCaig, our daughter’s boyfriend showed alot of interest in this. He came from a hockey background and trail riding. This was something totally different for him. He tried it and was hooked!

He was a “natural”!! We moved onto M.I.R.A with the ice ovals and haven’t looked back since. We missed 2020-2021 due to COVID when they closed the Canada/ US border but managed to watch Eagle River from the garage. It was torture lol. Our goal now is to provide Ryan with a M.I.R.A. Championship and Soo I-500 win.

What were the driving factors to start the race team: (again) Cory and I started C & C Racing when we were snocrossing in 1995. We were both after the adrenaline rush I guess you could say. We then changed it to Furkey Racing #54. Many races were raced back in those years. After being retired from enduro racing for years we got back into it. Ryan wanted to try it after vintage racing and here we are again. It couldn’t happen without the support from our families, friends & sponsors and the many racers that have raced with Ryan over the years.

MORE INTERVIEWS on page 18 1997 I-500 Shawn Ritchie, Terry Wright, Chris Furkey

Chris & Cory Furkey 1995 SnoCross

16 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

2000 I-500 Shawn Ritchie, Tim Gregory & Chris Furkey Finished 5th

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Cory Furkey continued from page 16

owner/driver

Cory Furkey

Cory Furkey

TRISH FURKEY

TRISH FURKEY

under the helmet | owner/driver interview

Who got you into snowmobiling and when; and what was their influence on you with regard to the sport: I got interested in racing after our grandfather brought us to the I-500 year after year when we were kids. We collected beer cans for “candy money” at the Big Pickle Duty Free.

In 1995 Chris and I raced snocross. In 1996 my big brother Chris let me ride his ZRT600 in the ProAm races....after winning the very first race I entered, I was definitely hooked !!

When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far on the track: In 2004 winning the I-500 with the Hoos #67 but also leading for several laps swapping 1st place back and forth with Todd Krikke and also being a member of the 90mph Club at the Soo.

Cory & Chris Furkey

What is your career goal as owners: To win the I-500 again!

What were the driving factors to start the race team: (again) Keeping the tradition going, recognizing talent with our team as sled builders and introducing new blood....Kegger MORE INTERVIEWS on page 20

18 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

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under the helmet | owner/driver interview continued from page 18

Ryan at Kinross

owner/driver

Ryan McCaig (Kegger)

Who got you into snowmobiling and when; and what was their influence on you with regard to the sport: My Dad got me into snowmobiling when I was young. My parents got me my own snowmachine when I was 4 years old and have been riding ever since. Little did I know I would one day be racing.

When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far on the track: The racing began when I met my girlfriend Jaimie. Her Dad, Chris Furkey and her uncle, Cory Furkey were long time racers. Chris was vintage racing and asked if I wanted to try it. He didn’t have to ask twice.

Things progressed quickly and that’s when we decided to build a new enduro sled. Some of the proudest moments I have in my snowmobiling career was the ability to build my own sled with Chris & Cory out

of a sled that I used to trail ride.

Another proud moment was finishing 2nd in Lincoln with the first sled we ever built.

What is your career goal: My goal is to be able to win races in M.I.R.A. and of course the I-500. The Furkey’s won the I-500 before with the Hoos #67 and my dream would be for us to win again!

How did you become part of this racing team: I became part of this team when I started dating my girlfriend. Her Dad and Uncle had raced for many years in the I-500 and other racing circuits.

They were retired except for the vintage G.L.A.S.S. series and it snowballed from there.before we knew it they were out of retirement and the enduro racing was back on. They taught me the ropes and I fell in love with the sport. I’m happy to carry on the tradition and race team. •

20 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

Ryan McCaig, Aaron Mayer & Trent Johnson I-500 2023 9th Place

PRO ENDURO RACING CIRCUIT JANUARY 6-7th

KINROSS, MI JANUARY 20-21st

EAGLE RIVER, WI JANUARY 27- 28th

TRAVERSE CITY, MI FEBRUARY 10-11th

GAYLORD, MI FEBRUARY 17-18th

LINCOLN, MI BY D E T N PRESE

1-500 the finish line

The

final approach

BY RIC FEDERAU CONTRIBUTING WRITER

kay have I got your attention? After all, that’s what writing articles is all about. Generally speaking, the content of the article is always pretty interesting. It’s giving you a little more insight to what’s going on and what’s really important because we’re in this together. When I say we’re in this together, then what I’m speaking about is participating in one of the greatest winter sports spectacles in the world. So, my main objective is to keep you interested and keep you reading as we learn just a little bit more coming into our final approach for the 55th running of the world’s most prestigious snowmobile racing event.

Fact is..... You as a reader are equally a part of this event as much as the volunteers, the race teams, the sponsors, the. fans, yeah, even the media. We’ve all created a. winter sports enthusiasts’ fraternity as we come together with a common interest in a sport that generates a lot of High-Octane excitement. When you think about it we’re only a few days away from the opening days of race week for the International 500. Together we’re going to be embarking on Michigan’s oldest city. Historically speaking, that’s a unique story in itself. Now we’re going to transform it into Michigan’s hottest winter sports activity location and vacation destination. Proclaimed

by Michigan’s governor as Michigan’s premier winter sporting event The 55th running of this prestigious event is certain to give you all the thrills of NASCAR and the excitement of professional racing within the winter sports arena. Does it get any better than this? I don’t think so.

O

22 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

Folks. After last year’s exciting finish (Which, by the way, was one of the closest in professional racing anywhere.) We anticipate the competitive spirit is going to be more alive than ever. As we move into this final approach for the 55th running of the International 500, The excitement is in the air and the buzz is all around us. At this point, my little article it’s time to get the adrenaline going. It’s time for me to stop babbling about this exciting sport and the time to move into the meat of this article. Let’s get right into “ tech chatter”. ( Gotta admit tho... I’m pretty damn good at chatter’n....LOL) Within my last article, I had mentioned that we’re going to host a “ Sunday sit down” talk with a couple International 500 race drivers and...... the International 500 race director. Fire UP your brand loyal sled and let’s get rolling........

I wanna introduce y’all to a good, upcoming driver who’s future looks bright within the oval ice endurance racing arena. Always great to get the inside perspective of a competitive driver such as KYLE RICHTER. DRIVER: KYLE RICHTER Age: 30 yrs.

Hometown: Traverse City, Mich.

Sled # - 62 Ric: Kyle., Before we get too deep in conversation, I don’t want to take the time to thank you for your time and your personal perspective when it comes to professional snowmobile endurance racing.

Thanks again.

Ric: So Kyle. How many years have you been racing and what got you interested in snowmobile endurance racing?

Kyle: Well, Rick, I’ve been around snowmobiles almost all my entire life. I started riding and racing at 5 years old and continued racing snowmobiles through age 16 when I took a hiatus from the sport. I primarily raced snow cross, but always had an interest. in racing cross country and endurance racing was the coolest available option in Michigan.

Ric; Assuming you’re brand loyal and your fans are as well. What type of sled do you race at the I-500 race?

Kyle: I started out racing an Arctic cat and continued racing Arctic cat through the age of 16. However, once I transitioned into endurance continued on page 24

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY • 2024

| 23

1-500 the finish line continued from page 22

racing, I chose to go with Polaris as they have a pretty good, solid program in regard to this type of racing. This year at the International 500 Ryan Bosek and I will be driving a 2023 Polaris, 600R. Ric: How many years have you been racing at the I-500?

Kyle: This will be my third time racing at the International 500 as a driver.

And honestly, I’m just looking forward to finishing the race. The past two years we’ve had some unfortunate luck and we’re hoping the 3rd year is a charm.

Ric: As a driver, what excites you most about racing at the international 500?

Kyle: It’s honestly just an honor to be able to race at such a prestigious event. I’ve been watching the race with my dad and my uncle Mark since I was 14 years old and never truly thought that I would have the opportunity to be out there with so many accomplished racers. My uncle passed away last year from brain cancer, so just being in the race that we’ve watched so many times together keeps me motivated and excited for the race.

Ric: So tell me, how does racing at the famous I-500-mile oval compare to other race venues you’ve raced at?

Kyle: Quite honestly, there is no comparison. There’s nothing like this venue. It’s in the league of its own.

Ric: Assuming you have a personal routine you follow the night before the main i-500 event will you share a brief description of your personal routine?

Kyle: The night before I take it pretty easy. I like to do some stretching to keep the body loose. I watched previous year’s race videos to keep my focus and I go to bed early for a good night’s sleep.

to promote the sport of oval ice endurance racing as well as the International 500 race itself. Do you think promotion at auto race venues during the summer and off season is beneficial to your sport and the I-500 race? And why?

Kyle: I absolutely think that promoting oval ice racing in the off season is beneficial to the sport and to the international 500.

Ric: Would you mind sharing your morning pre-race routine a little bit?

Give people an idea what you go through in the morning of the I-500 race. The morning of the race?

Kyle: I’m pretty focused and not very talkative. I get a brief work out and get the blood pumping. Then I spend a lot of time making sure all my gears in order and ready to go. The whole team gets together, and we go over the plan one more time before the big show starts.

Ric: The I-500 is a long race. Do you get to eat during the race? If so, when?

Kyle: I might eat a granola bar and possibly a couple bananas during the race, but that’s about it.

Ric: How many drivers are on your team, Kyle?

Kyle: 2 - Myself. and O’Ryan Bosek Ric: How often do you change drivers between you and Mister Bosek?

Kyle: We typically try to change drivers at the end of our fuel range, but that could. increase with fatigue this year. I am recovering from a torn MCL and a meniscus, we’ll have to see how the ole leg holds up.

Ric: This past summer, as many people know, the international 500 embarked on a summer tour

24 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

Ric: What does it mean to you and your team to win the international 500 race?

Kyle: Obviously, no team goes racing with a mindset of not winning. We’re a new team to the I-500. Right now, we just want to figure out how to make it to the end of the race. Once we can do that, we can focus on the possibility of winning it. At this point I just consider myself lucky to have the opportunity to be out there racing with other professional drivers.

This next “Sunday sit” down has a unique twist to it that’s really cool when it comes to drivers who race at the international 500. You’ll Understand more as the shutdown begins.

So, let’s get rolling........

NAME: DEREK KOLBUS Age: 48 Hometown: Slidell, LA. Sled # - 8 (Kolbus Racing) Ric: How long have you been involved in snowmobile endurance racing and what got you interested in the sport?

Derek: I’ve been involved on and off for the past 20 years. My interest came from watching my dad, Mike Kolbus Sr. race for many years, starting back in the 70s.

Ric: So Derek, What brands led do you race when you race at the international 500?

Derek: For the past six years. we’ve been racing on a Polaris. continued on page 26

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1-500 the finish line

before the International 500 race week begins. I do a lot of cross training to prepare.

continued from page 24

Ric: I’m sure it’s exciting for you to have three drivers for the 55th running of the International 500. But how many team members do you have on your team?

Derek: Three drivers and 12 crew members.

Ric: When you make pit stops during the race, what is your average time of each pit stop?

Derek: It’s quick. but we focus more on efficiency of the pit stop rather than the time it takes. It’s just very quick.

Ric: I’m about to ask you an interesting question. Derek, noting where you currently reside. You travel thousands of miles to race at the International 500, are you originally from Michigan and how many years have you been traveling to race at the SOO? Derek: I grew up in Munising, MI. And I’ve been traveling to the International 500 from Louisiana for the past eight years (2650 miles round trip).

Ric: You’re obviously committed to the sport. Preparing for the International 500 takes months of planning and practice time on a sled. How do you get practice time for the I-500 when residing in such a warm climate.

Derek: I spend a lot of time on my KTM riding single track in the DeSoto National Forest. 100% Is a lot of fun.

Ric: With minimal ability to get sled practice time. I assume your team members have your sled totally ready so when you do get to Michigan you can get some practice time. When do you normally arrive

in Michigan prior to racing at the International 500?

Derek: I normally make about two trips back to Michigan in December and January to help the guy’s finish building the sled. The. week before the International 500 I show up and we do our testing. My practice time is a few straight line runs on some ice or a dirt road. I get the most practice during qualifying laps when I’m at the International 500 track.

Ric: How Many drivers do you have on your team? What are their names?

Derek: For the past two years, it’s been me and Ryan Dalsky. We’ve been the only two drivers this year were excited to add Michael Haynes as our third Driver on the # - 8 team.

Ric: The International 500 is a tough physical race. It’s like the race is based on “ man versus machine “. As drivers you have to be in shape physically. Do you work out year-round? And what do you do to keep yourself in shape?

Derek: I have a regimented training cycle that starts about six months

26 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

Ric: Obviously, racing is in your blood Derek. Is it a hobby? And what is your real job?

Derek: It’s a hobby and a passion.

I am a private practice chiropractic physician.

Ric: Holy Moly..... That’s very unique. What do your clients and staff think about your involvement with snowmobile racing?

Derek: My clients and staff can’t believe the speeds that we go during the race at the International 500. We have many followers from Slidell, LA that watch us on race day.

Ric: Again, Derek, you certainly are committed to the sport and racing at the International 500. You have the utmost mutual respect from the fraternity of race teams who race there. You also have a large fan base who follow and support your team. In a nutshell, what does winning the prestigious International 500 mean to you personally and your team members?

Derek: It means everything. It means a legacy for Kobus Racing, for my Kolbus family and my home town Munising Michigan. It would mean everything to our co drivers and several of our team members who are locals from Sault Ste. Marie, MI. continued on page 28

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1-500 the finish line

continued from page 26

Ric: I’d like to share a little tid-bit about the bond between drivers and teams who race at the I-500.

Dr. Kolbus while racing at the I-500 has helped hurting drivers from other teams during his own pit-stop.

Who does that?..... The drivers and teams who participate in this sport, that’s who. Always there supporting each other while being competitive as well. It’s a testimony to all teams and drivers who race in this sport arena of oval ice endurance racing.

And... as I said, a unique twist to a story about a class act driver and Doctor. Thanks for the interview, Doc..... Gotta love it, right?

Let’s head into the final lap and some “ Tech - Chatter “ whereby we’re going to have a Sunday sit down with the race director for the International 500 race.

NAME: BILL CRYDERMAN Age: 48 Hometown: Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan Title: I-500 Race Chairman and Race Committee.

Ric: The I-500 is officiated by a governing body known as the Race Committee. Can you give a brief description of what the race committee is and does?

Bill: The Race Committee is a group separate from the board of directors of the International 500. It officiates and operates the race week events throughout International 500 race week. Any activity that happens on the track is operated by the race committee. We are sanctioned by ISR Racing and follow their rule book that is provided by them.

28 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

Ric: Your title is race director? As race director for the International 500 you’re responsible for overseeing everything and everyone involved with “on the track” participation and within the infield pit areas. Your responsibilities are many and cover a wide variety of areas related to the I-500 race. Can you touch on some of the areas for which you oversee?

Bill: The reality is... Once I sign on as race director, I’m responsible for the whole facility from gate to gate. It’s a huge task, and it’s not possible to do it all. So, we have it broke into pieces and everyone has a piece of the puzzle to deal with. But truthfully, my main focus is on the track activities and anything in the pit areas or track areas during. race week. continued on page 30

eptember, 2019

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1-500 the finish line

GROSS

continued from page 28

Ric: How long have you been race director for the International 500?

Bill: Well, that’s a tough question, because I’m not 100 percent sure on what year I first started. I’m not very good with that kind of stuff, but I believe it was 2008 or 2009 when I first became race director. So, let’s just say 15 or so years.

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Bill: Absolutely it’s a necessity. my co-race director is Scott “Lucky” Lacoursiere. Scott is fully certified as an ISR race director. He and I have been friends for over 30 years, and we work well together. It’s pretty seamless.

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Ric: The I-500 track being the only mile oval ice track in North America, is very large. How many track officials are trackside during I-500 race.

Bill: For sure running a one-mile oval track is no small feat to staff and operate. We have between 75 and 80 workers in the pit area on race day with 28 of them being trackside doing various flagging duties.

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Bill: Our highest priority is always safety, hands down.

I tell all these racers and teams that we want every one of them to go home in the same or better condition than they showed up in.

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Ric: Being a total volunteer project, we’re by a lot of people volunteer to work the race. Are the trackside officials all local people?

Bill: No, not all trackside workers are local. We’ve worked years to assemble a group of workers we currently have, and many of them come from all over Michigan and Canada. We get people from other states as well. This group is second to none in the business, but then again, I’m pretty biased.

Ric: As race director, you have direct involvement with the International 500 “tech crew”. Can you

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90

A Photo Finish for the Records

32 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

Tommie Bauer Racing #19, wins the closest I-500 finish in 54 years of racing the famed 1-mile ice oval.

BY JOYCE WISWELL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

racing history

A

fter some nine hours of racing, there were only about five laps to go in the International 500 Snowmobile Endurance Race. Tommie Bauer Racing had a tough decision to make. Stick with the status quo and be virtually guaranteed a third- or fourth-place finish? Or make one last pit stop to change the skis on No. 19 and go for glory?

That was the dilemma facing driver Joey Burch. The front end of the carbides on the Polaris were not turning well, so he radioed the pit.

“I need to come in and get new skis or we are only good for 4th place,” he said.

“We had nothing to lose at that point,” Burch said later, recounting his thought process. Not everyone agreed, but team owner Mike Otto backed him up. “We were going there for the win. That is where everyone wants to be,” Otto said.

So Burch steered into the pit, the crew flew into action, and he was back on the course in just 30 or 40 seconds – “if that,” Burch said. He kept advancing on the last few laps and the next thing he knew, he was neck and neck with D.L. Racing’s #29 Polaris.

The two sleds flew across the finish line so close together that no one could tell who had won.

Then the official time came up: No. 19 had crossed first — by .0001 seconds.

If a Hollywood movie had scripted such a close finish – after more than nine hours and 500 laps — it would have been panned as ridiculous.

But that was exactly what happened at the I-500 in Sault Ste. Marie on February 4.

“It was so close I didn’t know if we won or if we didn’t, then all of a sudden I heard someone screaming on the radio we won,” said Burch. “I couldn’t believe it had happened.” continued on page 34

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY • 2024

| 33

racing history

“It was so close I didn’t know if we won or if we didn’t, then all of a sudden I heard someone screaming on the radio we won.

I couldn’t believe it had happened.”

— JOEY BURCH

continued from page 33

Disbelief was definitely the emotion of the moment.

“The end was something else -- a great thing but a different thing,” said Otto. “I bet it never happens like that again, like never. It was just a major coincidence.

You can’t take it away from us.”

Or, as driver Tyler Nickels put it, “Instant tears in the trailer and then rolling around in the snow.”

HISTORY MAKER That photo finish was the closest result by far in the 54-year history of the I-500, billed as

the only one-mile, highbanked ice oval track in the world. It takes three weeks and some 1.8 million gallons of water to prepare the track, and then two intense days of qualifying rounds just to participate in the prestigious race. In fact, Tommie Bauer Racing had a lot of trouble during qualifying, and it wasn’t until a last-minute change to the wiring harness that things started looking up.

While most teams have two or three drivers, Tommie Bauer Racing had four, including longtime members Nickels (since 2012) and Cody Bauer (since 2014).

34 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

“Last year we picked up a third driver, Nick Wickerham. And then Joey said, ‘I wouldn’t mind hooking up with you guys,’” Otto recalled. “It’s nice to bring three guys to the I-500, but four can be a challenge because you start cutting into everyone’s drive time.”

But all agreed to give it a go, and everyone checked their ego at the door, with no prima donna moments where members demanded more driving time. That teamwork, everyone agrees, is what made the team and its spectacular win so special.

Nickels, a 46-year-

old licensed master mechanic from Alpena, started things off as the first driver. “I have always been a pretty good qualifier,” he said.

“The pace is faster in the beginning because the track is smooth.”

After about 30 or 40 laps, Burch jumped on and Nickels switched over to pit crew. “I am getting to be the old guy, so I let the younger guys have the rough race,” Nickels said. “This sport tends to make an old man out of you – your back really takes a beating.”

“Oh yeah, Tyler is all about letting us ride when

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Cody Bauer was up third and ended up doing three different stints for a total of 120 to 140 laps.

“It eases your mind when you only have to do 40 to 60 laps at a time,” he said. “The hardest part is adjusting to how much the track has changed from the last time you were on.”

Nick Wickerham, 28, was the fourth man on.

“I started around lap 200 or 250 and put about 70 laps on,” said the 28-year-old resident of Belding. “The course was getting a little beat up and when I got back on

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again at about lap 350 or 400, it was a lot rougher.”

PHOTO FINISH The original plan was for Bauer to finish off the race, but Burch was feeling strong. “We actually planned the end a bit different, and it was originally going to be Cody at the end,” Otto recounted. “But we said, ‘let’s just leave Joey up,’ and Cody agreed, which was very unselfish.”

Cody, who owns a construction company in Farwell, played down his sacrifice. “The teamwork was pretty awesome,” he said, “and it couldn’t have gone any better.” continued on page 36

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racing history

continued from page 35

Burch, 32, did about 220 laps in total. “Everyone has their good days and their off days, and as the day went on, I was doing decent and wasn’t fatigued,” he said.

“But then we slowly started losing the front end of the carbines and it was not turning as well. We went from 1 to 2 and 2 to 4 or something like that. I knew we had to do something or we were only good for fourth place.”

So what was it like when the official time came up and Tommie Bauer realized they’d won?

“Pretty wild, pretty awesome,” said Bauer, 30, who owns a construction company in Farwell.

Said Wickerham, a power company worker and business owner in Belding, “I probably

didn’t even watch the last 10 laps.

I was a wreck -- I could not do it. Then an hour or two after the race, I watched the end. It was all in Joey’s hands, and he was the best man for that job on that day.”

It wasn’t until after that crazy finish that Burch, a motor sports service manager from Mt. Pleasant, registered the fact that it was the anniversary of his father’s death. Joe Burch II died of a heart attack while racing in the I-500 on February 4, 2006. He was only 44 and Joe III, who was in his dad’s pit that day, was just a few weeks shy of his 16th birthday.

“He probably would have been at a loss for words,” Joey said of his father’s reaction.

The maturity that comes with a

dozen years driving in the I-500, Burch said, was a major factor in the win. “You learn not to overdrive.

In previous years, being younger and kind of dumb, I would have driven harder and run into risk of actually crashing. When you’re inexperienced, you think once you’re in the lead you’ve got everything set.”

TEAMWORK All the men said it was the spirit of camaraderie and true teamwork that made the race so special.

“It’s an awesome group of guys, second to none,” said Wickerham.

“Everyone gets along, everyone talks about everything. I have rode for teams where there is a little bit of hard feelings inside the trailer. continued on page 38

36 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

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But we are all one, we all want the same thing, and there is no ‘I’ in this team.”

Nickels agreed. “It’s always hard as a driver because you want to be on the sled, but what is so great about this team is that nobody is greedy,” he said.

“Everyone works to make the best decisions, and no one complains about a lack of seat time.”

Otto said he’s proud of his entire team. “It is very satisfying that they don’t get their egos up so much,” he said.

The drivers are quick to return their respect to owners Mike and Kelly Otto, who own a Tool and Die business that supports the plastics industry, out of Farwell.

They keep the sleds at their cottage in Lake, where each Tuesday and Thursday are spent tinkering. “My neighbors say, ‘oh, we see you guys partying every night,’ and I tell them, ‘that’s not partying,’” Mike Otto said.

As Burch noted,

“Drivers get all the glory but people don’t realize how much work and time and hours goes in behind the scenes every week till midnight, 1 a.m.”

Nickels agreed.

“This could have never happened without Mike and Kelly Otto and the countless hours they put into it. it is pretty special to get to be the guy who rides the sled -- it’s a big honor. I have no desire to ever be on a different sled.”

All four men have committed to Tommie Bauer Racing for this season, including the I-500 on February 3. A celebration party and kickoff for the 2024 season drew more than 100 people to Farwell in September. The Farwell Chamber of Commerce has paid homage to the team by erecting a congratulatory sign.

Does Burch think they will repeat?

“I don’t want to jinx myself or the team,” he said, “but obviously that is the ultimate goal -- to win or do the best you can.” •

Brian Caswell

40 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

Self-Taught Photographer Gains Reputation – And a Racing Family of Friends Along the Way

E

BY KIM KISNER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ighteen years ago, Brian Caswell bought a camera and started shooting planes and trains just for something to do.

Today, this self-taught hobbyist is arguably the best motorsports photographer in the country.

How did he get here?

Michigan Snowmobiler and ORV had the unique opportunity to sit down with him and hear his story.

How and why did you become a photographer?

Brian: Back in 2005 I bought a camera and a lens. At the time I was into trains and planes and just started shooting them. I went to Chicago frequently to do so. I was always a motorsports enthusiast and big into NASCAR, so eventually I borrowed a better camera and took it to a few NASCAR races and took pictures. I really enjoyed that.

Then, for something to do in the winter, I started going to local BEVRA vintage races in Lakeview Michigan not far from where I lived and taking pictures. I shared them on social media and people started to get interested.

In 2008 BEVRA brought me on as their official photographer and I did that for about seven years. I learned so much and met so many great people. So, in 2015 I decided I wanted to expand. I had a full-time job but wanted to make a little more money in photography and make a name for myself.

So, I shot a MIRA event in Mt. Pleasant and that was a huge stepping-stone. My photography started to take off. I’ve been the official photographer for MIRA since 2017.

In 2016 I contacted the World

Championship Derby Complex in Eagle River, Wisconsin to see if I could get a media pass and shoot. They asked me to send some of my work, so I did, and they gave me a pass. I went and shot it and have been the official photographer ever since.

In 2017 I was invited to the I-500 to shoot and have been their official photographer since.

That is a lot! What do you do in the summer?

Brian: Over the years, I have felt that I needed to keep shooting during the summer to keep myself sharp. So I became the official photographer of the West Michigan Offshore Powerboat Club and I shoot their Poker Runs. I’m basically in a helicopter chasing boats and shooting and it’s a huge adrenaline rush. continued on page 42

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY • 2024

| 41

Brian Caswell continued from page 41

Does your business consist of anyone besides you to do the work?

Brian: In 2016 I met Ben Evensen in Wisconsin and he became my partner. He helps me cover the Derby race and he shoots other Wisconsin events on his own for Speed Shot Photography.

What drives your passion?

Brian: MY dad was a racing fan and into snowmobiles. He used to race on the Michigan circuit and my grandfather owned a snowmobile business in Rockford, so I grew up around it.

My dad still comes to events and watches. I like being part of pushing the sport along and also making memories for people with my photos.

When I’m long gone people can look back at the photos and I will always be a part of that history.

Last year’s I-500 had the closest finish in the 52 years the race has been in existence. Tell me about that.

Brian: I was one of the only photographers who captured the finish. It’s a wedge shot from the front corner of the track. I have not seen any other photo like it. The finish was so close you can’t tell from the photo who won. It was fantastic.

What is the most iconic photo you’ve taken?

Brian: It’s a photo that went viral. We call it the train shot. It was at Eagle River and five or six sleds were coming around turn four in perfect alignment and I happened to catch it. I was standing outside the track and was taking a small break and they started coming. I whipped around with the camera ready and hit the shutter and didn’t even know if it was in focus. I lucked out.

It’s one of the most iconic shots and I’ve sold a lot of it.

What is your favorite photo from oval track racing?

Brian: I took a photo at a BEVRA race around 2012 ish. The driver was a drag racer, not an oval racer and he came out and decided to run a Polaris Vintage sled 440. It was a lot to handle. He came around turn four and it got away from him.

He and the sled flipped through the air. Luckily, he was not hurt. I got the shot and it’s a really crisp image of the sled in the air. That was a crazy moment in Oval Racing history in Michigan. continued on page 44

42 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

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September, 2019 - MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER 17

Wednesday, October 16th Visit our website at from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM www.ejchamber.org. /// YAMAHAMOTORSPORTS.COM /// YAMAHAMOTORSPORTS.COM YAMAHAMOTORSPORTS.COM downtown East Jordan featuring children’s games, ven*Models may not be exactly as shown.

Shown with optional accessories. ©2019 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Product specifications to change *Models may not be exactly as shown. Shown with optional accessories. ©2019 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.

Product and specifications subject toand change without notice.subject Professional rider onwithout closed notice. Professional rider on closed course under conditions.

AlwaysAlways wear an wear approved eye helmet, protectioneye andprotection protective clothing.

Ride responsibly and Ride alwaysresponsibly ride within your allowing time and capabilities, distance for maneuvering, and respect course undercontrolled controlled conditions. an helmet, approved and protective clothing. andcapabilities, always ride within your allowing time and distance for maneuvering, and respect dors, business special sales others around Know the conditions.

ObserveObserve all state and andDon’t ride. drink and ride. others aroundyou. you.

Know the conditions. all local statelaws. andDon’t localdrink laws. and events, pie contest, face painting and Twister Joe Northern Michigan’s Favorite Balloon Artist plus more. no- communities offer from or- When planning your fall color • Boat and Snowmobile Repair ked chards, corn mazes, pumpkin tour and event destinations…

SEASONALS COMMERCIAL make •sure East Jordan is • New and Used Parts ning patches, art galleries, resale Auto // Home // RV // ORV // Snowmobiles number #1 on your list!

Email shops, hand blown glass nual • Full Service (All Makes) orSt., call usJordan, todayMI for49727 color tour 824 Water East ival shop, antiques, restaurants routes, Farea information and T 231.536.3331 231.536.3332 612 BRIDGE STREET • EAST JORDAN 1 – and much more. more at 231-536-7351 or The East Jordan Pumpkin an. info@theinsuranceshop.net 231 - 5 36- 7321 der- Fest will be celebrated on email info@ejchamber.org –

of Activities

efore now Flies!

The Insurance Shop of East Jordan

may not be exactly as shown. Shown with optional accessories. ©2019 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Product and specifications subject to change without notice. Professional rider on closed nder controlled conditions. Always wear an approved helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Ride responsibly and always ride within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvering, and respect round you. Know the conditions. Observe all state and local laws. Don’t drink and ride.

celern onestiof moque now ood bile

dan mes uty! fall ntry oks and

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East Jordan

a Natural fall

“oohs” from Leaf Peepers of all ages! There are also a number of festivals and events celebrating the fall season including…Fall Fest in East Jordan at the beauticontinued from page 42 ful Tourist Park located on the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix – Saturday, SepWhat do you love about oval racing? tember 28th, the 11th Annual Brian: I think growing up watching NASCAR plays Year Round of Activities Fall BreezewayPll e n t yColor into my love of it. The riders chase each other around Before Cruises –Destination...

Septembert h28, e S n oOcw Flies! corners and the close action is great. And nobody has tober 5 & 12. Cruise at your a better view than the photographer in the corner. They Snowmobile beautiful Jordan Valley Trail, an hour own pace “discovering” all fly bythe within a few scenic feet of me going 100 miles and nothing like it. that The C-48 Breezeway (26 forthere’s a fabulous riding.experience the from Nature Trails along The miles• Hike long Atwood to Breezeway • Visit Raven Hill Discovery Center “Visit our Snowmobile Downtown Area” What’s the bestFriendly event you’ve covered?

Ellsworth to East Jordan and • Have Breakfast at the East Jordan Trailblazers Clubhouse SERVING Brian: The I-500 is one of the most exciting races by on to Boyne Falls) has to • Learn Local History at the East Jordan Historical Museum BREAKFAST EVERY far. It’s seven to ten hours of racing. Conversely, the offer• after you pick up your SUNDAY Star-gaze 7 TILL NOON ~ World Championship at Eagle River is just 25 laps and goodie bag full of tour tips, DECEMBER watching the guys on the sleds trying to hang onto East Jordan Freedom Festival THRU MARCH special sales/coupons/swag the steering going over 100 MPH in a sprint race with June 19 – 23, 2024 from businesses located East Jordan everyone~itching to win – there’s nothing like it.

231-536-7351 info@ejchamber.org along The Breezeway. Expe- a Natural fall Snowmobile the beautiful scenic Jordan Valley rience all that the Breezeway destination...

Do you race?

Trail, for a fabulous riding experience.

Brian: Funny you should ask. In 2009 I built a vintage Great winter rafting on the Jordan River. Take in the views from the sled and raced for two seasons. I think I have a little New Sky Bridge at Boyne Mt. • Ice Fishing • Snow Shoeing & more! too much fear in me. But I built the sled and I tried! I “Visit our Snowmobile Friendly Downtown Area” Visit our Snowmobile Friendly www.ejchamber.org Downtown Area took my cameras to the track and if I got eliminated, I East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce would go take pictures.

231-536-7351 ~ info@ejchamber.org www.ejchamber.org

EAST JORDAN

Brian Caswell

destination...

East Jordan HEARST.qxp_HEARST 8/26/19 11:56 AM Page 17

September, 2019 - MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER 17

our website Wednesday, October 16th Visit from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM www.ejchamber.org. downtown East Jordan featuring children’s games, vendors, business special sales and events, pie contest, face painting and Twister Joe Northern Michigan’s Favorite Balloon Artist plus more.

When planning your fall color tour and event destinations… make sure East Jordan is number #1 on your list! Email or call us today for color tour routes, area information and more at 231-536-7351 or email info@ejchamber.org –

at

Snow or no Snow... Still lots to do!

The East Jordan SnoBlast Committee has kicked off their festival planning meeting for the 39th Annual Sno-Blast Winter Festival scheduled for February 21 – 23, 2020 in East Jordan.

Looking for another wonderful family-friendly festival celebration winter in northern Michigan for snow and nonsnow-lovers alike! The festival offers a multitude of activities including snowmobile radar runs, antique snowmobile snow, snow sculpture competition, food events ATV and snowmobile rides, plus much more.

In the meantime, East Jordan “owns” the fall when it comes to fall splendor and beauty!

The area is abundant with fall foliage and great country roads and scenic overlooks to get those “ahha” and “oohs” from Leaf Peepers of all ages! There are also a number of festivals and events celebrating the fall season including…Fall Fest in East Jordan at the beautiful Tourist Park located on the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix – Saturday, September 28th, the 11th Annual Fall Breezeway Color Cruises – September 28, October 5 & 12. Cruise at your own pace “discovering” all that The C-48 Breezeway (26 miles long from Atwood to Ellsworth to East Jordan and on to Boyne Falls) has to offer after you pick up your goodie bag full of tour tips, special sales/coupons/swag from businesses located along The Breezeway. Experience all that the Breezeway

communities offer from orchards, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, art galleries, resale shops, hand blown glass shop, antiques, restaurants and much more.

The East Jordan Pumpkin Fest will be celebrated on

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What are the biggest challenges?

Brian: The equipment and the cold. It does ok but takes a lot of wear and tear and there is a lot of cost in replacing it.

There is also the wear and tear on my body. Some weekends I’m out there from 8 am until midnight and it can be 20 degrees below 0.

Also, we need to process the images as quickly as possible. People want them fast so they can share on social media etc. So a lot of times I’m up most of the night processing images after a race. We’ve come up with a process to get upwards of 2000 photos posted per day.

Where did the name of your business come from?

Speed Shot Photography?

Brian: One of the shots I do lot is a pan shot where everything is blurred but the sled. People started calling it the “speed shot” and that stuck.

What’s your end game?

Brian: Well I’m 52 years old so I’m not sure how long I’ll last doing this, but I’ve always said as long as I can walk the distances and stand the cold with no major issues I’ll keep going.

If I was young again I would probably do this fulltime.

Racing is a great community to be a part of. We all look out for each other and I’ve gained so many friends.•

Snowcross Racing in Michigan is Headed for Big Changes Michigan Snocross and Northern Power Race Park See Massive Changes in Preparation for 2023-2024 Season

BY DOMINIC SANTINA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I

t is officially that time of the year again. The first practice track for snowcross racing opened in Minnesota just after Halloween and racers from all over the country have flocked to get some practice in. Which means, it is officially snowmobile racing season! Soon enough snow will be flying in Mancelona, Michigan and racing will be under way in our state as well. This year with a whole different look and in more ways than one.

While there have been many story lines related to Michigan and Snocross this year, the biggest ones center in Mancelona. As the only Michigan based snocross series, has traded ownership and was rebranded this summer. What

was formerly known as Michigan Sno-X, is now Michigan Snocross.

They will continue to race at Northern Power Race Park. However, now park owner Marc Archambault takes over ownership, and with it comes some changes.

“Michigan Snocross is going to provide the opportunity for riders to improve their skills and provide a place for new riders to see what the sport is all about,” said Archambault.

The biggest and most noteabale change for the 2023-2024 season, will be the event schedule. The series made the decision, with the help of numerous input from series riders to adapt the schedule to a national schedule. This means, the

younger riders will take to the track earlier in the mornings, allowing them to get both heat races and finals out of the way, before the more experienced veterans and pros hit the track.

This will also allow track maintenance to tailor the track to the experience of the riders throughout the day. A track in the morning could have easier jumps and rhythm sections for younger riders or riding progressing to bigger snowmobiles. While, the track could be more technical in the afternoon to evening session of the day, for the older and more talented riders.

The change in the schedule also allows for possible shorter days for continued on page 46

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY • 2024

| 45

continued from page 45

racers, as the younger riders can show up earlier and get their racing over with instead of waiting around and having every class go round by round, as was the case with former series in the sport.

EVENTS The Race Park will be busy again this winter, as they continue to build a busier schedule as the park continues to grow.

The main event at the park this winter will be the Michigan Snocross series with a variety of practice days available starting on Tuesday, December 5 and running through the end of the snocross season.

Michigan Snocross itself will host 10 races throughout the 20232024 calendar year with opening weekend being on Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10 for rounds 1 and 2 of the season. The series wil then have rounds 3

and 4 on January 6 and 7, followed by rounds 5 and 6 on February 3 and 4. The series will continue with action on Saturday, February 24 and 25 and finish the season with races on March 9 and 10.

However, the staff has done a great job of making sure there is plenty of fun to go around, when most of the racers are following the national circuit around the country.

The park currently has 4 different ditch banger races on the schedule.

Which continue to provide fun and enjoyment for racers of all ages, and to appease every snowmobile racing fan, they have 2 snow drags on the schedule as well.

The schedule is jammed pack with racing action and will be a must stop destination this coming winter.

“We have completely restructured our business and have a very solid team that all wants

46 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

our park to succeed.

Our goal is to provide a top tier race every time we host one. The park is for everyone to enjoy - the racers, crews and the community. We will continue to make improvements and adapt to what our business needs! We want Northern Power Race Park to be a destination in the north and help our small town of Mancelona to flourish, “ said Rene Maier, Marketing & Public Relations Manager for Northern Power Race Park.

UPGRADES TO RACE PARK With the increased event schedule and the increased traffic the park is going to see, they knew they need to make some upgrades to provide the park and all events happening the best conditions possible.

To say that Archambault made some upgrades is defiantly an understatement. Anyone

who has visited the park before will be surprised with the work that happened this summer. The park was improved in a variety of different areas: from parking, to audio and visual equipment, to park equipment and even park layout.

Some of the biggest and most noticeable changes come with the retaining pond being relocated and upgraded to now hold two million gallons of water. Along with this came a totally new snow making setup, with new guns, booster pump, pump house and 8 new snow guns, which came from a former national teams set up, called All Finish Racing.

That was not all from the visual improvement or construction side either. A brand new entry way, with now a two lane entry and a designated exit lane, along with a ticket booth. A new registration and crew building and a 40 x 80

INDIAN RIVER foot pole barn to house a new groomer for the track.

The park has also made some improvements for spectators and crews. Along with a bigger park means more fencing and gating for safety, but also brought about more bleachers for seating. A new public announcing system so you can hear throughout the entire park. Along with 20 new premier parking spaces after redesigning the pit location and having a permanent starting line and staging area. While also upgrading to a new timing and scoring system with transponders.

The park also added a couple of racing improvements with a new startling grid and lighting for racers. While also adding more security and track surveillance cameras. To also help increase safety, the track added at least 22 more track lights and 15 more parking lot lights.

All of which are going to increase the experience at NPRP. “ I am very excited about all of the improvements we have made to the race park. I purchased this property to create a space for my son, Tyler Archambault, to practice snocross when he was home in Mancelona. With him being on a Pro team and advancing to the Pro-Lite class on national series this year, I

decided it was time to improve the facility for our community. That is what this is all aboutproviding a destination for the racing community and our community here in Northern Michigan,” said Archambault.

Archambault has put in a ton of effort to elevate snocross racing in the state of Michigan and has brought a new racing facility that is quickly growing to be a staple in the state of Michigan.

The employees have the same passion as well as the owner.

“We have completely restructured our business and have a very solid team that all wants our park to succeed.

Our goal is to provide a top tier race every time we host one. The park is for everyone to enjoy - the racers, crews and the community. We will continue to make improvements and adapt to what our business needs! We want Northern Power Race Park to be a destination in the north and help our small town of Mancelona to flourish,” said Rene Maier, Marketing Manager at NPRP. If you are interested in attending a race or want to find out more information about Northern Power Race Park or Michigan Snocross, you can visit www.northernpowerracepark.com or visit Northern Power Race Park on Facebook and Instagram. •

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Grab a friend and use your snowmobiles to access some of the most remote wilderness areas in the Midwest.

48 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

Keweenaw for Unlocks the Season

BY JESSE WIEDERHOLD VISIT KEWEENAW PUBLIC RELATIONS/EVENTS COORDINATOR

continued on page 50 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY • 2024

VISIT KEWEENAW

Ride Right and T Adventure North

he Portage Lake Lift Bridge connects the city of Houghton to the northern half of the Keweenaw Peninsula. It brings two lanes in and two lanes out of its sister city Hancock over the Portage Canal flowing with water from Lake Superior. Manufactured in 1959, it’s the world’s heaviest and widest double-deck lift bridge. In the summer, it raises and lowers to accommodate passing ships like the Isle Royale’s Ranger III vessel. Each winter, the bridge lowers, connecting two pathways above and below with its two tiers.

| 49

VISIT KEWEENAW

continued from page 49

Cars and other vehicles continue to pass on its upper deck while the bottom becomes a dedicated snowmobile crossing. The bridge’s remarkable architecture welcomes you home to the Keweenaw where you can ride for hundreds of miles and explore Michigan’s northernmost terrain. With long trails, rugged scenery and the nine-mile Brockway Mountain Drive to climb, it’s the perfect destination for snowmobiles.

Historically, the bridge kept copper running across the canal in trains and cars. It was built as a double deck lift to accommodate ships that want to pass while keeping up with train and automobile traffic. Mining was the backbone of the Keweenaw’s economy. Which can be seen from your snowmobile along the routes you travel.

Pass by old copper mining towns and structures, exploring the signage and history around them. From Quincy to

Painesdale, each mine had different timelines and different practices and those residents lived through harsh winters.

It feels like a secret discovering the frozen path under the bridge but it’s just one of many sights you’ll see north of the canal. With so much lake effect snow, you’re almost guaranteed to have fresh powder when you visit to ride. Snowmobile season in Michigan officially begins Dec. 1, but the snow road over the canal is weather dependent. Once the season is underway, you can ride as far as the icy shores of High Rock Bay at the top of the Keweenaw.

“It’s not normally until midDecember,” said Ryan LaPorte, Keweenaw Trails Service (KTS) president. “It’s dependent upon the ice cover on the Great Lakes. That’s controlled by the U.S. Coast Guard as a navigable waterway.”

50 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

Once the canal and Great Lakes are declared unnavigable, the bottom deck of the bridge can be snowed over for winter. LaPorte says laying down the snow road takes coordination between KTS, the cities of Houghton and Hancock, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), MDOT and the Coast Guard. After that, KTS maintains routes from Toivola to High Rock Bay and grooms more than 30,000 miles a year. It’s a thrilling feeling going over the bridge on your sled, take it slow and enjoy the view. If you’re afraid of heights – maybe don’t look down!

“We haul snow in from parking lots, lay down a weed barrier type material to hold the snow on the bridge,” said LaPorte. “Then, haul all that snow in to put on three, three-and-a-half feet all the way across that structure so snowmobiles can safely cross and protect that bridge surface.”

with local jam and honey butter. For dinner a few of our options are our amazing grilled steak sandwich and fried brussel sprouts. Plenty of options to cater to snowmobilers and skiers at the start or end of the day. toast strawberry Ourwith bar features toast with strawberry compote, and our signaseveral crafted cocktails compote, and signature homemade biscuit like the Lakeour Effect and turewith homemade biscuit local jam and honey Brockway Blast.

We also withbutter. locala For jam and honey have wide variety of dinner a few butter.

For dinner a few UPour and Michigan of options are beer our of our options are our faas well asgrilled domestic amazing steak amazing grilled steak or hot vorites.

Hot coffee sandwich fried sandwich andand fried chocolate with a splash brussel sprouts.

Plenty brussel sprouts.

Plenty of Bailey’s Irish Cream is of options to cater to on of options to cater toup sure to warm you snowmobilers and skiers snowmobilers and skiers a cold winter day! at the start or end ofto the at We the start or end ofhost the are excited day.day. you this winter season!

Our barbar features Please callfeatures our office at Our several crafted cocktails 833-326-6946 or visit several crafted cocktails likelike thewebsite Lake Effect and our fannyhooe. the Lake Effect and Brockway also com to Blast. book aWe room or Brockway Blast.

We also have a wide variety•of view our menu. a wide variety UP have and Michigan beer of UP and Michigan fabeer as well as domestic as well ascoffee domestic faSummer and Winter trail vorites.

Hot or hot vorites.

Hotare coffee or hot riders, we located chocolate with a splash on Trail Irish #3with and ayour chocolate ahave splash of Bailey’s Cream Fuel upis great selection of lube sled and sure to warm you up on of Bailey’s Irish Creamget is ready products, belts, spark a cold winter day! sure to warm you up to onhit the plugs, hardware, andtrails.

We are excited to host a cold winter day!

Winter is safety gear. you this season!

We winter are excited to host building up.

Owners Mike and Please call our offi ce atSuzi you this winter season!

Borlee established 833-326-6946 or visit the Please call our offi ce at Fuel ourCopper websiteHarbor fannyhooe.

833-326-6946 or visit Stop in 2016 to connect com to book a room or LaPorte quickly joined and our website fannyhooe. visitors to the Keweenview our menu.

• aw and all it has to offer. became president the com to book aofroom or Over our the last four Keweenaw Snowmobile Club view menu.

• years, the after Fuel Stop has grown inSummer 2021 moving uptrail from and Winter into your one-stopriders, we are located Kalamazoo. He’s always had shop;#3 open days a Trail and have a trail Summer and364 Winter aon passion for the Keweenaw year to serve you!

• great selection oflocated lube riders, we are and has ridden sleds for 15+ products, belts, spark on Trail #3 and have a years. He says the Calumet plugs, hardware, and great selection of lube groomer barn will house three safety gear. products, belts, spark PistenBully 400s and two Owners Mike and Suzi plugs, hardware, and New Holland T7-210sthe once Borlee established safety gear. it’s complete.

Copper Harbor Fuel Owners Mike and Suzi It’s been a multi-year Stop in 2016 to connect Borlee established the process dedication visitorsrequiring to the KeweenCopper Harbor Fuel from volunteers andtodonors. aw and all it has offer.

Over four years, Stop inlast 2016 towith connect KTS is the able to work thevisitors Fuellegislators Stop hasKeweengrown to the Michigan like into your one-stopaw and all it has Representative Greg to offer. shop; open 364 days ato Over the last years, Markkanen and thefour DNR year toFuel serve you!has • grown the Stop

identify and secure funding into your as one-stopopportunities well. Visit shop; open 364 days a Keweenaw contributed year to serve you! • around $25,000 toward the

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51 | 3

continued from page 51

VISIT KEWEENAW

TOP: Brockway Mountain turns into a frozen, nine-mile ride to heaven in the sky above Copper Harbor.

BELOW: The Keweenaw will soon become your favorite place to snowmobile with its beautiful scenery.

52 | JANUARY • 2024 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

project as well. The progress made in Calumet will result in a more efficient and supportive environment for snowmobile grooming operations.

The reopening of Snowmobile Trail 3 between Hancock and Dollar Bay was commemorated with a ribbon cutting on Nov. 30 by the DNR to mark its long-awaited completion. LaPorte believes this trail will extend the local season and give visitors more to do around Lake Linden and Dreamland.

“Trail 3 is going to be critical to all the businesses and our trail system in general,” said LaPorte. “Having that loop back can extend the season for us. That part of the trail is a little more shaded. It tends to hold snow a bit better than the hill coming up through Hancock there along US-41. It can help extend our season and peoples’ access to the Keweenaw. Even through the spring break up into the melt. That’ll open some doors and extended business periods right up until the end of the grooming season for everybody.”

Some locations are best traveled by snowmobile. You can drive US-41 to Copper Harbor but taking the route by trail will immerse you in some of the most remote, continued on page 54

VISIT KEWEENAW

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Make sure you’re safe on the trails this winter. Watch for signage and other riders, vehicles and groomers on your route. continued from page 52

wintery corridors in the Midwest. Drop in the Dreamland Bar off Trail 3 near Lake Linden or the Gay Bar in Gay for a bite to eat as you check out Trail 3 this winter. KTS invites visitors to share with businesses what brought them to the Keweenaw to ride.

“We want to support our businesses in the region on our map that are members of the club and help support us,” said LaPorte. “Ride and visit those businesses. Let them know you’re there because of the club and the work they do. That goes a long way in us being able to renew those memberships and advertising, so they know it’s beneficial.”

The club has a lot to look forward to this winter and into next season. The Freda Trail (Trail 121 & 120) is still closed from flood damage, but the DNR continues to work on engineering plans. LaPorte is hopeful KTS can assist that project in gaining momentum. KTS is holding a Ride Keweenaw event on Feb. 24. Riders from Michigan and out of state are invited to come up for a day of snowmobile fun. Attendees will start at the Calumet groomer facility near Swedetown at 9 a.m. and plan to go north to Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor.

Embark on an unforgettable snowmobiling journey through the Keweenaw, where each twist and turn unveils the rich history of old copper mine towns. You’ll find charming shops and delightful restaurants along the way.

Trail 3’s reopening marks one more reason to make the trip. Don’t miss a moment – become a proud member of the club online and stay connected on the club’s Facebook page. For all your other Keweenaw questions or for planning your next winter getaway, head to www. visitkeweenaw.com. You’ll find out why the Keweenaw’s trails are destined to be your favorite and why you’ll fall in love with Michigan’s northernmost winter wonderland.

Always ride responsibly and within your limits. •

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