BEATERCROSS: Hugo snowmobile club promises a day of friendly competition

‘Bathe’ in the county park forests in 2023

FROM PAGE 1 events Triplefest in Pequot Lakes and the Midwest Extreme Snowmobile Challenge. The Knight Riders club has been a meaningful part of his life since he moved to Hugo in 2019.

“I found great sense of community when my wife and I moved into Hugo,” Michels said. “I met a lot of people, and a fun group of people passionate about a sport and their community.”

The snowmobile club members realize they aren’t always seen kindly by neighbors, who might be annoyed at the disturbance. This event is one way in which the snowmobile club hopes to extend a hand to the community and invite them to share in the fun.

BeaterCross will have food vendors, T-shirts and swag, and bonfires where attendees can warm up. Kids 12 and under can attend for free; the races are meant to be a family-friendly event. Adults can purchase beer and White Claws (but not racers: see page 7 for a few reminders about snowmobile safety).

Snowmobilers can compete in variety of classes, including kids’ class, pro class, sport class, triple class, women’s class and even a buddy race where two drivers have to switch off after every lap.

The show will go down on a small-format track, limited to 25 mph.

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Snowmobiles made in or before 2002 can participate in a new snowmobile race hosted by the Hugo Knight Riders on Jan. 28.

“Rubbin’ is racin,” Michels said. “We’re bouncing off each other in the corners. It’s going to be a slow format but very competitive.”

A professional announcer will be on hand to narrate the action and interview racers, and trophies will be awarded at the Hugo American Legion Post 620 after the end of the day.

“We hope to turn it into something to look forward to year after year. A legacy event,” said Michels. BeaterCross will take place at 10 a.m. Jan. 28 at Snowmax Performance, 7195 137th St. N., Hugo. Tickets are $10 at the entrance; kids 12 and under are free. Learn more by visiting the Hugo Knight Riders Snowmobile Club Facebook page or the Washington County Star Trail Association website at www.startrail.org.