MSCR organizers are hoping for better weather for this year’s snowmobile races
With the icy oval track at Woodstock’s Connell Park Raceway in mid-build, that means the Maritime Snowmobile Championship Races (MSCR) are back for a third consecutive year.
The races will start Friday, Feb. 20, under the lights and continue Saturday through Sunday at 10 a.m.
MSCR Secretary/Treasurer Twyla Rogers says that although registration isn’t open yet, they expect racers from Wisconsin, Maine, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Montana, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
A $70,000 racing purse will be divided among the winners of each event.
Rogers hopes for a better turnout than last year. She says the first year was “really good,” but last year was only “decent” due to the weather, which made the crowd smaller and cut Sunday’s races short.
Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones says the races are a great way to bring in more tourists to the area.
“The Maritime Snowmobile Championship Racing event provides a strong economic boost for Woodstock, potentially attracting thousands of visitors over multiple days during the winter months when tourism is typically lower,” said Jones
Like many fans, Jones is looking forward to the speed aspect of the races, along with the community environment sports bring.
“Having grown up watching motorsports, there’s something captivating about the speed and the reliance on both skill and equipment that makes events like this exciting to watch, especially alongside hundreds of other spectators,” she said.
“I am looking forward to the racing weekend, and I hope to see the community get out and support it once again.”
Besides the races, many other events will take place that weekend.
The Woodstock Masonic Lodge will be hosting a breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 21 and 22, at the Y Men’s Club from 7 to 11 a.m. The Woodstock Elk’s Club is having a steak dinner that weekend, with date, time, and location to be announced. The Royal Canadian Legion in Woodstock will also host a dance on Saturday night from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Throughout the race days, there will be a free vintage sled show under a tent by the grandstand. The Woodstock Y’s Men’s Club is providing food for the canteen, and popular vendor, Jay’s Donuts, will be on site to provide sweet treats.
Fans can watch the races in person or tune in to the live stream on Facebook.
Tickets are $50 for a weekend pass, $25 for a day pass, and $10 for Friday night.
Rogers says she is looking forward to having the community come together again for another year of ice oval racing.
“The event itself, I love the fact that we’re doing something for our community. In the winter, there’s not much to do, and it’s a little boring. It’s good to have something to do in the winter,” said Rogers.
