Snowmobile races return with more events and more snowmobiles this weekend
The roar of snow machines and cheering crowds return to the Connell Park Raceway in Woodstock on Family Day weekend. The Maritime Snowmobile Championship Races (MSCR) hits the freshly built ice track on Feb. 14, 15, and 16, with races from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Kendall Leech is the Chair of the local MSCR organizing committee. He said they expect up to 150 racers this year, a 52 per cent increase from last year’s total of 88 racers.
“A lot didn’t want to come last year because it was a new track, and a lot of people weren’t familiar with it. The good track and good turnout from last year made more racers want to come,” said Leech.
Snowmobilers from all over North America will arrive in Woodstock. The event will be full of local teams from the Maritimes and teams from Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Wisconsin, Maine, New Hampshire, and other east coast states.
Tobi Pirie is the head of Woodstock Tourism. She says the MSCR event is excellent for local businesses.
“Hosting a winter event that made its return after over a 40-year hiatus in 2024 has been beneficial to the tourism sector in Woodstock. Accommodations, eateries, and local shops get extra foot traffic to their business,” said Pirie.
This year, the MSCR has teamed up with two other tracks, Valcourt and Roberval, Quebec, to introduce the Triple Crown. This new point-based competition requires racers to compete on all three tracks. Whoever accumulates the most points wins a cash prize.
Attendees are welcome to watch the races, live, under the heated grandstand, with a big-screen TV carrying all the action.
Leech said he’s excited for this year’s event.
“That’s a pretty big feather in our cap, after last year being our first year, but this year will be the best, that’s for sure,” said Leech.
The weekend will be full of activities coordinated with other service clubs around the area.
A vintage snowmobile show will occur on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday evening, there will be a barbecue from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Woodstock Elks Club. People can order a meal consisting of an 8oz steak, a baked potato, coleslaw, a roll, sour cream, and one drink. Each meal costs $25. There will be a live performance by the local band Double D.
After the barbecue, people can stop by the AYR Motor Centre for a dance between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. Tickets cost $20.
On Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., a breakfast will be held at the Y’s Men’s Club. There will be TVs playing the live races.
“We tried to get as many service clubs together as we could, the bigger the turn out it helps everybody,” said Leech.
