Like wild animals filled with an everlasting rage, sleds flew down the track at over 100 miles per hour during the annual Fernie Snow Drags.
Approximately 50 racers in 15 different classes went head-to-head in Saturday’s Snow Drags competition, some flying down the 660-foot track at over 100 miles per hour.
From children on 100cc putter-sleds to men on open-modified turbo-powered machines, the sheer variety of competition in last weekend’s races was entertaining for all.
Classes ranged from 700cc, 800, 900 and 1000, each with a stock and mountain class. After this a turbo class and open-mountain categories gave riders free reign to modify their sleds as much as they possibly could.
Monty Sosnowski took top spot in the turbo, stock and open-modified classes.
Dale Nelson took top spot in the 900cc Mountain class, Chad Temple took first in the 900cc Stock, 1000cc Stock and 1000cc Mountain classes. Damen Bruns came first in 900cc Improved as well as 1000cc Improved.
Dillon Stamler dominated in 700cc Mountain and Improved. Gene Stephenson took first in 800cc Stock, Marty Garrett led in 800cc Improved, Brett Linderman won the 700cc and 800cc Mountain class, and Chad Temple took first in the 900cc Stock category.
Although the temperate in Fernie was only hovering around -10, a blisteringly cold wind made racing a challenge. Usually, this annual race attracts between 50 and 70 racers, but because of temperature and road conditions, attendance was reduced.
“Nonetheless it was great,” said event coordinator Spenser Olson. “They had a great turnout of some open-modified sleds, and that’s always great for the spectators.
“Some of those guys bring some serious iron to the races,” he added.
Lots of money and time is spent building the modified sleds, to race for only a few seconds. Olson says it’s great to see these guys put in the effort.
“It never ceases to amaze me how fast some of these machines can get and the time that the guys put into it.”
Olson says his favourite part about the drag races is seeing the many generations of sled enthusiasts get excited about the sport.
“My favourite part would have to be, just seeing the large amount of spectators show up, and see all the young ones come out and really get excited,” Olson said. “Whether they’re riding a 120, or coming out to see friends or family ride.”
Aside from competitors already in the Elk Valley, some racers made the journey all the way from Pincher Creek, Lethbridge and Creston. In past years, this competition has drawn racers from as far as central Saskatchewan.
Sled racing has existed in Fernie for over 50 years.
In the weeks leading up to the races, the Fernie Lions Club found some badges and ribbons from the 1971 Fernie Snowmobile Championships. They were sold to eager sled enthusiasts on race day.
The Fernie Snowmobile Association was formed in 1990, and has been holding drag races since they began.
Olson has been involved with the FSA for six years. He has been involved with the drag races for four of these.
Both the FSA, the Lions Club, Fernie Friends for Friends and the Fernie Rugby Club benefitted from this event. Friends for Friends ran the gate, and the rugby club were in charge of manning the starting line backboards.
A portion of the proceeds were donated to Avalanche Canada, and other organizations that help with the sport of snowmobiling.
The FSA is always looking at taking on new projects or tasks, whether that be cabin upgrades, grooming improvements, and more.
Every year they hold an annual general meeting in the spring.
“It’s a great time for members to come out and put in their say about what the club should invest their time into,” said Olson. “We strongly encourage members to show up to that meeting so we can make our plan for the next season.”
