Snowcross races return to Sault Ste. Marie
Snowmobilers, UTV and snow bike racers from across Canada are in Sault Ste. Marie to participate in the 2022 Snowcross racing event.
Organizers say it's the first event they've been able to allow spectators since the beginning of the pandemic.
Engines revved and spectators watched on as snowmobile racers sped around corners and took jumps on their way to the finish line at Runway Park. Ken Avann, the director of CSRA Snowcross Racing, said it's been a good turnout.
"We've got a couple hundred participants here this weekend, so we're pretty happy about that," said Avann. It's been a real challenge over the past two years. Last year, we were able to pull off three events without spectators. But now, things are lightening up a bit so we were able to proceed with an event with some spectators, so we're really excited about that."
Among those competing are the Karkoulas sisters from Oakwood, Ont., Zoe, Dakota and Brooklyn. Their father, Troy, said it's great to be racing again.
"We only had two events last year and they were shut down because of COVID restrictions," he said. "Now that everything is kind of getting better and we're following strict protocols and we can come out and race, it's good to be out and racing again."
"I'm really liking this track and I think it's a great track because there's lots of jumps to do," said Zoe, who first sat on a snowmobile at the age of two. "I'm very happy to be with my family who is supporting me through it."
"I'm really determined, so competition is kind of my thing," said Brooklyn. "I love just getting out there. I love the speed, I love the thrill, competition. It's all of our favourite thing about the sport."
Meantime, Avann said while he's grateful local health officials have allowed a limited number of spectators, he's hoping for a full event next winter.
"Next year, hopefully, we'll be getting back to normal with full capacity and food and beverage sales and all kinds of other activities going on at the event just to make a better festival-type experience for our fans," he said.
A food drive for St. Vincent Place is also being held in conjunction with the event. Spectators are asked to bring non-perishable food items, which can be dropped off at the gate.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
'I just want to be safe': Ukrainian man in Canada faces limbo amid consular freeze
A recent decision to restrict consular services for fighting-aged Ukrainian men has made a Ukrainian man in Canada feel less certain of his next steps — and worried he could be pulled back to the war.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Dozens of U.S. deaths reveal risks of injecting sedatives into people restrained by police
The practice of giving sedatives to people detained by police has spread quietly across the U.S. over the last 15 years, built on questionable science and backed by police-aligned experts, an investigation led by The Associated Press has found.