Snow Cross races this weekend in Timmins

Snowcross races are happening at a new venue in Timmins this winter, with races kicking off this weekend.

Snowcross races are happening at a new venue in Timmins this winter.

Coming up this weekend, Rounds 5 and 6 of the Canadian Snowcross Racing Association 2025 season will be ripping through Hollinger Park.

Crews are currently building up piles of snow, preparing for two days of racing. In previous years, races were at a local snow dump.

“Talking with other businesses in town, the city, we decided to actually move it up here so it’s in the middle of city,” said Clint Chartrand, an organizer with Timmins Snow Cross.

“It’s supporting local businesses all around us.”

Chartrand said local businesses like Timmins Mechanical Solutions have made the event happen. The Timmins Economic Development Corporation also pitched in $75,000 from the Municipal Accommodation Tax Fund.

“MAT tax is very important for the community to be able to run these events. We’ve given … close to $1.7 million and I think that’s important for people to understand -- this helps promote tourism,” said Noella Rinaldo, director of Community Economic Development.

“They (groups) tell us if it wasn’t for the MAT, then that funding a lot of these events would not take place.”

This weekend’s Pro Nationals are in memory of the late Brent Secord, a former local racer.

Around 140 competitors from Ontario, Quebec and the States are expected. Fireworks and ‘Larry the Enticer,’ a snowmobile daredevil, are anticipated event highlights.