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
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.