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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.