For the first time since 2020, snowmobile drivers and enthusiasts on the Canadian side of the border are looking to make a big return to the upcoming International 500 Snowmobile Race in Sault Michigan.
Running from Jan. 29 to Feb. 4., the 54th edition of the I-500 will include a week-long assortment of outdoor races, pageants, and activities, which will eventually be capped off with the infamous I-500 race on the final day.
Ryan Kostanowicz, the Canadian liaison on the I-500 Board of Directors, says he can feel the anticipation on the northern side of the border growing exponentially.
“The interest was limited on the Canadian side as border restrictions were in place for the last several years,” he says. “It’s been fun seeing the interest being regenerated again, and the potential involvement for even bigger things down the road.”
The I-500 was cancelled altogether in 2021 due to COVID, and only a handful of Canadian volunteers and supporters were able to get to the race last year because of the international border restrictions.
“This is our comeback year,” Kostanowicz says.
“A lot of the stuff we pull off wouldn’t be possible without Canadian involvement. We did struggle last year by not having our regulars there to help out.”
Kostanowicz, along with snowmobile drivers, volunteers, and other board members, gathered at the Esquire Club on Sunday to help promote the I-500.
Drivers brought their sleds to put on display, and members were available to answer any questions the public had.
“I know a lot of people who haven’t been able to go the last few years are excited to get out there, spectate, and support their favourite teams,” Kostanowicz says. “I also know the sponsors are looking forward to getting their names out on an international standpoint.”
Volunteers are working hard to get the I-500’s 1-mile high-banked oval ice track in tip-top shape as the festivities are set to kickoff in less than three weeks.
“It’s a community and volunteer-driven race,” Kostanowicz says. “It’s 100 per cent volunteer run, nobody gets paid. Everybody’s got a job to do, and they do it right. It’s definitely a team and a family out there. We always have each other’s backs.”
Kostanowicz projects upwards of 15,000 people to pass through the gate over the course of the week.
I-500 Tickets on the Canadian side of the border are still available at Highway Variety and Millie’s Mini-Mart.
Registration for drivers is also open until Jan. 25 for a variety of races, including the 500-mile spectacular.
Anyone interested in volunteering for the event can visit their website, and those seeking a sponsorship opportunity are asked to contact Kostanowicz at 705-257-7219.
For a full schedule of events, visit here.