Mastering the Ice Masters 500 This Weekend
Mastering the Ice Masters 500 takes place February 24-25 at the U.P. State Fair Grounds. The Delta County Commerce Center has released a “Spectator’s Guide to Understanding The Races” to make the races more enjoyable for the audience.
Attendees at the first annual Ice Masters 500 will see a variety a snowmobiles racing in various formats. There are two types of races, Enduro and Sprint. If you are familiar with NASCAR, Enduro is the same style of racing. The Saturday race is 190 miles. Drivers and pit crews will use strategy and speed on the track and in the pits to achieve first place. In contrast, Sprint racing is continuous with fewer laps and no pit stops.
Translating the class descriptions:
· Stock classes are not allowed to modify their motor or chassis.
· Champ classes have 2 Stroke engines of up to 440 CC; utilizing an open chassis with fully modified motors and chassis.
· 500 Limited are equipped with 500 CC liquid and 600 CC fan class sleds in stock trim for the 09′ and 10′ season.
· 600 Enduro machines are modified 600 CC; maximum 2 stroke and limited 4 stroke motors. Open stock chassis within 15 years of the last production date. The motors and the chassis are fully modified in the same manner as NASCAR race cars.
To determine what you are watching combine the race format along with the class description. For example: Pro Mod 600 Enduro = modified 600 CC maximum 2 stroke and limited 4 stroke motors. Open stock chassis within 15 years of the last production date. The motors and the chassis are fully modified in the same manner as NASCAR race cars. This is a multi-lap long format race with pit stops.
The weekend race schedule:
Friday
Tech- 9:00-10:00
Hot Laps- 10:00-11:00
Qualifying – 11:30-12:30
1. Pro Mod 600 Enduro
2. Semi Pro Enduro
3. Junior Enduro
Heat Racing – 1:00 -3:30
1. Pro Open 600
2. Junior I
3. Pro 600 Enduro Shootout
4. Pure Stock/Stock 600 Sprint
5. Junior II
6. Limited 600
7. Semi Pro Champ 440
8. Pro Champ 440
9. Semi Pro Stock 600
10. Limited 500
11. Junior III
12. F-500
13. Semi Pro 600 Open
14. Powder Puff
15. Vintage 340 Open
16. Vintage 440 Sport Mod
17. Vintage Super Stock 440 Fan
18. Vintage Mod X
19. Outlaw
Break 3:30 – 4:30
Finals 4:30- 9:00
1. Pro Open 600
2. Junior I
3. Pro 600 Enduro Shootout (Winner set on Pole)
4. Pure Stock/Stock 600 Sprint
5. Junior II
6. Limited 600
7. Semi Pro Champ 440
8. Pro Champ 440
9. Semi Pro Stock 600
10. Limited 500
11. Junior III
12. F-500
13. Semi Pro 600 Open
14. Powder Puff
15. Vintage 340 Open
16. Vintage 440 Sport Mod
17. Vintage Super Stock 440 Fan
18. Vintage Mod X
19. Outlaw
20. Junior Enduro
21. Pro Am
22. Plow
23. Semi Pro Enduro
Saturday
9:30-10:30 Hot Laps
10:30-11:00 Pro Champ 440 Shootout (15-20 Laps- Promoter Choice)
11:30-12:30 120 Kids
1:00-1:30 Meet the Driver on the Track
1:30 – 6:30 Race Time-Pro Enduro
Laps and racer positions will be electronically calculated, and the live leader board is updated every lap. Gates open at 12 pm on Friday February, 24, and racing will continue under the lights until approximately 8:30 pm and on Saturday, February, 25 8:30 am – 5:30 pm . Heated concessions with seating, restrooms, and adult beverages are located on-site across from the race track. Tickets are $10 per day or $15 for a weekend pass.