Snowmobile races at U.P. Fairgrounds postponed
Courtesy of TLR Racing
The Midwest Ice Racing Association, TLR Cup Championship Ice Racing Series, and the United States Snowmobile Association Prostar Oval Ice Racing Series scheduled at the UP State Fair Grounds January 12-13 is postponed.
Steve Masters, Director for the Bays de Noc Convention and Visitors Bureau said, “The track is currently in good condition to race right now, but with temperatures predicted to be in the upper 30’s and lower 40’s and rain on the way, the track will quickly deteriorate and we will not be able to make any ice this week. This is the second year that weather conditions have forced a rescheduling of the race. Delta County really needs a major winter event to give the motels and other businesses an economic bump, and I am hopeful that the TLR Cup and MIRA will be able to find a date that works for both organizations’ so that we can reschedule the event for 2013.”
In a phone conversation Monday morning, Tom Lipar owner of the TLR Cup Racing series said, “The forecasted weather of high temperatures and rain will reduce the track ice and create unsafe racing conditions. With teams making the trip from Canada and across the United States , I have an obligation to let those teams know a.s.a.p. if an event will be cancelled. Based on the weather and for the safety of those that race the series, I am canceling the TLR CUP portion of the race for this weekend. I will work with the teams to see if we can find an alternate date to make up the Escanaba race.”
Steve McAlpine MIRA President said, “We believe that the upcoming weather forecast will cause the track conditions to deteriorate to an unusable condition and we will not be able to race. It was a tough decision to cancel the race after so much work went into developing the track and organizing the event. We will work with the TLR CUP to find a make-up date. The U.P. State Fairgrounds is an outstanding venue to host this type of event, and we want the community to have a great show.”
As soon as the new dates are available, they will be released to the community and advertising along with track development will be restarted.