Businesses say this is one of the busiest weekends of the year in the Soo
SAULT STE. MARIE, MI -- The I-500 Snowmobile Race is 43 years strong and there's no doubt it strengthens local businesses bottom lines.
One business said the I-500 is their busiest weekend, another said this weekend is a close second behind Christmas.
Sault Ste. Marie is the Daytona Beach of the north for snowmobile enthusiasts this weekend and businesses say it's a cash cow.
"It’s the largest single snowmobile racing event in the world," said race spokesperson Rick Federau.
It's something that has grown up in the Sault Sainte Marie Community -- 43 years of revving snowmobile engines gripped to the ice hitting speeds in excess of 110 miles per hour. Today, the track was quiet, much like the calm before a storm.
“They're all anxious, the track is just beautiful, it's the best it's ever been," said Federau.
Crews were doing some final touches to the ice track, and teams, they're preparing for the race.
"There’s no race like it in the whole world, it's the closest thing to the Daytona 500 you'll ever get with a snowmobile," said Skid Row Racing owner David Eller.
And over the years, the race has gained the notoriety. This year, 35 teams will set the field, from all over America and Canada. And with the teams, there's a following -- a following that spends money.
"This will be the busiest weekend we'll have all year long," said Allen’s Gin Mill owner Bob Allen.
Bob Allen says it'll be standing room only inside his bar -- but it's a cash-cow weekend that he gears up for every year. Down the road at Leitz Sports Center, there's a sale designed for this weekend in a store that has a niche built for this weekends cliental.
"There’s a lot of people running around, the racers are running around today, trying to get stuff gathered up for tomorrow, so it keeps us pretty busy," said Terry Sanderson of Leitz Sports Center.
"Your motels pick up, your restaurants, your shops, local retailers are feeling the impact too, so it's pretty significant, it's something we rely on every year," said Leisa Mansfield of the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce.
The action starts Saturday morning at 10 at the track, which is just off of i-75 in Sault Ste. Marie.
The cost is $15, which one race team we spoke with said is a steal for the action you'll see on the track.
