Unseasonably warm temperatures have threatened the largest snowmobile race in the world
SAULT STE. MARIE, MI -- The I-500 is the largest snowmobile racing event in the world and it's a cash-cow for winter tourism in Sault Ste. Marie.
The only problem: winter is playing games with the event this year.
We have more on the toll the unseasonably warm temperatures are taking and how organizers are doing everything they can to make the race happen.
It's not a good sign to see melting snow drip from buildings or water running like a river down the road, especially when the “Daytona 500” of snowmobile racing is just days away. The temperature is unseasonable, but the International 500 in Sault Ste. Marie has the green flag.
"This race is not going to be cancelled, it has taken its toll on us, there's no doubt about it, but we're in pretty good shape," says race co-chair Ric Federau.
Volunteers are doing what they can to keep what they have and Federau says when there's a chance to make ice, they're making it.
“We're hoping in the evenings, we can get down below 20 degrees and we'll be dumping water as we can to keep the ice thick enough so these guys aren't getting down to dirt," says Federau.
More than 40 racers are expected to rip through the mile-long course, but practice is limited right now.
"You wind up having to sacrifice a little track time earlier in the week for qualifying, trying to figure things out, just to save ice for the actual event itself," said racer Gabe Bunke, in the Soo from Minnesota.
"I know they'll make it last and we'll make a good race out of it," said Midland racer Isaac Wolfgang.
Race organizers tell me they prepare for any scenario going into the I-500 weekend, and even though there may be a little less ice on the track than they'd like, the race is going to happen. The impact it brings to Sault Ste. Marie is in the tune of $3.5 million.
“It's the big thing up here, it's our winter event," says Debbie Beaumont of the SSM Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
Hotels and motels are booked up solid as 5-6 thousand people are expected to visit. Mary Lou Krieg owns the Ojibway Hotel and Freighter’s Restaurant.
“We have looked forward to what it brings to us in the dominos effect of new dollars this weekend coming to our community," says Krieg.
“The restaurants are busy, the gas stations are busy, so it's good for all of us up here," says Beaumont.
Now, only if the temperature would freeze to take away some stress.
Governor Rick Snyder will drop the green flag at this year's race.
We'll be there, so make sure you tune in to 7&4 News on Saturday to see the race and our interview with the Governor.
To learn more about the I-500, CLICK HERE.
