40th Eagle River World Championship
Photos by Linda Aksomitis
Where can you find 7 solid days of the world's finest snowmobile
racing -- nowhere but the 40th running of the Eagle River World Championship in
Eagle River, WI. This year's event had 3 World Championship titles up for grabs: World Championship
Oval; World Championship Snocross; and Vintage World Championship. After spending
some 70 or 80 hours watching and taking pictures, I'm convinced it's
one of the most exciting sports around!
Top -- #28 - PJ Wandersheid - Oval
Bottom left -- #68 -- Tucker Hibbert - Snocross
Bottom right -- #21 -- Fred Smith - Vintage
Of course, since the event ran through two weekends, from January 11-19, there was
lots to see and do!
Staging is THE place to be, to get an upclose look at how racers spend
those last few minutes before challenging each other on the track. For me,
after being absent from the track for a decade or so,
it was a surprise to see some drivers still using duct tape across their noses
to keep their shields from fogging, and their faces from freezing, I might add
from experience.
I guess racing tape will live forever!
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Another thing that hasn't changed is Ted Otto giving the checkered flag.
He might be a few decades older than when he started out as a Race
Director, but he's still got the same old moves. |
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Every Derby needs a Queen and Princesses. This year's Queen was Jessica Pollack [left above].
First princess was Emily Nimczyk [waving] and second princess was Amanada Jacob [right].
All of the girls are grade 11 students at Eagle River High School. They were chosen
on the basis of a pageant and an essay.
The grounds at the Derby Track have the atmosphere of a carnival, as all of the
big-name factories and after-market producers of snowmobile parts and accessories
line up to create an entrance alley. Inside, it's much the same, with wall-to-wall exhibitors of everything from
fur hats to easy-load trailer accessories. And, if you are hungry or thirsty, there's always the
Last Lap Saloon.
Of course, everybody is at Eagle River for the most spectacular show on snow: right from
the smallest fans...
SnowRider magazine offers sincere congratulations to the Decker family, their staff, the Eagle River
and surrounding communities, and all of the volunteers
who worked so hard to make the event such a huge success. Our compliments on the
Friday Night Thunder grand opening. Your accomplishments, along with those
of North America's snowmobile racers, were great reasons to celebrate!
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