Vintage snowmobile racing returned to northern Idaho for the 2017 winter season at beautiful Priest Lake, ID. These events were scheduled for the Sunday of the three-day holiday weekends in the months of January and February.
The history of Vintage Snowmobile Racing Priest Lake goes back to February, 2014, as part of the Cavanaugh Bay Resort’s Rock and Ride weekend with the vintage race take place at the RV park at the Inn at Priest Lake in Coolin. The response was almost overwhelming that weekend with 25 entries and several spectators.
With the success of that first race, it was scheduled again for 2015 for the same site. However, it had to be cancelled due to warm weather. Because of the community interest for this type of winter activity, Vintage Snowmobile Racing Priest Lake was formed by Mike Courteau and his son, Mark, for the January, 2016, race. These races were created specifically for a family-oriented winter event to bring visitors back to the Priest Lake community, resorts and businesses.
With the approval of the association’s main sponsor, Priest Lake Kaniksu/Coolin Branch Lions Clubs and with the approval of the U.S. Forest Service, it organization was able to obtain the permits necessary to hold the races. The race site was moved to the west side of Priest Lake, near the south end of the air strip close to the Ranger Station by Nordman, ID. The first two races for 2016 was held Jan. 17 with 86 entries with racers coming from Utah, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. The second race, held Feb. 14, had 123 entries.
There are 20 plus classes for vintage snowmobiles that from 1985 and earlier. These include a 120 class for kids ages 4-10, a junior class for ages 11-16 and two classes for women. All racers, from beginners to Pros, are welcome.
The first race for 2017 was held Jan. 15 and brought in 134 entries with more than 500 vehicles counted in the spectator parking lot. A similar number was seen at the Feb. 19 race, which had 189 entries.
For more information, including race requirements, visit www.vintagesnowmobileracingpriestlake.com.