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Snow Leopard’s Vintage sled races - Feb 12th, 2022
February 12th, 2022
Organizers call this year’s event a success after being cancelled in 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions. The sled races have been happening for 27 years, and area resident and Snow Leopard’s President, Garry Gibson, has hosted the event on his farm since 2004. Gibson said 131 snowmobiles aged 1981 and older registered to participate in 209 heats this year. At an estimated 400 onlookers, “The spectator crowd was one of the best we’ve ever had.”
Gibson said that snow has been an issue in previous years, to the point where the club had to move snow onto the track; this year, “We actually had to take some snow off of the track so it would pack.” The track is 660 feet long, and it extends another 660 feet to allow the racers time to slow down.
The races are a family event and include kids’ mini races. One of the young racers we spoke to was Gaige from Sheho. “The kids normally do one race. This is my first-year racing here,” She was grinning ear to ear as she told us that she placed first on her 120cc kids’ snowmobile.
To be at the races means getting up very early for the youngster. “I’m sad because I have to wake up at six in the morning.” But she said, in the end, it was all worth it.
The event draws people from across the province, bringing people into local businesses. One of those groups that made the trip included racer Dale Zuk. His group of 5 travelled from Candle Lake, staying in Southey for the weekend. This is the third time he has been to the races, with the last time being 13 years ago. He races a Polaris Centurion, and not unlike the eternal battle of Ford versus Chev; the world of vintage sledding is similar. “I’ve had it for 20 years. My friends all run Yamahas. I’m the outcast. Needless to say, I don’t get a hot shower - all of the hot water is gone. They treat me like I’m the bottom of the pit,” he laughed.
Zuk laughs when asked what differences he has noticed since his last race. “I’m a lot slower on the lights.” For Zuk, it was a great event, “Excellent race day. A lot of people, hamburgers and hotdogs were great, well organized. Very well run.”
Zuk will race in 8-10 races throughout the day. “...I understand it’s been going on for over 20 years and it’s nice to see that they continue on because vintage racing is where it’s at.”
LMTimes
Snow Leopard’s Vintage sled races - Feb 12th, 2022
After the races have concluded, they are usually followed by a supper and awards at the Earl Grey Hall. But this year, because of COVID, they handed out the awards at the track with food available at the concession.
The races are supported through local sponsorship. Gibson said that the support they receive through sponsorship goes towards purchasing the awards. Admission fees keep the races going from year to year.
Providing additional volunteer support is the Last Mountain Lake Drifters Snowmobile Club. “A huge thank you to the Last Mountain Snow Drifter’s for everything they did for us.” Gibson said the Drifters provided a groomer to go over the track to get it started. “Eight of their members came and did the finish line, the start line and the gate for us. So, we will be giving them a donation towards’ their club.”
This year there were 27 classes and four awards for each class. They also have a Best of show, Oldest rider and a Hard-luck award – which goes to whoever had the most significant breakdown. This year it was won by a racer who broke a ski and couldn’t continue.
As these sleds are “vintage,” they are also prone to breakdowns. This can keep Gibson’s quad busy as it sits at the finish line, ready to tow those that didn’t quite make it back.
While the races are over for another year and the loud roar of the sleds has faded, the Snow Leopard’s look towards 2023 and the excitement and laughter that will again bring together families and friends.
Jennifer Argue, LMT Reporter
