MIRA cancels January 300 enduro
Patty RamusBy PATTY RAMUS
News Staff Writer
For the first time in two years, the Midwest International Racing Association has canceled its snowmobile 300 enduro race in Lincoln due to weather.
The sprint and enduro racing had been scheduled to take place during the weekend of Jan. 24-25. According to Rex Manning, one of the race organizers, preparations for the track began around Dec. 27, but the large amount of snow the area received prevented the ground from freezing enough to make an ice track optimal for racing.
"Once the ground freezes you can build ice on top of the dirt. Then the whole track is actually made of ice and we dump thousands of gallons of water," he said. "Until we have that ability to make water freeze on the ground, you can't do it."
Drivers in enduro racing compete on a half-mile ice oval track. Between 10-12 inches of ice are needed to make a good track. During a weekend, drivers from more than 10 classes complete in junior, semi-pro and pro racing.
"Sprinters need better ice so they race first. Then the enduros tear up the track so they race on Sunday," Manning said.
The next race in Lincoln, the Michigan CAT 500, will take place during the weekend of Feb. 28-March 1. This year the track side parking reservations will be handled through the Lincoln Outdoor Center, Manning said.
Patty Ramus can be reached via e-mail at pramus@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687.
