For the second year in a row, Greenville will host the United States Cross Country Snowmobile Racing Association (USCC) races on Moosehead Lake next weekend.
The race was run on the lake last year because of a lack of snow on the trails. However, what was first thought to be a substitute location to save the race turned out to be ideal, because spectators were treated to unobstructed views of the action. Because of last year’s success, the race will play out on the lake again.
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“We will be using snow to build a cross-country course on the lake, constructing snow berms and moguls to make the course challenging and more interesting. Typically, the race is on the land and racers go through ditches and bumps,” said Tom McCormick, president of the Moosehead Riders Snowmobile Club, which is sponsoring the event. “It will be more interesting for the racers as well as the fans.”
There will be 15 classes of racers, including kids (120cc), women, amateurs, senior citizens, juniors, semi-pro and professional racers, with racing beginning at 9 a.m. and going all day Saturday. Tickets are $5 for spectators, with children 10 and under admitted free.
The professional racers will be doing eight to 10 laps. Racers need to register before the race, and can do so online at www.usccracing.com.
Last year, more than 50 racers competed and 500 spectators watched from the shores.
“It was a crazy situation last year because conditions were good on the Thursday before the race and then at the last minute we had to switch it to the lake because of temperatures in the 50s,” said McCormick.
After a successful first race in Greenville last year, the USCC has set up a full Eastern Race Circuit this year that includes Madawaska.
There will be a radar run from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday called the “King of the Lake,” consisting of single-lane drag racing.
On Friday night, the Moosehead Riders Snowmobile Club will host a lobster and steak dinner, and the cost is $25 per person. Reservations can be made online at www.maine100.com.
The junction wharf area will feature a number of vendor booths, exhibits and demonstrations and have a carnival-like atmosphere. The National Guard will have a children’s tent set up with a number of activities.
“The whole idea for having it this time of year is to get people to come to Greenville, because the town is usually dead near the end of March.” said McCornick. “We are hoping to grow the event with the radar races on Sunday to make it a big snowmobile weekend.”
March can offer some of the best riding of the season, with longer and warmer days. Racers and spectators come from all over the Northeast for this event.
“We are just praying for good weather on the day of the race — we don’t need a white-out and we don’t need rain,” said McCormick.
For more information about the race, registration and rules visit www.usccracing.com or www.maine100.com.
Cathy Genthner is a registered Maine Guide licensed to guide snowmobile trips. She owns River Bluff Camps in Medford, located off ITS-83. She can be reached at:
riverbluffcamps@maine.rr.com
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