Engines were revving and drivers were raring to go for the first leg of the triple-crown Challenge sur Neige snow races that took place on specially designed and groomed racetracks at the Ormstown fairgrounds on January 21. The Challenge was to have started on January 7, but unfavourable weather conditions forced organizers to postpone the event twice.
On Saturday, a fresh coat of powder made for optimal conditions for the first of three contests, which featured six classes including two ATV categories, as well as stock and modified eight-cylinder car classes, a four-cylinder class for 14–17-year-olds, and a “Bazous” class. Some fans enjoyed the relatively mild temperatures while watching from the grandstands, while others took in the fast-paced action from the comfort of their own cars parked around the track.
Sue Morison, the manager of the Livestock Breeders Association of the District of Beauharnois (LBA), says she is especially pleased to see the event take off in Ormstown. Event organizers approached the LBA about using the track two years ago, but the pandemic kept things on ice until earlier this winter. “We have the perfect site for it. The people coming in are super happy,” Morison says, of both spectators and drivers. And while it takes a lot of work to prepare the track, she says the partnership with Challenge sur Neige Ormstown is bringing new people in while diversifying the LBA’s ability to offer unique activities year-round.
The drivers and their snow-ready vehicles will be back for another round on January 29, before wrapping up the series on February 4. (SR)
