A snowmobile is a tracked vehicle with skis in front, designed to run in the snow. Some snowmobiles have a single seat, while others can carry two persons. Snowmobiles are ridden on marked trails which are set up each winter. They can also be run in other snowy areas, where allowed.
Snowmobiles are raced in several kinds of events, even some without snow! Summer events include drag races on both grass or asphalt (with special wheels instead of skis), and “watercross”. In a watercross race, snowmobiles run on top of the water in shallow lakes, where the ones that sink can be lifted out easily. Crazy, isn’t it?
In the winter, snowmobiles race on snow or ice. In remote areas cross-country races are popular and cover many miles at high speeds. For spectators, “snowcross” events are set up on ski hills, with many bumps and jumps. The drivers “catch air” as their sleds fly through the air during big jumps.
The most famous oval snowmobile race is the World Championship Snowmobile Derby held in Eagle River, Wisconsin every January.
400 – 700 pounds
340 – 1000 cc
40 – 150 hp
120 miles per hour
