ST. JOHN VALLEY
- With only a little over a month remaining and some snow on the ground,
anticipation is undiminished at the Madawaska Snowmobile Club and
its Second Annual USCC Madawaska100 Cross-Country Snowmobile Race
on schedule for Saturday, February 18, 2012.
The event and venue is located at the Albert Farm's Flats, an area
along the St. John River separating Madawaska in Maine and Edmundston
in New Brunswick, Canada. The flats comprise over a hundred acres
of rich, fertile, riverside farmland which is awaiting hundreds of
spectators and racers. Organizers say fans and athletes will witness
and participate in some of snowmobiling's most exciting racing alongside
locals and professionals.
Michael Guerrette, MSC President and race organizer, said, "The
Madawaska Snowmobile Club is excited to put this event on for the
communities once again!
Sledders who will make the journey to participate in this event have
expressed their delight when they heard it was to be on again in Madawaska.
They really expressed their delight at the course, races and spectators
in 2011 and really wanted to come back up here.
We have a good group of people in this club who are committed to putting
together one heck of a track, once again, for this cross-country snowmobile
race. It promises to be exciting and challenging."
"We promise racers and spectators alike, you won't be disappointed,
added Jean Ouellette, race chairperson for MSC.
Thanks to the generosity of landowners Cyr Potato Corp, John and Diane
Hebert as well as Albert Farms, we are able to have an amazing race
and spectator locations."
Denise Cote, media spokesperson for the Madawaska100 event said, "This
is a very exciting event for this area and we really appreciate the
support shown by spectators, local racers and especially our sponsors
who make it all possible to have one of the best venues on the USCC
Northeast circuit."
Last year's event was a first for Northern Maine and Western New Brunswick
and it turned out to be one of the best attended.
Everyone from all ages were intrigued by the amount of competitiveness
and physical endurance these racers had to withstand."
The USCC is based out of Minto, ND and draws professional and amateur
snowmobile racers from across North America to each of its events.
The USCC Racing Circuit is the largest cross-country snowmobile racing
organization in North America. Cross-country racing is unique because
the racers sleds are basically stock.
The products that engineers are developing and cross-country racers
are using become available to the average rider. Cote said this is
what makes cross-country racing so rewarding...it's a proving ground
for the manufacturers; it provides exposure for the sponsors and it
benefits the consumer.
Race sponsors have races named after their establishment because of
their sizeable donation in support of the 2012 USCC Madawaska100.
This year's races are named as followed. Daigle Sport - Pro Open,
Katahdin Gear - Expert 85, NorState Federal Credit Union - Semi-Pro
Improved, Pelletier Ford - Semi-Pro 600; The Sled Shop - Pro 600 and
WAGMTV8 - Expert 85 Improved. There are still 2 unsponsored races
to date. The Masters 40 Plus and the Legends 50 Plus.
If you would like to sponsor this event, please contact John Ezzy
at 207.316.9305.
Associate sponsors are in the $500 plus donation category are the
Madawaska American Legion, Bob's Servicenter; Get Sno, Larry's One
Stop, Madawaska Pharmacy, Marden's, Paradis Shop 'n Save, Morin's
Variety, The Lakeview Restaurant, Quality Inn Edmundston, New Brunswick,
H&S Truck/Auto Repair & Auto Sales, and United Insurance.
Support sponsors include Allen's Coffee Brandy, Acadia Federal Credit
Union, Bob's Neighborhood, Central Building, Davis Clothing and Footwear,
Dead River Company, Dionne Construction, Dufour's Upholstery, Foremost
Insurance, Fort Kent Ski-Doo, Gallant Enterprises, Gene's Electronics,
KLC Lakeside Rentals, Long Lake Construction, Madawaska Auto Parts,
MMG Insurance, Northern Maine Medical Center, Northern Airwaves, Sylvio
Paradis & Son, Tulsa Inc., Valley Auto, Audibert Polaris, Valley
Fuel, Plourde-Morneault-Dubay, Andrew Daigle Insurance, Carroll's
Auto Sale, Gary's Yamaha, Long Lake Motor Inn, Martin's Motel Levesque's
Office Supply, Joe's Auto & Truck Repair.
Other donations received include support from the Town of Madawaska,
Ed Pelletier & Sons, Bob & Lou Associates, and Northern Door
Inn. Nadeau Septic Service, Deschaine Sanitation, Madawaska Recreation
Department, Madawaska Fire Dept and Ambulance Dept. and Tim Horton's.
Cote said, "The organizing committee is realizes how this race
brings in a positive economic impact on the region. The organizing
of this event began last year immediately after the first one was
completely because of all the positive feedback from locals as well
as racers who came from all over New England and the midwest. Now
things are moving forward rapidly. Races such as this draw spectators
from all over the country and Canada. The committee is very eager
to showcase the area and all that it has to offer.
"The venue will be very accommodating and receptive to spectators
and racers alike. There will be hospitality tents along with food,
beverage, vendors and more. Bring the whole family and spend the day
outdoors, enjoying the snow-covered hills of Northern Maine. The St.
John Valley prides itself on its gracious hospitality, and our doors
are open to all.
"While you are in the area, make sure to include time to enjoy
some of the most amazing scenic and perfectly groomed snowmobiling
and skiing trail systems in Maine and the United States. From fine
dining to sledding, we offer a unique experience like no other."
Jean Ouellette, USCC Madawaska100 Chairperson said, "There are
several U.S.C.C. Class Races open to racers, pro, semi-pro, masters,
legends, expert along with sports classes, women, juniors and vintage.
These races are for Stock, Pro-Open Class, Semi-Pro Improved and Sport
Improved, Expert 85 Improved, 120cc Stock, 120cc Open Class, USCC
Vintage Snowmobiles."
Racers do not have to be season members, because the USCC offers daily
memberships on a pre-race basis. Daily members are not eligible for
year-end point awards.
Racers need to pre-register by getting an entry form to the USCC a
week prior to race date. There will also be a registered racers meeting
prior to the races, with time and place to be announced.
Racers can enter more than one class and must know the rules. Racer
must be physically fit to endure hours of exertion and have the legally-required
race gear and sled.
Most USCC racers accumulate points throughout the season of racing,
but classes are open to registered racers as well, who want to vie
for the Cash Purse.
Organizers encourage racers to make sure to read the requirements
for all classes in the USCC Racing Handbook."
The gates open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2012 and the races
start at 10 a.m.
Free parking is available on site, and gate admission is $10 for adults
and $5 for kids 12 and under.
The race site is located at 696 Main Street in Madawaska. That is
approximately 3 miles from the International bridge, south on US Route
1.
For more information about the USCC Madawaska100 Cross Country Snowmobile
Race or any other information necessary to make your trip and stay
comfortable, you can contact Jean Ouellette by phone at 1-207-728-3395
or 1-207-316-8287 or by email at guerrette57@gmail.com.
Also, you may contact Madawaska Snowmobile Club president, Mike Guerrette
at 1-207-728-7097.
Registration and rules are available for all racers at usccracing.com.
or on the Madawaska100 race website at www.madawaska100.com.
