Q: Do I have to be a U.S.C.C. member in order to race?
A: No, you don't need to be a season member. We offer daily memberships which are available on a per-race basis. Daily members are not eligible for year-end points awards.

Q: How much does it cost to race in the U.S.C.C.?
A: The total cost depends on which class or classes you plan to enter. Amateur race entry fees are typically $35, non-pro classes with cash payback are in the $75-$100 range and the pro classes are typically $150. All racers must also pay an insurance fee that is $15 in the amateur classes and $40 in the payback classes. Entry fees for the Red Lake I-500 are $425.00.

Q: Are pit fees charged?
A: Sometimes. We leave it up to each individual promoter to determine if gate fees are to be charged and if so, how much they are. USCC season members are issued a racer I.D. card which gives them free entry to any event. Fees at the races that do charge are typically $5 to $10.

Q: Can I enter more than one class?
A: Yes, you can. Typically our races are setup so riders may enter multiple classes each race day. In the event that both classes you enter are scheduled to run on the course at the same time, you will only race once but your time will count for both classes entered. The only exception to the multiple entry is that a rider may not race in the same division in different classes. For example a racer can't enter both the Amateur 600 stock and the Semi-Pro 600 stock. However, we do allow someone to enter an Amateur stock class and a Semi-pro Open class, or Semi Pro stock class and Pro Open class, etc, in order to get experience at the higher level without having to make the full jump to the upper class.

Q: How do I know what class to enter?
A: That depends on a number of factors, including your riding ability and the type of sled you have. Riders with sleds that have modified their motor or exhaust system from stock form will have to run in the open classes as their sled will not meet ISR guidelines for stock class racing. As for what class to enter, it depends on your experience, ability and what you type of prize you want to race for. All of our amateur classes and the Sport 85 class are basically set up for beginning racers with little or no racing experience and have trophies as payback. We have age-defined classes (vet, masters, legends) for older riders. Our semi-pro classes are designed for more advanced riders, who will eventually make the jump to the pro ranks. The pro classes are where the best riders race for the biggest money.

Q: How long are the races?
A: Again, it depends on what class you enter, and at which race. Typically when a race distance is listed, such as the Minto 100, the only class that will run the entire 100 miles is the Pro 600 class. Other class distances are based on time expected to complete the race and as such, the distance varies from event to event. Semi Pro 600 will go typically 1 hour, while all other classes normally run for 25- 30 minutes (typically 30 miles).

Q: Will I need to make a fuel stop?
A: At the majority of our races, only the Pro 600 class races have a fuel stop. There are a few exceptions. At the Ada 100 and Munising 300, the Semi-pro classes run the full listed race distance so they also have a fuel stop. And at the U.S.C.C. Red Lake I-500, all classes will make fuel stops as they all run the entire 500 mile distance.

Q: What kind of safety equipment do I need to race in the U.S.C.C.?
A: You will need a SNELL certified helmet with 75% of the helmet being orange in color. We do have orange tape strips for sale to racers whose helmet does not have enough orange on it. You will also need a Tekvest-type chest protector. Again, the USCC has these available for rent if you need one. As for your sled, the main item needed is a safety tether switch. You will also need to have a working headlight, taillight and brakelight. If you race in a class with a fuel stop, you will also need to bring a fire extinguisher with you.

Q: What do I need to do to my snowmobile to get it ready to race?
A: Besides having a tether switch, your track should be studded and you should have a decent set of carbide wearbars on your skis. Make sure your handlebars and controls are in a comfortable position. Double check all your fasteners and make sure they are tight. Apply some Loctite or safety wire to those that might come loose. Check your fluids (coolant, chaincase, oil, gas). Make sure you have a spare belt, spark plugs and some wrenches in case you have to make some quick trackside repairs and throw in some duct tape, which is always useful. Make sure all your lights work and all your stock safety shields are in place. If the weather is expected to be extremely cold, having a tall windshield and handlebar muffs might help keep you comfortable. You will also need to have your race number on both sides of your snowmobile hood or windshield. If you're not a USCC member, call the USCC prior to the race to get a race number assigned to you.

Q: What do I need to do to be ready to race?
A: First, know the rules. Get a copy of the USCC handbook or ISR rulebook and read it. Know what you are getting yourself into and ask questions ahead of time. Contact the USCC or someone you know who has raced if you have questions. Once you know the rules, you should start preparing yourself to take on a highly physical activity. You're going to exert yourself for an extended period of time during the race so be ready for it. Next, get your gear and equipment prepared in advance. Doing things at the last minute will just add to your stress level and keep you from having fun. Start preparing at least several days before the race. Make sure your sled is ready to go. Make sure your tow vehicle and trailer are ready to make the trip. If you need them, make sure you have motel rooms lined up. Know where the driver sign-in is going to be held and what time you need to be there. Send in your pre-registration for the race to the USCC. Pack some tools and spare parts in case you need them. Bring some spare gas and oil. Make sure all your riding gear is loaded and ready to go. Double check it to make sure…goggles, helmet, gloves, chest protector, boots, socks, dry clothes to put on after the race, etc. Because the weather conditions can change in a hurry, it's a good idea to have some clothing options available in case conditions change. Remember, you will be exerting yourself during the race much more so than during a trail ride, so dressing in lighter-weight clothing will usually keep you more comfortable while you're on the track. Also, having a couple of different shades of goggle/shield lenses on hand is a good idea in case visibility conditions change. Make sure your race number is on your back, either on your jacket or Tekvest. If you plan to warm up your machine before taking it on the track you will need a track jackstand. Having a buddy lift the back of your sled is a big no-no and will get you disqualified! AGAIN, DON'T FORGET TO PRE-REGISTER BY GETTING YOUR ENTRY FORM TO THE USCC BY THE WEDNESDAY PRIOR TO THE RACE.

Q: Can I ride the course before the race?
A: Typically not prior to the race day. At all events other than the I-500, we have a parade lap in which a USCC official leads all the racers on a slow-speed lap around the race course to give the racers an opportunity to see the course prior to hitting it at race speed. This gives the racer an idea of where areas are that might require extra caution or where good passing areas might be, etc.

Q: What else do I need to know?
A: The main thing we want you to do is to be safe and to have fun. Being safe comes from being prepared and not riding over your head. We pride ourselves on having safe yet challenging courses. Be ready to get a good workout and to hopefully have a lot of fun. Our racers, including the top pros, are usually very accessible and will normally answer any questions you have. They want everyone to have a good time and come back and race again in the future. Also, don't be afraid to ask a USCC official for assistance. They are there for you to insure you have a good, safe racing experience. One more thing is to watch how the top guys prepare themselves. Take a walk around the pit area and look at their sled setups and how they organize. A lot of times, you can improve just by watching what the top guys do and learning why and how they do it. On the track, pay attention to what lines the faster riders take. Watch for little things they do that other riders might not be doing. When you're not racing, much of our courses are accessible by road so you can watch other classes run and also see how the course is holding up and what lines the fast guys are taking.