Snowmobile drag races raise funds to fight cancer

SAXON, Wis. - It was about 100 degrees hotter than typical snowmobiling weather, but that didn't stop drag racing Saturday at the Iron County Fairgrounds in Saxon.

Around $1,600 was raised for breast cancer prevention in the women's pink races, which included a nasty spill by one of the racers well after the finish line. She was uninjured, however.

With temperatures reaching the mid-90s, the racers and their teams struggled to keep motors that are supposed to be air-cooled running for even the short bursts.

Tyler Hoffman, of Mason, Wis., said air cooling the snowmobile with a blow dryer "helped a little bit."

Ice bags were also used to attempt to keep the machines from overheating.

The White Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club, of Oma, which conducted the races, left plenty of time in between the four-driver heats for both the machines and drivers to cool off.

Among the local racers were Saxon area residents Todd and Kathy Brauer, Perry Elsemore and Greg Basom.

Todd Brauer said it was his third year of racing. "I haven't taken home any trophies yet, but it's fun," he said.

In the Retro Outlaw class, machines burned over the grass in short order. "There'll be no grass left after these guys get done," the announcer said.

Under the nearby pavilion, 19 vintage machines were on display, with some of them for sale. Many looked like they came straight out of the factory, although some were 50 years old.

Hurley street superintendent Mark Bluse, a member of the club, had two of his sleds on display. "We had 39 machines on display lsat year," he said.

Food and beverage sales were brisk during the races, with water being a priority.

Competition was restricted to leaf springs only.

There was some talk during the Saturday races of possibly conducting them during the Friday night of the Iron County Fair, with White Thunder Rider asking the out-of-town racers about that possibility.