Vintage snowmobiles on display for racing at the Outagamie Conservation Club, Feb. 10, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A new tradition is coming to Outagamie County. The Outagamie Conservation Club will be hosting its first pro-vintage race this weekend.
Despite the lack of snow, around 150 snowmobilers are expected to compete.
After canceling its annual Sno-Mo-ATV Race event last month because of warm weather, OCC is looking ahead to a new weekend of racing.
“We’re calling for somewhere in that 35 to 40 degree temperature range,” said Dean Bennett. “Will it affect us? Probably not. These guys do a great job of putting the ice out. We don’t need snow, all we need is ice to graze on.”
But with vintage snow mobiles.
“I don’t see the weather being a big problem,” said Bennett. “For a spectator, it’s fantastic because they get to stand outside in warmer weather.”
Bennett’s son, Matt, is taking part in the races.
“He’s been running since he was 12-years-old, and he’s now 31,” said Bennett. “He’s still loving it.”
“This is definitely one of our biggest events of the year,” said Steven Perick Jr., president of Pro Vintage Racing, known as PVR. “This club’s been around since 1995. A vintage snow mobile is stuff from the ’70s. It’s stuff people grew up with. It’s the things that they love, they love to see it out on the track. A lot of them say ‘I used to have one of those when I was a kid.'”
Wisconsin’s Pro Vintage Racing happens to be the largest vintage organization in the country.
“We’re one of the few organizations that are linked with international snowmobile racing,” said Mike Wienandt, vice president of PVR.
He says if you’re planning on going to the races, there’s a lot you can expect.
“There’s a DJ I believe from five to nine in the evening, so it’s a whole day of entertainment and fun out here.” said Wienandt. “The food is great, the facility is great. You just pay for parking when you come in and you got free rein of the area.”
For Bennett, he’s excited about the races, and says he’s got plenty of faith in his son.
“He’s done very well here at the Conservation Club in the past, and we’re hoping to be in the top again,” said Bennett.
The races begin at 10 a.m. at OCC. For more information about the event, click here.
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