Official Press Releases

7/14/08

 " I - 500 NEWS & INFORMATION UP-date "

2008 - 2009

A milestone was reached as the I-500 moves into the future!

A current status report re: venue and the 41st. running of the International 500.

Many people have enquired as to the status of the International 500 Snowmobile Race hosted at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
The Sault venue is like none other. The track is the ONLY mile oval snowmobile race facility in North America and has a distinct reputation as being the worlds oldest, longest and fastest snowmobile endurance race. Hosted the first Saturday in February every year.

2008 was a milestone year for the Sault I-500 as race officials hosted the 40th anniversary snowmobile race event. The event was supported by excellent track conditions and weather conducive to outdoor spectating in Feb. Immediately following the conclusion of the 40th. It was brought to the attention of the I-500 board of directors, that a commercial property "investor" was interested in purchasing the I-500 property from the city of Sault Ste. Marie, for the purpose of constructing a theme park type environment. Such things as a water theme park, movie complex, outstanding hotel, shopping mall, etc.

Negotiations began with regards to selecting a "task-force" team to represent the I-500 race at city meetings and any participation with the investor, potential track locations or other changes directly related to the venue site for the 41st. running of the I-500.

We've had a lot of questions with regards to the future of the race and the possible sale of the race site property.

********* I -500 RACE INFORMATION FOR 2009 *********

The I-500 Board of Directors has determined that the 41st. running of the I-500 will be hosted at the same venue as we've done for 40 previous years. The 2009 International 500 will be held on Feb 7, 2009 with time trials and a week long schedule of events being scheduled to commence on January 1, 2009.

One of the unique events hosted by the I-500 staff is our "kids" race. The I-500 Board of Directors have set aside a location at the I-500 venue whereby we build and host this outstanding event. It's considered a "feeder system" for future snowmobile race participation. Over the past several years of hosting this outstanding "Kids" and family event, we've enjoyed watching the development and growth in popularity. This race enjoys participation upwards of 50 entries each year. These "kids" ride their mini snowmobiles on their own track, under the lights and in a controlled racing environment second to none!
Every aspect of professional racing the "race teams" experience during the I-500 main event, is experienced by these kids.
The laps are less, the track size is smaller but the experience, excitement and memories developed will last forever.
The victor of the "Kids" race has his/her photo included on the International 500 "KIDS" wall of fame, located in the I-500 media press center.
Every "KIDS" race participant goes home with a trophy and experience that will remain in their memories forever. This event is a family event that becomes more and more popular with each passing year.

Another aspect of the International 500 snowmobile race event that has become a part of what is becoming known in the snowmobile and recreation industry is the hosting of World class Snow-Cross racing. What makes the I-500 so unique is that we host snowmobile "oval" racing and "Snow-Cross" racing at the same time, same day, same location. Thus making the International 500 race event at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, "The Worlds Largest Snowmobile Racing Event"!
What more could anyone ask for? The two most popular styles of snowmobile racing at one site, on the same day, same time, for one low entry price to spectators.

Our racing staff and volunteer supporters are anticipating that the I-500 snowmobile race hosted on Feb. 7, 2009, may be the last year the event will be held at the historical site it was started at back in 1968. Plans are being discussed with regards to a new race venue location within the city limits of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Many aspects of improving the race venue included changes to be implemented for making the event better for race team participants, corporate sponsors and spectators.

Simply put.... the 2009 I-500 snowmobile race will be held at the same location it's been at for 40 years running! We enter into the 41st. running with more excitement then ever as this may be the last year the I-500 Snowmobile race, "kids" race and Snow-Cross racing event are held at this historic site. 40 years of snowmobile racing history taking us to the 41st. and into the future!

********** THE INTERNATIONAL 500 DIRECTORS COMMITMENT TO RACING SUCCESS ************
The I-500 Directors and complete volunteer staff are committed to making this event totally successful in 2009 and beyond. We can assure our fan base, potential corporate sponsors, team participants and snowmobile manufactures that our intentions for possible changes take every aspect of participation into consideration. During these stressful economic times, it's our intention to make certain the I-500 events are offered to YOU with maximum results for your money and time. We encourage those wanting to attend the 41st. I-500, to save your money and plan to experience the excitement and activities we will be offering in order to make your participation better then ever and certainly worth your time and money. We hope YOU will plan on attending the 41st. and beyond! We suggest planning your snowmobiling trips to include plans for attending the "Worlds Largest Snowmobile Racing Event". Make visiting the Sault community during race week part of your winter snowmobiling experiences. Come on UP and see what this community and the I-500 event has to offer. We build memories of a lifetime!

******** F. A. Q. ********

Q: Is the I-500 snowmobile race sold?
A: No! The race event isn't sold. The property which we host our race events on are city owned and negotiations are underway to possibly sell the property to a private investor for commercial development.

Q: Is the race for 2009 going to be hosted at the same location?
A: YES! For 40years the I-500 has been held at the same historical location since it started in 1968. The 41st. will be hosted on Feb. 7, 2009 at the same historical location.

Q: Are there any NEW rule changes for 2009?
A: The I-500 Board of Directors do not set the standards for rules utilized for snowmobile racing. We encourage anyone interested in learning of any rule changes to visit our web site often, we will work to keep you informed of any rule changes implemented as we learn them. Race rules and regulations are set by the Official Race Sanctioning Body, not the I-500 Board of Directors or volunteer staff.

Q: Will the I-500 move to a new venue location outside of the Sault area?
A: NO! The race was born here at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan within the city limits and it will always be here well into the future! This event will NEVER move to another location outside the city limits of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan!
Born here in 1968 and will be hosted here decades into the future.

Q: Will the I-500 take time off when moving to a new race venue (if we move)?
A: NO! The Board of Directors understands the importance of hosting this outstanding event every year without interruption.
It is our intention to continue scheduled racing from year to year without missing any time between moves. Should the venue be moved to a new location, we will plan to do without interrupting any race time from one year to the next. Simply put...
THE I-500 WILL GO ON AS NORMAL EVERY YEAR WITHOUT TAKING ANY TIME OFF!!



It's the objective of the International 500 directors to provide YOU with a snowmobile racing event and week long schedule of activities during race week, second to none in the winter recreation industry. We are committed to offering YOU all we can for your money during your participation at our race venue and throughout the Sault community during race week. It's our intent to bring lasting memories which make you want to return year after year. Please visit our site throughout the year and plan to attend this snowmobile race that offers all the thrills of NASCAR and more!
It's our intention to host the 41st. I-500 event by making it the best ever!! We hope YOU will be a part of snowmobile history and join us on Feb. 7, 2009 for fun and memories that last a lifetime!

On behalf of the I-500 staff, race volunteers, race officials, corporate sponsors and snowmobile manufactures, we hope you'll join us for the 41st. running of the International 500 and all that is offered throughout the Sault community during race week.

Come on UP!

Ric Federau
Board of Directors
Public Relations & Official Spokesperson for the International 500 Snowmobile Race.


***** The I-500 has openings for potential corporate sponsorships and is accepting sponsorship applications for the 2009 I-500 Race event. Additional information for sponsorships or questions regarding the I-500 event can be directed to Ric at the following locations: safetytecric@gmail.com or phone: 989-808-5266