Race Week

*All Scheduled Event Dates & Times are Subject to Change at the discretion of the #SooI500*

Sunday, January 26th, 2025

The 2025 Walsh Service Solutions Mini-5 Kids Snowmobile Races Officially Kick Off the 56th Running of the International 500 Snowmobile Race Week

For the first time ever, the Mini-5 Kids Races will take place on the front stretch, at the start/finish line, of the Legendary 1⃣-Mile Ice Oval, a miniature version, which will be laid out for the kids. Aspiring young riders get their chance to race in their very own events

Registration and Rig Parking begins at 1:00p.m., on #RaceDay as the Kids Snowmobile Races start at 3:00p.m. It’s absolutely FREE to attend and everyone goes home a winner

Monday, January 27th, 2025

ALL teams that are racing on the legendary 1⃣-Mile Ice Oval will Load In and begin the Technical Inspections in preparation for the rest of Race Week

#SooI500 Management, Staff and Volunteers make those imperative final preparations in anticipation of #RaceWeek

The Meet The Riders Autograph and Picture Session, which will be located at the Entrance to the Lock City Home Center Press Center / Joe Moniz Memorial Broadcast Booth, will go from 5:00-7:00p.m.

Also happening at the same time, the smooth ice surface also allows the general public to skate on the famous one mile oval during Monday’s Skate Night at the Track

Tuesday, January 28th, 2025

This is a special day as the I-500 & Sault Ste. Marie city officials have proclaimed opening day to be forever known as BUD CLARKE DAY! For the first time of the 56th #SooI500 Race Week, Sleds officially get out onto the track

The exciting return of the G.F.L. Environmental Formula III’s Soo Shootout (#GFLF3SS) along-with the Wheeler Upfitters Soo Vintage Shootout (#SVS) will take to the legendary 1-Mile High-Banked Ice Oval. The Vintage Sleds that are 30 years old (1995) and older will feature SEVEN Classes of competition

Afterwards, from 9:00-10:00p.m. (Could Start Earlier), the OPTIONAL and quickly becoming very popular #SooI500 Practice Session will wrap up the evening

Wednesday, January 29th, 2025

The best riders in the world begin the grueling process of attempting to qualify for the I-500 on perhaps, the busiest day of the week, other than #RaceDay

In addition to being the First Day of Wheeler Trucking Qualifying presented by Owosso Speedway to begin setting the 38-Sled field for the 56th Running of the #SooI500, it’s also Day 1⃣ of Qualifying for Meijer Pro Shootout IV (#MPS) and #RaceDay for the Kokosing-Alberici-Traylor Old 600 Modifieds (#KAT600Mods) who will partake in the K.A.T. Old 600 Modifieds Shootout IV

Hot Seats for the 2026 #SooI500 also go on sale! For pricing and availability, contact Ric Federau by email, safetytecric@gmail.com or phone/text: (989) 808-5266 – 2025 Hot Seats are SOLD OUT!

Thursday, January 30th, 2025

Thursday is action packed as it is the FINAL Day of Wheeler Trucking Qualifying presented by Owosso Speedway for the #SooI500 as well as Final Round of Qualifying for the #MPS followed later in the evening by the Meijer Pro Shootout IV, which, for 2025, will be under a New Format. Plus, it’s a pivotal event and the ONLY opportunity for teams to get Track Time, under Race Conditions, for the #SooI500

Then let the fun begin in Sault Ste. Marie, MI as the city becomes host to the mid-west’s largest “WINTER PUB CRAWL”! We open our heated hospitality tent to visitors with LIVE music and plenty of beverages on hand. Join the Midwest’s premier winter party at the I-500 venue.

Visit the many bars, saloons, and lounges in the community who offer maximum fun for race fans and sled-heads. Drinks, food specials and fun are on tap throughout the SOO area. Join the atmosphere of snowmobile race central! A party at every pub! T-Shirts are on sale for those who want to participate in the Pub Crawl

Friday, January 31st, 2025

It’s an Off Day at the track as I-500 Officials work overtime to get the 1-mile ice oval ready for 500 miles

In the meantime, the 56th #SooI500 Riders Registration (10:00a.m.-2:00p.m.) has been moved for 2025 as it will be held at the track, in the V.I.P. Suite, located in the Upper Floor of the Lock City Home Center Press Center / Next to the Joe Moniz Memorial Broadcast Booth

The all important 56th #SooI500 Riders Meeting (3:00p.m.) will still be conducted at Kewadin Casinos Hotel & Convention Center

Later in the evening is the 13th Edition of the Miss International 500 Pageant inside the Dream Makers Theatre within Kewadin Casinos – Sault Ste. Marie, located just four miles east of the track

On the day of the pageant, the day before the 56th Running of the #SooI500, contestants are introduced to the audience in the form of a fashion show. Each contestant will wear either a costume or uniform that reflects her personality, hobbies, career aspirations, or sports affiliations. There is also an onstage interview for all the ladies to share their thoughts and win the hearts of the crowd.

In the final event, contestants model a floor-length evening gown; complete with winter accents (Faux Fur, Ugg-Like Boots, Etc.) that pair perfectly with the theme of the race.

The I-500 Pageant starts at 7:00p.m. For more information about the I-500 Pageant, go to the I-500 Pageant Page located at the link provided: Miss I-500 Pageant Information

Saturday, February 1st, 2025 – RACE DAY

Saturday is RACE DAY!!!! Spectator Gates Open at 8:00a.m., as spectators can enjoy the heated hospitality tent all day, race day. Stop by our vendor tent, trailers, and booths for great food, great fun and a host of awesome products for snowmobile and race enthusiasts. Opening Ceremonies start at 8:45a.m., with Rider Introductions at 9:30p.m.

Then, after the Invocation and National Anthem(s) the Green flag drops promptly at 10:00a.m.

Approximately 90 Minutes after the checkered flag flies on the 56th #SooI500 Awards Banquet will be held at the Dream Makers Theater inside Kewadin Casino.