*All Scheduled Event Dates & Times are Subject to Change at the discretion of the #SooI500*
Sunday, January 29th, 2023
It’s absolutely FREE to attend and everyone goes home a winner
Monday, January 30th, 2023
ALL teams that are racing on the legendary -Mile Ice Oval will Load In and begin the Technical Inspections in preparation for the rest of #RaceWeek
#SooI500 Management, Staff and Volunteers make those imperative final preparations in anticipation of Race Week. The smooth ice surface also allows the general public to skate on the famous one mile oval during Monday’s OPEN SKATE NIGHT from 7:00-9:00p.m.
Tuesday, January 31st, 2023
This is a special day as the I-500 & Soo city officials have proclaimed opening day to be forever known as BUD CLARKE DAY! For the first time of the 54th #SooI500 Race Week, Sleds officially get out onto the track
It all starts with, for the time ever, an OPTIONAL #SooI500 Practice Session, followed by the Soo Vintage Shootout (#SVS)
The action on the legendary 1-Mile High-Banked Ice Oval will be highlighted by an expected huge turn out of vintage sleds that are 30 years old (1993) and older
Wednesday, February 1st, 2023
The best riders in the world begin the grueling process of attempting to qualify for the I-500 on perhaps, the busiest of the week, other than #RaceDay In addition to being the First Day of Qualifying, It’s also Day
of Qualifying for Meijer Pro Shootout III (#MPS) and #RaceDay for the Old 600 Modifieds who will partake in Old 600 Modifieds Shootout II
Hot Seats for the 2024 #SooI500 also go on sale! For pricing and availability, contact Ric Federau by email, [email protected] or phone/text; (989) 808-5266 – 2023 Hot Seats are SOLD OUT!
Thursday, February 2nd, 2023
Thursday is action packed as it is the FINAL Day of Qualifying for both the #SooI500 and the #MPS followed by Meijer Pro Shootout III, 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, February 3rd, 2023
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 Riders Registration and the all important Riders Meeting will be held at Kewadin Casinos Hotel & Convention Center throughout the morning and afternoon hours
Later in the evening is the 11th 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 54th 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 4th, 2023 – 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 54th Running of the #SooI500, the 2023 Awards Banquet will be held at the Dream Makers Theater inside Kewadin Casino.