Logan Voss
There are many ways to enjoy the frigid wintery temperatures and white, pillow-like snow, but one adventurous way to have fun in the snow is snowmobile racing. Not many consider this a realistic form of winter fun, but the hobby can turn into a competitive sport, and you might be surprised at all the possibilities. Here are a few things to consider before you take on the adventure of snowmobile racing!
Invest in Quality Gear
The gear you use is critical. This stuff can make or break your experiences, especially when you’re considering the hobby as a competitive sport. You should invest your time and resources into acquiring the right pieces. Think about a few things, including your safety, comfort, warmth, and longevity of the items. A few essentials to consider include:
- A helmet
- Snowmobile suit or jacket and pants
- Snowmobile boots
- Base layers for thermal protection
- Gloves
It’s critical to consider how well each item can maintain your body temperature and factor in any wear and tear. Whenever a piece of equipment experiences impact or wear, you should invest in a replacement to avoid severe injuries or damages.
Understand the Racing Rules
There are rules to follow when you are racing. This is because every competition host wants to keep the field safe for everyone and fair. These rules and guidelines break down into a few categories: safety rules, race-specific rules, and machine rules.
- Safety rules will outline the types of necessary gear for the race and highlight significant equipment specifications.
- Race-specific rules will pertain to the course and best practices for the type of race. Each race type varies based on the course.
- Machine rules always apply to the snowmobile. Things like aftermarket parts may be unsafe for a race. There may also be constraints about engine size and manufacturing year.
Consider a Sponsorship
Before you get serious about snowmobile racing, ask yourself if you’re willing to take on a sponsorship. This is a big part of the sport, and there are many things you can do to increase your chances of receiving a sponsor.
The likelihood of receiving a sponsorship is relatively low if you don’t focus on these efforts and put yourself in the right places at the right times. Think about your favorite gear and equipment brands and consider the possibility of sponsorship if you intend to be a long-term competitive racer.
There are many things to consider before taking on snowmobile racing, but always remember to enjoy yourself in the process. Don’t lose your love of the snow and adventure because of the technicalities. Be safe, and enjoy the ride!
