Come Crack the Ice with XMR Vintage Snowmobile Racing
Are you one of those people whose blood gets pumping from the smell of two-stroke exhaust and the sound of an open throttle on a snowmobile? If so, you’re in the right place. January 20th, 2024 marks the first day of five this winter of vintage snowmobile racing hosted by Xtreme Mountain Racing.
Vintage Snowmobile Racing Schedule
This year, Xtreme Mountain Racing has opened up five dates of racing in North Park. Mark your calendar for racing and check with the XMR Facebook page and website to stay posted. Weather conditions aren’t always predictable, and ice conditions may change throughout the season.
- January 20th
- February 2nd
- February 17th
- March 3rd
- March 16th*
*The March 16th event will be a special St. Patrick’s Day event with costumes and St. Paddy’s themes. It also marks the close of the season for ice racing until next year.
What is XMR?
Xtreme Mountain Racing is a group of snowmobile enthusiasts who have been getting together for years. Their passion is speed, but also getting the most out of their vintage two-stroke snowmobiles. The teams at XMR don’t race for high dollar cash prizes or sponsorships. They are men and women who bring their families along, racing for the love of the sport and the prestige of facing off against other riders on the track.
Riders come from all over the Rocky Mountains, as far away as Gillette and Sheridan, Wyoming, and semi-locals from Laramie, WY, Loveland, CO, and even North Park. Racers have to become members of XMR to participate, and in order to race, they must be vetted first. Members pay a fee to get on the ice, which goes towards lease agreements to use the ice, insurance for the event, and of course prizes.
After having loads of fun, the main goal of Xtreme Mountain Racing is making sure all the racers make it home safe after the event.
What is Vintage Snowmobile Racing?
Think classic car racing with less attention to curb appeal and more focus on getting as much horsepower as possible out of a classic design. Many of these sleds are what you might have seen growing up. From two track Ski-doos to Arctic Cats and many others.
XMR runs in three main catagories of vintage snowmobile racing: stock, superstock, and super modified. Each is broken down by engine displacement: 330cc, 440, 500, and 600. The 500 super modified run the fastest on the 3/8 mile track, pushing 80mph plus on the straights and dropping down to 40mph on the turns.
XMR races abides by ISR rules for track size, safety, and qualfications. With up to eight racers per preliminary moto, two motos and one main event, you can expect to fill an entire day with racing on Walden Reservoir. 50-60 racers are expected to face off in 23 classes.
There’s more than just snowmobiles racing on the ice at Walden Reservoir too. Other racing classes include side-by-sides, turbo and non-turbo sleds, ice bikes, quads, and more! Races run with stock tires as well as spikes, so there’s never a dull moment on the ice.
Fortune and Glory of Vintage Racing
Maybe not so much fortune than glory. Racers fight it out with a points chase. The winner of the main event takes home a $400 first place per class. A huge trophy is awarded to the racer who wins the most classes and points overall--the Ironman!
Hoodies, hockey jerseys, banners, photo packages, coffee mugs, and other gear are up for grabs for other racers placing in their class. The true prize is having the honor and prestige of racing these snowmachines against such talented riders.
Where Can I Watch Vintange Snowmobile Racing in Walden, CO?
The 3/8 mile oval track is plowed right on the ice at Walden Reservoir, just a mile west of Walden, CO. A safety berm is piled up where spectators can park drive-in movie style to watch from the warmth of their vehicles. Show up early for a good spot, since over 200 spectators, from locals to racers' families are all in attendance. Everyone will be there to show support for their favorite racers and old school sleds!
Book your accommodations early and plan ahead for meals, since most hotels and restaurants in Walden, CO and North Park fill up quickly on race weekends. Winter driving condtions might exist and visitors should always be prepared for cold temperatures and mountain driving.
Where Can I Stay in North Park to See Vintage Snowmobile Racing?
Every weekend XMR runs their vintage snowmobile races, nearly everywhere in Walden, CO is booked solid. Plan ahead and book your lodging in a hotel, VRBO, or AirBnB vacation rental property in Walden, CO. Choose from a wide selection of vacation rentals, ranging from quaint to unique, for anything from single occupancy to large groups of visitors.
Reserve your rooms for seasonal events early as rooms tend to fill up quickly. Nearly everything is within walking distance of lodging in Walden, but if you don’t want to brave the weather, there are plenty of places to park—for free!
Here are the best hotels in Walden, CO and places to stay in North Park:
For More Information About Vintage Snowmobile Racing
Check out the XMR Facebook page and their website at www.xmr-racing.com for more information about this event and many others. Updates to the North Park calendar of events will also provide any details about possible event changes and other exciting reasons to visit North Park this winter! Xtreme Mountain Racing is ready to crack the ice at the Walden Reservoir this season, and North Park is looking forward to your next visit!
