Snowmobilers revel in challenge of race on local ski slope

Snowmobilers revel in challenge of race on local ski slope

MORRIS -- Sleek machines exceeding speeds of 90 mph get the adrenaline revving for most motorsports enthusiasts. Add the challenge of making those machines fly over snow and you draw hundreds of competitors to one of the largest snowmobile racing events in Pennsylvania -- the King of the Mountain Hill Climb at Ski Sawmill Family Resort. The 12th annual race will be held Saturday.

One of the race's regular competitors, 44-year-old Scott Britton, is planning to leave his opponents in hot pursuit with his various Arctic Cat and Polaris machines.

Britton, who has participated in the King of the Mountain event since its inception, has won several times and is looking forward to a recap this year.

"Drag racing a snowmobile is exhilarating and gives me a real rush," said the Williamsport native who admits he's a die-hard for two-stroke engines.

Although he's tried other motorsports, he found his snowmobile hobby soon turned into an addiction and has been racing the sleds for 16 years.

"Snowmobile racing is my getaway from the everyday grind of daily life and work," he said. "But it's been a real family sport too. My 70-year-old father has long been involved and my 11-year-old son is now too."

Britton, who is among those with the most wins at the event alongside his father, began snowmobiling for recreation, but the lure of competition got him learning the hard way, through trial and error, to win. His love for the sport prompted him to coax several of his friends into the sport and they, too, soon became addicted.

He and a few of them now compete professionally as SledTek Racing with sponsors HMK and Woody's. He also still races with his father on their team, Britton Competition. He and his teammates take pride in time tuning, clutching, gearing and setting up the suspensions for snow and track conditions.

Although he travels to a number of large, sanctioned races throughout the December-to-March season, Britton still considers the King of the Mountain event as one of his favorites.

"It's by far one of the best races that we attend anywhere. It's a blast. The group who organizes the event truly love the sport and created it for the average trail rider to come out and have a lot of fun. We enjoy catching up with people who have participated in the past and meeting new competitors."

The event is enjoyable for the beginner and professional alike, and experienced riders readily share what they've learned over the years with beginners.

"I appreciate the time and efforts of the volunteers of the club, without which this event would not be possible. So many people benefit from it," Britton said. He also acknowledged his appreciation for Ski Sawmill, as many ski resorts are not willing to open their slopes for snowmobile races.

More than 300 competitors are expected for the event hosted by the Central Pennsylvania Sleds and Treads snowmobile club of Hughesville. The double elimination format of the race means everyone competes in at least two races, side by side up the 700-foot main ski slope.

Registration is from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on race day. Entry fees are $30 per race class, and the following classes are planned:

• Youth Trophy class for ages 12-15: 500cc and under liquid, and 600cc and under fan only. Competitors must be accompanied by an adult and a birth certificate is required.

• Stock classes for ages 16 and up: trophy class for stock 500cc and under, and money classes for 600cc and under, 700cc and under, and 1000cc and under.

• Trail Improved classes for ages 18 and up: 700cc and under, and 800cc and under are for aftermarket pipes; limited to 94 octane pump gas; and trail studs only (600cc improved runs with 700cc stock class).

• Modified Classes for ages 18 and up: 600cc and under, and 800cc and under are for lightweight parts; race fuel; and chisels (1000cc improved runs with 800cc modified).

• Pro Modified Class for ages 18 and up: two-stroke, all motor modifications and improved turbo four-strokes.

• Outlaw Class: Racer must be 18 years of age and up -- anything goes.

See the Sleds and Treads website at www.sledsandtreads.com for additional details about requirements, classes, rules and a waiver that must be signed by participants ages 12-17.

"We now have classes for everyone, including an intermediate class competition, and we've increased the payout this year," said Robert Rabb, one of the event's organizers. "Competitors come from all over the northeast and as far away as Ontario and Michigan to enjoy the camaraderie and competition. It's a real family-oriented event."

The race, which is not a sanctioned event, is organized and operated by club volunteers and sponsored by local dealers and businesses. About 1,000 spectators are expected to cheer for their favorite competitor. Spectator fees, paid in the parking area, are $5 per person. Children under 12 are free.

Ski Sawmill will make sure the slopes have plenty of snow and are offering family discounts for skiing, tubing and snowboarding, as well as spectator chairlift rides, good food and lodging.