Cold Smoke promises hot action
This year’s Cold Smoke drags are set to be the best in the region, according to the Burns Lake Snowmobile Club’s organizers.
As well as the thrill of the high-speed races the club, along with a number of co-sponsors, have added a feature attraction to delight audience members this year.
“The Octane Addictions freestyle aerial stunt show will be amazing us with their aerial snowmobile stunts with one-hour shows scheduled on both days of the races,” said Krys Mouw of the club.
Octane Addictions is based out of Billings, Montana and have performed all over Canada and the U.S.
“The riders featured are X-Game’s rider Dane Ferguson from Anchorage, Alaska and Kourtney and Whitney Hungerford from West Yellowstone, Montana. All of these riders have performed wild and amazing stunts and it will be very exciting to see them perform in Burns Lake,” Mouw added.
The Cold Smoke snowmobile drag races are set to be held over the weekend of Feb. 19 and 20 at the Burns Lake race site located 5.5 km up Babine Road.
The races, now in their sixth year, are open to everyone.
Mouw, the club’s secretary, said that the club encourages anyone with a snowmobile to come out and compete.
Last year the club installed Race America drag lights which have speed sensors as well as reaction time sensors.
“The lights worked really well and made a huge difference to the efficiency of the races. The event went very smoothly last year,” she said.
“This is going to be an action-packed weekend for all ages to enjoy. Spectators should come out and cheer on the competitors who range from the mini Z kids right up to the king class. We will also have an indoor concession provided by the Burns Lake Rotary Club, 50/50 draws and Octane Addictions will also be doing some free items to give away along with meeting the audience on both days,” she said.
In the past competitors have come from across B.C. to compete in the event.
Club member Lana Miller said competitors have registered for the event from as far away as Salmon Arm in the past.
Last year’s first-place open winner, Scott Sumners, hails from Prince George.
Best reaction time winners were Nolan Miller, Tony Strimbold and Jason Benson from Burns Lake as well as Kyle Micky from Salmon Arm, Doug McKee Jr. from Fort Nelson and Doug McKee Sr. from Logan Lake.
Eddie Ray from Vanderhoof took out first place in the 900 stock event while Mike Valliencourt from Smithers won first place in the 900 mod event.
Matt Verhelst from Telkwa placed second in the juniors 700 stock.
Mouw said, “Dino Wiebe from Burns Lake is the one to watch out for this year in the juniors. He won two classes last year, the 600 stock liquid and the 700 stock.”
There will be a pre-race registration and social event, as well as a meet and greet with the Octane Addictions riders on Feb. 18 at the Burns Lake and District Chamber of Commerce from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and race registration will also be held on Feb. 19 between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. at the race site.
“The races start at 10 a.m. on both days,” Mouw said.
Octane Addictions will be performing at the Cold Smoke races daily from 1 p.m. If riders want to register prior to Feb. 18, contact Pattie Corfe at andypat@telus.net.
“This is a two-day event and riders should be aware that they may be required to race on both days to complete their event class,” Mouw added.
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