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ToggleThe Hill Drag Gaspésie event in Matane will celebrate its sixth anniversary in 2025. This event, organized by a local business, features professional-grade snowmobile races in the picturesque Bas-Saint-Laurent region. The much-anticipated event drew nearly 2,000 attendees to Matane in 2024, creating a lively atmosphere. I vividly remember the experience—a bitterly cold winter day—but the temperature didn’t deter participants and spectators from joining the festivities. When I arrived midafternoon, parking was already packed, and as I left around 11:30 PM, many people were still enjoying the drag races.
All the necessary amenities were on-site: great music, a variety of food and drinks for all tastes, and a warm place to take a break.
I assure you, the trip was well worth it.
Hill Drag Gaspésie 2025: A Tense Start but a Successful Save
This year, fans feared the 2025 edition of the event might be cancelled. On November 29, 2024, local media reported that the Hill Drag de Matane was at risk due to a management change at the usual race site. Despite a contract signed on February 24, 2024, the new administrative board at Mont-Castor ski area couldn’t renew its agreement with Jason Fillion, the Hill Drag organizer.
Since its first edition in 2019, the Hill Drag had been held on Mont-Castor’s slopes near Matane. For 2025, the ski area’s new general manager proposed changing the event date. Unfortunately, this wasn’t feasible, as the date had been set nine months earlier. “All our advertising was based on this date,” explained Jason Fillion. Furthermore, as the event is part of the Quebec Racing Federation circuit, it couldn’t overlap with another federated event.
Jason Fillion Saves the 2025 Hill Drag Gaspésie Edition
I had the chance to speak with Jason to dig deeper into the issue. It’s clear that this businessman is deeply committed to ensuring the event goes ahead in 2025 in Matane. The Hill Drag Gaspésie is now renowned throughout Quebec and parts of New Brunswick.
During our meeting in December 2024, Jason assured me the event was not cancelled. His team had been working tirelessly to find a new location to host the approximately 3,000 attendees. The organizing committee prioritized securing facilities such as electricity, a restaurant, and bar service.
Jason was thrilled to share that one of their main sponsors stepped in to secure the event site for 2025. Cindy Lévesque, owner of the Saint-Hubert Express and Harvey’s restaurants in Matane, will host the event in the western part of the city, above the Camping de la Baleine. Jason chose December 31, 2024, to announce this exciting news on social media. The entire team eagerly awaits you on Saturday, February 22, 2025, for an unforgettable day!
Local Support Fuels the Hill Drag’s Success in Matane
Jason emphasized that the repeated success of this event is due to the dedication of his team and the generous contributions of sponsors. Like Jason, these supporters are committed to Matane’s economic development. And let’s not forget the invaluable volunteers who ensure the event runs smoothly. Last year, over 30 volunteers came together to create a memorable day for visitors and racers alike.
The event’s official sponsor is La Boutique de la Moto, a Polaris and Yamaha dealership in Matane. Jason’s team also relies on sponsors like Saint-Hubert Express/Harvey’s of Matane, Chef Fred Poutinerie, and many more. Nearly 65 local businesses support this annual event.
Hill Drag Gaspésie: Plans for Regional Expansion
During the 2024 Hill Drag edition, there was minimal snow on the ground. As a result, the Hill Drag races were transformed into snowmobile acceleration races. Since Mont-Castor’s slopes didn’t have enough snow, the organizers adapted by holding flat-track drag races in three corridors.
Jason noticed an increase in registrations, possibly because more participants are involved in flat-track acceleration races than mountain drags. Consequently, the 2025 Hill Drag will feature acceleration races on a flat track.
Jason also mentioned that his company is called “Les Événements Hill Drag Gaspésie,” reflecting his goal to organize additional snowmobile events in the region. He’s already been approached by other ski areas, such as Val d’Irène and Cap-Chat, to host events in 2026. One thing is certain—I’ll be keeping a close eye on announcements of similar events in the area.
Best of luck to Jason and the entire Hill Drag Gaspésie team for their future endeavours!
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