Near perfect weather for racing drew thousands from across the snowbelt to the twentieth annual Snow Bash grass track races and swap meet on Saturday in the town of Ohio.
Roaring past spectators that filled the stands, heats of snowmobile races of all makes, models and classes threw dust and debris into the air, as riders strived to post the fastest time.
But for many in attendance, it was more than just a day at the races.
It was a ritual they have practiced since 1992 — say good-bye to summer and rev up their snowmobile engines in anticipation of an early return of winter and the start of snowmobiling season.
“It’s an opportunity for everyone in the snowmobiling community to come together and enjoy a day or two in the town of Ohio,” said Ron Denslow, Jr. A member of the Lost Trail Snowmobile Club of Boonville, Denslow was busy selling club memberships, maps and merchandise on Saturday. “It’s a great place to walk around and talk to friends you don’t see anywhere else.”
“It’s about the camaraderie we all share,” said Keith Ackerman, of Milford. “It’s an excuse to get together with your friends to talk, check out the vendors and sell some merchandise. It’s a fun time.”
Sponsored by the Ohio Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club, with cooperation from the town of Ohio Recreation Commission and assistance from many other community organizations, Snow Bash continually attracts a spectator gate five to seven times larger than the town of Ohio’s population.
“It’s the attendance that keeps us coming back every year,” said Denslow. “With thousands coming through the gates both days, it gives our club an opportunity to reach a lot of people.”
“I go to shows in Saginaw, Mich., and Bangor, Maine, and everywhere in between, and this show, year in and year out, always has one of the best crowds,” said Ackerman, who has been a vintage snowmobile enthusiast since he first owned a Skiroule as a child. “There’s a lot to see and do here.”
While the swap meet and vintage displays attract their share of spectators, Denslow and Ackerman were in agreement that the races — which see riders competing for their share of an $18,600 bonus purse, including $1,000 for the winner of the Pro Bash Master and $500 for the Amateur Bash Master — are what draw most of the crowd to the 500-foot track at the town Ohio Recreational Park.
“Even though I’m here to sell memberships and promote our club, I’ll take a couple of peeks at the track to check out the races,” said Denslow. “They’re what bring people in every year.”
