The snow kept falling Saturday, but that didn’t stop snowmobile racers or the crowds gathered to watch them as part of the 3rd annual SnowBowl.
X Racing SnoCross racers kept their sleds airborne and people entertained at a track built outside the Aroostook Centre Mall in Presque Isle.
Jim Gamage and Troy Haney, owners of Spud Speedway in Caribou, launched the first SnowBowl in 2023. More than 8,000 locals and visitors turned out for snowmobile riding, racing and family fun. Now in its third year, the SnowBowl has grown into a week of activities for all ages to celebrate winter in Aroostook County.
Thanks to an emergency situation last year — lack of snow at the speedway track — races were moved to Presque Isle. When organizers made plans for this year, they decided to keep racing at the mall. Spectators and racers liked the surroundings, and it allows more parking and an indoor setup for vendors.
As far as organizers know, the SnowBowl races are the only SnoCross event in Maine this year, Haney said. The races were sponsored by X Racing with XGames organizer Joe Duncan of Minnesota.
Saturday’s professional racing drew competitors from throughout New England, New York and Canada. March 2 was Sunday Funday by X Racing, during which all ages had a chance to try out the track. Dangerous elements like jumps were removed for safety.
SnowBowl events kicked off Feb. 23 with Brian’s Ride, a 75-mile snowmobile journey that included a visit to the former Loring Air Force Base. Proceeds went to the Brian’s Ride Cancer Fund, which has raised more than $250,000 and helped hundreds of local people battling cancer, according to Spud Speedway’s social media page.
The weeklong event featured activities at multiple venues. BigRock Mountain in Mars Hill hosted discounted skiing and a “race the Rock” hill climb on Feb. 26. Magician Kent Axell performed Thursday at the Caribou Performing Arts Center.
At Spud Speedway on Friday, there were demonstration rides, a groomer rodeo and a bonfire, food trucks and music. Visitors also enjoyed the first-of-its-kind Northern Lights colored light display on the grounds.
Other March 1 events in Presque Isle included a vendor display inside the mall and vintage snowsled racing. A block party and concert with AC/DC tribute band AD/HD were moved from the originally planned Main Street location to the mall because of the snowy weather. The night was capped off with a RaveX freestyle stunt snowmobile show.
Laurie LaFleur, co-owner of the Best Western in Caribou, said she, her husband Scott and staff look forward to SnowBowl and winter vacation every year. Their guests included snowmobilers who have stayed at the hotel for years.
“It is and always has been the busiest winter week at our hotel,” she said. “We are so fortunate to have amazing trails in Aroostook County, especially in Caribou, right off our backyard.”
For complete racing results, visit Spud Speedway’s Facebook page.
