Straightline Snowmobile Racing coming to French Bay

Straightline Snowmobile Racing Association (SSRA) is coming to the slick frozen surfaces of Cold Lake. Last week the snowmobile outfit was forced to make a tough decision. When snowfall wasn’t adequate in Wataskiwin the organization decided to come to French Bay for their scheduled race. Great news for fans of the sport in the Lakeland. You can catch the races, and even join in, this Saturday.

Dale Rogers, with SSRA, says it was an easy decision to pick Cold Lake as the alternate race location. “It’s easier to build a track on a lake, it’s nice flat surface, easier for spectators to get to, as well.” Spectators will be able to drive their vehicles up on the lake by the track. The organization uses a FM radio frequency to broadcast their own announcing of the races.

“Our average race is 75 sleds, that jumps up and down depending on how many locals come out,” as Rogers explains, there’s a pro circuit and amateur categories, “we have a race for pretty much anyone who wants to race. The locals to come out and have some fun.” The amateur class is open to any adults, there’s also categories for stock, mountain, junior (12-15 years old) and kids (120-200). “Don’t just come out and watch, bring your sled. We will have a class for you to race in!”

SSRA averages ten races per year, says Rogers, “all over northern Alberta & Saskatchewan,” the stop in French Bay is in the middle of their circuit. The organization has been around since the 1960’s when it went by “Saskatchewan Snowmobile Racing Association”. The club changed the name when they incorporated to “Straightline” so they were able to keep the SSRA.

The race is 500 feet with 1,000 foot shutdown. “Some of the fastest sleds in Canada will be here!” Rogers assures spectators will get a great show. They use the latest technology to call the wins, there are lasers at the finish lines, so no room for eyeball errors. “Our whole goal is to make racing fun, fast and fair.”

French Bay is located across from Kinosoo Ridge Snow Resort, you can follow the signs to the hill from Baywood Road and Highway 55, near Cherry Grove. Registration is online, racessra.com or in person from 8:00-10:00 am, with the races to follow. The awards banquet and trophy presentation will be held at Kinosoo Ridge’s chalet.