Goodridge-Grygla 500 USXC Snowmobile Race comes to town this weekend

This weekend will be a busy and action-packed weekend that many have been busy planning and gearing up for and YOU can be a part of it all! The United States X-Country (USXC) Snowmobile Racing presents the Goodridge-Grygla 500 taking place February 9-10, 2019. With 500 miles of ditch, river, woods and cross-country, the winner will be named the best cross-country racer in the world, and it’s all happening right here!

With 17 specific classes, multiple age groups and all skill levels, all USXC classes will run plus new additional classes for the first time racer. 

The Saturday (Day 1) loop is a 125 miles that the racers will do twice; a fuel stop will be east of the Smiley Bridge this day. The Sunday (Day 2) loop is also 125 miles that will be completed twice and runs north to Grygla with a fuel stop at Grande Corner; this stop also provides a lot of space for spectators!

There are lots of activities that have been planned by local sportsman’s clubs, including an autograph session with the racers on Friday, February 8th, at the Goodridge Municipal Liquor Store from 6-7pm.

Nicole Kiesow, coordinator of the big event, said there will be open pits so folks can see the racers work and check out their impressive trailers. The pits are located south of the old DW’s in the field, which is also where the start and finish line will be.

Race Check-in will be at the Goodridge Liquor Store (218-378-4113) on Friday, February 8th, from 3-7pm with the autograph session being held from 6-7pm. Racers on site will include local Junior Class racers: Cooper Kangas, Hunter Kiesow, Taylor Netland, Derek Kloety and Abe Olson. Pro racers will include Chad Lian, Wes Selby and Dalton Fredrickson.

Saturday’s race begins at 9am in Goodridge. The GHS Close-Up students will be serving breakfast and lunch at the Goodridge Lion’s Hall all day. (This is a fundraiser for their trip to Washington, D.C., in April.) After the race is completed, Eagle Creek will be playing Saturday night at the Goodridge Municipal Liquor Store beginning at 9pm.

Sunday’s race also begins at 9am in Goodridge. GHS Close-Up will be serving food again this day and there will be an awards ceremony at the end of the day at the Goodridge Lion’s Hall. All are welcome to attend; the Goodridge Municipal Liquor Store will be open this day, as well. 

Many volunteers are lined up for the big event this weekend. There will be a volunteer trailer at the start/finish line for anyone who has questions during the race. Volunteer duties include, but are not limited to, spotting on the track, monitoring fuel stops, helping at the starting/finish line, and marking/sweeping the trails for the safety of the riders. The Goodridge and Grygla Fire Departments will also be assisting at the fuel stops for the safety of the racers, along with local EMT’s and First Responders there for any medical emergencies should one arise. 

The Goodridge-Grygla 500 USXC Snowmobile Race will be broadcast live each day on KTRF for those who’d like to tune in! Clothing and hats will also be for sale this weekend. 

Whether you are a racer, a volunteer or a spectator, ENJOY THE WEEKEND!