Goodridge-Grygla 500 USXC Snowmobile Race comes to town next month

The weekend of February 7th -9th will be a busy and action-packed weekend that many have, once again, 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 8-9, 2020. 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, all skill levels and over 50 entries so far, all USXC classes will run plus new additional classes for the first time racer. There will be many more entries to come as racers have until the night before to sign up. New this year is the 286 Snow Series, which is a kids snow cross for ages 4-17 on 120’s up to 200 cc sleds. For more information or to enter, please call Chad Blessum at 701-278-0072. There will also be a Vintage Snowmobile Show on Saturday. Please call Wyatt Anderson at 218-689-4788.

USXC now has the detailed map for the routes of the race. Pictured is the Saturday (Day 1) loop, which 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 being planned by local sportsman’s clubs, including an autograph session with the racers on Friday, February 7th, at the Goodridge Lion’s Hall from 5-7pm.

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 Lion’s Hall on Friday, February 7th, from 3-7pm with the autograph session being held from 5-7pm. 

Saturday’s race begins at 9am in Goodridge. Food will be available each day by Goodridge High School groups as a fundraising activity. After the race is completed, there will be a band Saturday night at the Goodridge Municipal Liquor Store. 

Sunday’s race also begins at 9am in Goodridge. There will be an awards ceremony at the end of the day at the Goodridge Lion’s Hall. All are welcome to attend. 

Event Sponsors

Checkered Flag Sponsors ($1000 or more)

K-Star Ag Services

Farmers Co-op Grain and Seed, TRF

Steve Olson Construction 

American State Bank of Grygla

True North Equipment

Dairyland Seed/Lunke Farms

Holthusen Construction

Goodridge Area Development

TEAM Industries, Bagley

Goodridge Lion Tamers

Goodridge Lion’s Club

White Flag Sponsors ($500-$999)  

RV Sports TRF

Yohawn’s Bar & Grill

Machinewell, Inc. 

Goodridge Liquor Store

Grygla/Gatzke JCC’s

Carver Performance

Potucek Farms in Warren

Grygla Lion’s Club

Green Flag Sponsors ($150-499) 

Jay Swanson Agency, TRF

Bemidji Sports Center

Diamond’s in Grygla

Northern Ag in Goodridge

Premier Ag 

Spotters and other volunteers for this big event are still needed. Please contact Nicole Kiesow at 218-686-7642 if you are willing to help. 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 the weekend of the event.

Register online at www.usxcracing.com. Contact Kyrsten Zimpel at 218-779-5268 or kyrsten@usxcracing.com