At long last, it’s finally here. Amidst a winter of frigid temperatures — cold enough for the construction of the iconic Eagle River ice castle for the first time in years — and little snow, the 62nd running of the oldest, grandest event in snowmobile racing history, with the World Championship Snowmobile Derby returning to Eagle River with races set to run this Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 16-19.
The top racers from the U.S. and Canada will go head-to-head on the famed oval, trying to win the title of World Champion — which can only happen here. But there will also be the Outlaw 600 championship and a premier Pro Champ 440 circuit final in the Pro-Star Series during Friday Night Thunder.
The Derby Complex includes a large heated show hall, concessions, indoor spectator seating, generous parking areas, and one of the most unique, banked half-mile ovals in the country.
We refuse to take for granted an event that pumps millions of dollars into the economy and puts Eagle River on the map. History shows many of those race fans will return here to vacation, purchase property, maybe run a business, and eventually retire.
If you don’t believe that, consider the economics of this scenario: If 8,000 visitors come here because it is Derby Weekend and they spend an average of $400 per person, actual expenditures would total about $3.2 million.
Behind the editorial ‘we’
Members of the Vilas County News-Review editorial board include News Editor
Josephine Hinderman, Assistant Editor
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