Historic Derby continues with 62nd event this week

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.
What a show thousands of fans will see this weekend, kicked off by the always-popular Friday Night Thunder show and its 32-race schedule under the lights — including the Sweet Sixteen pole position race.
Come and see the best racers on the globe compete for a top 10 ring and the World Championship of oval racing. Good luck, racers!

Behind the editorial ‘we’
Members of the Vilas County News-Review editorial board include News Editor
Josephine Hinderman, Assistant Editor
Audrey Lehman and Sports Editor Jacob Heid.