How old does my child need to be to race?
Boys and girls between the age of 4 and 14 can race.
Can my child try racing before committing?
We welcome guests and encourage those considering racing to join us for a race day. We have race snowmobiles available to try. Your child can enter at least one race class and join the fun. This is a great way to see what Kids Pro Ice is about before setting up your own snowmobile for racing
How do I become a Kids Pro Ice member?
Annual membership is not required to race with Kids Pro Ice, however members receive reduced class fees along with participating in season points contests and inclusion in the end of year banquet. The annual membership pays for itself very quickly with class fees alone.
What does it cost to race?
Memberships cost are a $100 per racer. A racing bib is required and costs $10.00. Kids Pro Ice is a non-profit organization run by volunteers. All members are required to contribute, volunteer time during the race day and the off-season. We could not affordably exist without everyone ‘chipping in’. Race fees are $15 per class. Two day races are $20 per class. Non-members are required to purchase a weekend membership fee for $15.
How much are race entry fees?
Race fees are $15 per class. Two day races have a class fee of $20. Non-members are required to purchase a weekend membership for $15.
Is youth snowmobile racing dangerous?
In our approximately 21 years of racing, no child has had an injury or required any kind of medical treatment. All our racers go through an ‘Amateur’ program in their first year. Children are taught how to race safely. Rough driving is not tolerated. Our race tracks are built small to keep speeds safe. Adults are stationed around the track to provide immediate assistance if needed. Non-racers are kept at a safe distance from the track. We are very proud of our safe history. Safety is Number One!
What equipment does my child need?
All racers are required to have an approved full-face helmet, Tek-Vest, boots and shin guards. Other safety equipment is available and we encourage considering all options.
What kind of snowmobiles can be entered to race?
There are two main ‘lines’ of snowmobile classes. One is based on Arctic Cat Kitty Cats. The other is for Polaris, Arctic Cat, Yamaha and Ski Doo 120cc youth snowmobiles. We also have a Junior Novice class in which specific full-size 380cc snowmobiles are used.
How do I prepare a youth snowmobile for racing?
Even in the Stock classes there are steps to take to set up a snowmobile for safe racing. A tunnel guard is required, which can be easily made or purchased. Front bumpers must be padded. Carbide ski runners and track studs are necessary for traction and safety. Our members are very helpful with new racers.
Are there businesses that can help me prepare a race snowmobile?
Yes. Some are listed under our sponsor list. Please contact us for referrals.
What are the rules?
Kids Pro Ice runs races under the ISR rulebook. We do not have any other ‘club’ rules. Follow the “Race Rules” tab for a link to the ISR website.
What are the race classes?
We have 14 race classes. The ISR rule book defines each class:
KITTY CAT CLASSES:
- Vintage Kitty Cat
- Amateur Stock Kitty Cat
- Stock Kitty Cat
- Improved Stock Kitty
- Formula 1
120 CLASSES:
- Amateur Stock 120
- Stock 120
- Super Stock 120
- Improved Stock 120
- Pro Stock 120
- Briggs Semi-Pro 206
- Briggs Pro 206
- Champ 120
JUNIOR CLASSES:
- Junior Novice
When are the races held?
Races are normally held on Saturdays beginning in late December or early January, and go through early March. A few races are two days, held on a Saturday and Sunday.
Where are races held?
We race at many locations throughout the season. Most of the races are within two hours driving of Minneapolis.
Are racers given trophies?
In a word, yes. BIG trophies. All participants will earn at least one trophy.
What is the configuration of the race track?
The ISR rulebook defines the oval track. All Kitty Cat classes run the oval. We also have a le mans track which may be used by all the 120cc classes except Amateur. Junior Novice runs on a slightly elongated oval.
What is the race day schedule?
Most families arrive at the race track between 7:00 and 8:00am. Racers, parents and all quests are required to check in at the registration trailer, pay fees and sign waivers. Practice, or ‘hot laps’, start around 8:30am. A mandatory drivers and parents meeting is conducted around 9:30. We are normally racing by 10:00am and conclude racing around 5:00pm. There is a 30 minute break for lunch. After racing has finished, the track is dismantled and cleaned. We then go to the site of the awards banquet for meals, trophies and fun.
What is the race format?
For each class every driver will run three qualifying races in a round-robin format. Heats and rounds are posted on a large board near the start line. Finish position is fed into a computer which calculates rankings. The top six qualifiers proceed to the final. Some classes have a consolation.