East Branch SnoRovers Host Ice Drag Racing

MEDWAY — Snow and ice were flying this weekend, and so were the snowmobiles, as Medway’s East Branch SnowRovers hosted the 2013 Northeast Winternationals ice drag racing competition. Over 60 sleds representing various classes hit the ice track to compete, and hundreds of spectators braved the cold to watch them scream down the track.

Now in its third year, the competition drew racers from far and wide who wanted to push their machines to the limit. Among those participants was Mike Bailey of Saginaw, MI. Known as the “King of Pro Stocks”, Baily and his Wiseguy Racing team hold a world record in the Pro Stock 1000 class. He and his #92 Silver Bullet sled made the 18 hour drive to Medway, and took home 1st in his class with a 5.285/120.71mph run.

The competition was not without technical challenges, though. The club had both their Zamboni’s break just before the event, and the scales malfunctioned on the first day of racing. But the track crew put in the extra effort necessary to keep the races rolling, and all reports were of a successful weekend. But the SnoRovers aren’t resting on their laurels – they are hosting the Maine State Championship Snowmobile Ice Drag Race on Feb. 18-19. For more information on those races, check out their website at www.eastbranchsnorovers.com.

Our photographer was there for the first day of racing. Below is a gallery of images from the qualifiers: