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The Grand Prix de Kincardine snowmobile race, slated for Jan. 7-8, 2012, has been cancelled due to a lack of snow.

Organizers Rob and Alicia Noakes of Inverhuron made the announcement this week.

"With regret we have to cancel the first race weekend in our 2012 schedule," said Rob Noakes. "We've had little snow on the ground in Kincardine and no frost either."

He said the 14-day forecast shows no real appreciable snow events, but rather above-freezing temperatures and rain along with bits of snow.

However, the next scheduled race is Jan. 21-22 in Tiverton, and so far, Noakes said it's a go.

"We are proud to announce that the Williamson family of Tiverton, has graciously offered to be a host for the Grand Prix de Kincardine race on their family farm," he said. "The location is 182 Main Street, Tiverton. It's directly behind the Teeswater Concrete lot on the east end of Tiverton, right on Highway 21."

Ian Williamson and his wife, Kimberley Baker, and their sons, Griffin and Reese, have been a big help in promoting the snowmobile races at all the Santa Claus parades, and in the Tiverton Fall Fair parade, said Noakes. They have also spent a great deal of time, money and effort in getting things set up to accommodate the requirements of hosting a race.

"The inaugural race at their farm will be Jan. 21-22 with gates opening at 8 a.m. both days and racing starting at 11 a.m. both days," Noakes said. "We will be running the same classes as we do at Family Funland except for Class 25, the 20-Lap Enduro race. There are no lights on site, as Family Funland has, so we won't be doing the race under the lights. This race is not the Kincardine Cup race but we may try to establish a trophy for this race as well."

He said the track will be larger than the one at Family Funland, with big sweeping curves, some elevation change and some twists and turns. The track is set up in an alfalfa field which is smooth with no obstructions, but has a line of trees on the west side and up the middle that helps to keep snow in the field.

M&M Meats will provide food services for the event, said Noakes, and any profits from the food will be split and donated to Autism and Epilepsy local chapters as was done last year. Coffee Culture will be supplying coffee as well and donations will be accepted, going toward the two causes.

"We have set up with Teeswater Concrete to use available space on its front lot for spectator parking," said Noakes. "Racers will be able to proceed in the laneway and turn into the fenced-in pit area. We should be okay for room in there but the turn into it will be a challenge for any long rigs. We will deal with any exceptions on race day. We will have a gatehouse set up to make sure people get their wrist bands on the way into the event as well."

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Thursday, December 29, 2011