World Snowmobile Association to hold
Regional Snocross event at Berlin Raceway

MARNE, MI - Berlin Raceway will be transformed from its summertime use as an asphalt stock car track into a snow-packed, high-banked, hilly snowmobile course on February 20 and 21, 2004. The World Snowmobile Association, considered the worldwide leader in snowmobile racing, will make its first-ever appearance at Berlin Raceway for the Nelson's Speedshop Snocross.

The event is part of the WSA Woody's Michigan Regional Circuit and offers 28 classes of competition relating to the age of the racer (as young as 4 years old), the competitive level of the driver (from beginners to pros) and the type of snowmobile being raced. More than 650 entries are expected for the two-day event. Local snowmobile enthusiasts are welcome to enter the competition, which also serves as a qualifier for a national event called Arctic Cat Snocross at the Speedway, to be held the following weekend at Michigan International Speedway.
 
Snocross is today's most popular form of snowmobile racing with its high-flying aeriel displays and short track, which makes it both spectator and television friendly. A Snocross track features tight turns, banked corners and a variety of bumps allowing racers to catch "big air" in full view of spectators. The course at Berlin Raceway will be located on the half mile oval racetrack and will consist of a 5-foot base of snow approximately 50 feet wide.

In addition to the snowmobile competition, spectators can visit the WSA souvenir trailer, vendor booths, a warming tent and concessions stands that will offer hot food and beverages.

Spectator tickets are $15 per day for adults and $7.50 for children ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and under are free. A two-day pass is $25 for adults. Parking is $2. Groups of 20 or more may purchase tickets at the discounted rate of $12 per day or $22 for a two-day pass. Tickets go on sale soon at the Berlin Raceway administrative office and will be available at the door.

The Nelson's Speedshop Snocross competition will be held from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, February 20 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21.

Scott O'Malley, CEO of WSA, said that the recent merge of WSA and ASRA (American Snowcross Racing Association) sets up a very exciting, competitive field for this event.

"Fans can look forward to seeing all of the best snowmobile racers in the state compete at this event, thanks to the merger," O'Malley said. "I think this is going to be an awesome event, and I'm especially looking forward to racing at night under the lights. It's great to bring our growing sport to the premier auto racing facility in the Midwest. Hopefully we can become a part of the rich racing tradition at Berlin Raceway."

In order to compete in the Nelson's Speedshop Snocross, racers must become a member of the WSA by visiting www.wsaracing.com (select "Racer Forms" then select "Weekend Membership Form"). Download the form and fax or mail to WSA, 1863 Buerkle Road, White Bear Lake, MN 55110, fax (651) 209-7447. The fee for one weekend of racing is $40 and the deadline for registration is Tuesday, February 17.

The WSA is a governing body that organizes, promotes, and regulates a variety of snowmobile competitions, including the popular Snocross series as well as the emerging Hillcross® series, Watercross, the Extreme Ice series, and the Terrain-X (cross country) circuit. The WSA was created to help racers, manufacturers, and sponsors benefit from the rapidly expanding sport of professional snowmobile racing. There are 3 levels of competition, which include National, Regional and District. WSA and its 14 sanctioned affiliates hold races across the world stretching from California to Maine, Alaska to Iceland. The Berlin Raceway event is part of the Woody's WSA Michigan Regional.