If you’re a snowmobile enthusiast, chances are you live for the adrenaline rush that only a ride across fresh snow can provide. But what if we told you there’s another thrilling aspect of snowmobiling that you might not be familiar with? Enter the world of snowmobile grass drag racing. This high-octane sport is gaining traction across Canada, and Ontario is no exception. Let's take a closer look at what it's all about.

What is Snowmobile Drag Racing?

Grass drag racing was created to extend the snowmobiling season beyond the winter months. While traditional snowmobiling is confined to snowy terrains, grass drag racing allows enthusiasts to enjoy their passion during the warmer months. This offers a unique opportunity to keep the adrenaline pumping all year round.

Most racers we spoke to mentioned that they usually primarily race on snow, however they have begun converting a second machine specifically for grass racing. Most riders don't have a spare machine lying around, and tend to convert their machines back and forth as the seasons change. Converting can be costly, especially considering that the machines aren't designed to operate in warmer weather and converting incorrectly can result in an overheated system. It's common in the drags community to use a vintage machine for grass racing to mitigate the risks. It's viable for the everyday rider, but the conversion takes some know-how and the grass racing scene is really only active from late August up until Thanksgiving, but with progressively warmer winters, the grass drags scene is expected to begin gradually extending their season until the rainy season picks up. Definitely an expanding niche to pay attention to as snow riding becomes more challenging in southern parts of Canada.

Snowmobile drag racing is a fast-paced sport where riders compete head-to-head on a straight grass track. It’s all about speed, power, and precision as racers push their snowmobiles to the limit to cross the finish line first. The races are typically shorter than traditional snowmobile races, but what they lack in length, they make up for in sheer intensity. At local events, all ages compete for top spots and race their way up through amateur circuits to work their way into the pro series. Local races range from 250cc for the kids, all the way up to modified 850cc at the top end, and those 850 machines zip faster than most land vehicles in similar races, with the extra long studs in their tracks offering more contact with the ground than four wheels, all you need is an engine that can drive it and a body that can actually keep the machine on the ground.

Modifications for Grass Drag Racing

To compete in grass drag racing, snowmobiles require specific modifications. Here are some key changes:
Track Conversion: The snowmobile's track needs to be converted to a more aggressive, grippy surface suitable for grass or dirt.
Suspension Adjustments: The suspension must be tuned to handle the different terrain, providing stability and control at high speeds.
Engine Tweaks: Many racers opt to enhance their engines for better acceleration and power output.
These modifications ensure that the snowmobile can perform optimally on grass tracks, offering a thrilling racing experience.