Endurance racing meets friendly competition
Motocross and ice racing fans will flock to Grande Prairie and Clairmont this spring
Endurance ice racers show incredible stamina on the track. — Photo courtesy of Grande Prairie Motocross Association
March is going to be an exciting month for both the Peace Motocross Association and the Grande Prairie Motocross Association. Two highly anticipated events will be taking the Peace Country by storm and no motocross enthusiast can afford to miss either of them. The first event, taking place on March 1, is the Studs on Ice six-hour motorcycle endurance race. Held on Clairmont Lake, this gruelling race is Round 6 in the Alberta Endurance Ice Racing Association’s Endurance Ice Racing Series. “It’s the first for us in Grande Prairie for quite a while,” said Jarrett King, director of the Grande Prairie Motocross Association. “We’re going to have a big, huge road course out at the lake; expect to see a whole bunch of studded motorcycles burning around. We’ll have concession stands and they’ll be offering rides in the plow truck for anyone interested in actually doing a round on the track. It’s going to be running in conjunction with…the Murray Sutherland Pond Hockey Tournament that weekend, so there will be skating facilities and a hockey rink as well.” The local club members have been racing on ice for a few years, but it was recently suggested that they hold a public event in the area, and Studs on Ice was the result. “The county has been extremely accommodating,” said King. “It is something that is going to be really good for Clairmont. At the end of the day, it is going to bring a lot of money and exposure to the area.” There is a certain appeal to endurance ice racing that is not found in many other motorsports. Aside from requiring extreme physical stamina, the racers need to have a level of thrill-seeking and a passion for the sport. “The outdoor ice racing is a type of motorcycle racing with a very specific thrill; it’s almost more akin to motorcycle street bike racing,” said King. “Bikes weren’t designed or intended to race on ice, so with the amount of traction that we get, a lot of the pros can go through a corner with their handlebars and pegs dragging on the ground. The real attraction is the strategy that comes into play. You’ve got teams of three to four riders in a six-hour event, so nearing the end of the event the top three or four guys are still on the same lap—and what it comes down to is gas mileage, mechanical issues (or) sometimes a guy will crash late in the race because he’s tired. It all comes down to a really well-laid-out strategy similar to something like Nascar, where if you come in the pit at a certain point in time and something happens, it can completely change the scope of the race. There is a little bit of luck involved and that’s part of the attraction.” h3. Indoor entertainment The second event taking place is the indoor X-treme ice racing on March 13 and 14 at Rock Valley Raceway in Grande Prairie. This event is less competitive than the outdoor endurance ice racing, but it promises the audience an entertaining and memorable show. “As far as the indoor race goes, that event is promoted by a company out of the States, and they’re running the alcohol-powered speedway bikes—the oval style,” said King. “We threw the idea at them of bringing in a pit bike class. Amateurs in the quad class can enter. This is a different series than what we had the last couple of years…and obviously, when they caught wind of the fact that we’d done it before, they were more than willing to provide a place for us to go out and put on a show. For the four-wheelers, they offer amateurs the opportunity to run with the pros…They were telling me last week that one of their amateurs…in the States…actually took home the main event. He had sand tires on his front end—real tall, narrow ones—and they (told him) ‘those won’t work,’ (but) he ended up just smoking everybody.” The main focus of X-treme ice racing is going to be high-energy fun. While it will not be quite as serious as the endurance racing, it will still capture the free spirit of motocross and can be enjoyed by the entire family. “(With) the pit bikes, it’s strictly to have a good time with your buddies,” said King. “We make a sport of running each other over; elaborate takeout moves are encouraged and it’s the only form of motorsport where that type of thing goes down, other than a demo derby. The last two years in Grande Prairie, I wouldn’t be surprised if people told you that we were the stars of the show, just because it was so entertaining. We don’t actually encourage blatant takeout moves—but at the end of the day on a mini-bike with 10 horsepower and that little of traction on the ice, you have a good time.” The Grande Prairie Motocross Association is the local club involved, and the Peace Motocross Association (PMA) is responsible for sanctioning races throughout the Peace Country. The PMA is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and is proud of its longstanding reputation within the motorsports community of having safe racing and dedicated members.
Alberta key contacts
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Outlaw Eagle 2011 World Jet Boat Marathon
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Alberta BeachGet out and ride!
Ecko Marine Ltd. carries top brands like Can-Am, Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo and Evinrude at great prices. We proudly serve Edmonton, Calgary and other Alberta locations, where we specialize in ATVs, snowmobiles, PWCs and boats, and stock thousands of other accessories, parts and clothing items. Offering both new and pre-owned machines, and giving you the most friendly and efficient service, we are confident that you will be one of our many satisfied customers. Check out our extensive online inventory, and make plans to stop in and see us anytime!
Ecko Marinewww.eckomarine.com 
Grande Prairie, ABWe are your four-season destination!
Stanford Hotels & Resorts are the ideal accommodations for riders! Take advantage of our $89.00 ride rate. The Grande Prairie location offers ground floor rooms, meaning you are never far from your pride and joy. As well, the inner courtyard parking lot gives you peace of mind during your stay. Choose Stanford Hotel Grande Prairie if you are looking for that home away from home feel and great service! We are your four-season destination, so check out our summer rates for motorcyclists, which includes a complimentary bike wash.
*Taxes and applicable fees will be added to this rate.Stanford Inn - Grande Prairiewww.grandeprairiestanfordhotel.com
Calgary, ABImproving your safety with Smart-Antenna technology
At Ortovox we consider safety our number one priority. We are known globally for high-quality mountain sports products for summer and winter, which meet the highest standards of quality, functionality and design and allow a safe mountain adventure. We offer top-of-the-line products, such as the new S1+ avalanche transceiver, which combines two unique transceiver innovations, and the 3+ transceiver, a three-antenna device with a special extra function to first enhance your own safety. The intelligent position recognition system analyzes the position of the antennas and automatically switches to the optimal transmitting antenna. There is no longer any such thing as the 'worst position.'
Ortovox Canada Ltd.www.ortovox.com
AlbertaDiesel performance is our passion.
At North American Diesel Performance, we carry aftermarket parts for all major manufacturers of diesel trucks such as Dodge, Ford, GMC, Chevrolet and even for your car or RV. We are your one-stop shop for the latest technology from the best brands in the industry. We stock par ts from ATS Diesel Performance, Magnaflo Performance Exhaust, DIESEL POWER®, PPE, Howes, Dr. Performance, Amsoil and much much more! There are endless possibilities and customizable packages for every type of driver. We test each product in our own diesel trucks before we make them available to you, and we are the leaders in our industry because diesel performance is our passion.
North American Diesel Performancewww.nadp.ca
Drayton Valley, ABFirst Choice Recreation: Your BRP dealer for sales and service
First Choice Recreation is your BRP dealer for all sales and warranty on Can-Am and Ski-Doo products. We work on all makes and models of ATVs, SSVs and snowmobiles, with special attention to customer service and quality new and used inventory. We stock bike chains, filters, oil, brakes, spark plugs and more. We also have a large selection of quad and snowmobile belts, tires and rims, helmets, gloves, goggles, footwear, clothing and accessories to suit every rider.
First Choice Recreation LTD.www.firstchoicerecreation.com-
Camrose, AlbertaWe service what we sell
Welcome to Camrose Arctic Cat, where the variety of powersports products is second to none. Whether you're waist-deep in snow or just itching to get to the track, we're here to help. We're happy to help you find either the perfect recreational vehicle or the parts you've been looking for. Check out our products page to see what we have; and if you need help in making your selection, call or stop in—we're always ready to help! At Camrose Arctic Cat in Camrose, Alberta, you'll find ATVs, Snowmobiles, utility vehicles and other powersports gear from industry leaders like Arctic Cat.
Camrose Arctic Catwww.camrosearcticcat.com 
Edmonton, ABWe've got your sport covered
Martin Motor Sports is proud to be your first stop for all your recreation needs. As the exclusive MasterCraft dealer in Alberta and Saskatchewan, we are committed to providing you with high quality products and unparalleled customer service. We've got your weekends covered with full parts, service, finance and accessories departments, along with a very knowledgeable and experienced staff. Whether it's spring, summer, winter or fall we've got the right product for you! We carry Can-Am ATVs and Roadsters, Sea-Doo watercraft and sport boats, Manitou pontoon boats, Supra, Moomba and MasterCraft luxury boats and Ski-Doo snowmobiles, to name a few. Martin Motor Sports is your one-stop shop for everything recreation.
Martin Motor Sportswww.martinmotorsports.ca
Mighty Peace River, ABCome join us on the wide open roads
The Land of the Mighty Peace stretches across northwestern Alberta, from the British Columbia border along the Northwest Territories border, deep into Wood Buffalo National Park. The Peace River has created a magnificent theatre of nature, inspiring scenery, rolling hills, and stunning river banks.
Riding through this magnificent territory is an experience you will never forget. Find yourself surrounded by breathtaking boreal forests and stop along the way to visit one of the many fine attractions in the area. The Mighty Peace Country offers something for all; urban exploration and nightlife, a vast and relaxing nature, history, fishing, camping and adventure. The Mighty Peace Tourism Association is now offering a waterproof circle tour map featuring plenty of roadside attractions and icons, as well as discounted accommodations just for our rider friends.Mighty Peace Tourism Associationwww.ridenorth.ca
Cranbrook, BCYour four-season headquarters to enjoy all outdoor activities
Voted by Trip Advisor as "Top 10 in the country for best value" for three years running, this new lodge is located at the west entrance to Cranbrook, overlooking the 250-acre Elizabeth Lake Lodge Bird Sanctuary. Every unit has a full kitchen with a real hardwood floor entrance. The rooms feature Windsor beds, flat-screen TVs and heated Italian tile in every bathroom. There is high-speed wireless and plug-in Internet, and lots of secure parking for longer units. An RV park and History of the Kootenays mini-golf course are also located on the premises.
Elizabeth Lake Lodgewww.elizabethlakelodge.com
A global company with a proven track record
Camoplast Solideal is a world leader in the design, manufacturing and distribution of off-road tires, rubber tracks, undercarriage systems, wheels, body dressing parts, under-the-hood plastic components and assemblies, molded skis, engine covers, thermal and air induction systems. As a strategic supplier to leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), we deliver our products directly to their assembly lines. We use the full power of our experience, engineering expertise, innovation skills, support and best-in-class manufacturing capabilities to deliver high-performance products of unrivalled quality and value. On the strength of a global team of close to 8,000 dedicated experts, we operate advanced research and development centres, manufacturing plants in Canada, the USA, Europe and Asia, and distribution facilities on all continents.
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Calgary, AB
Go over the top!
What better way to spend those bleak winter days than by riding in the breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies? Over the Top Rentals offers new 2012 Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo and Polaris mountain sleds. Thrill-seekers will enjoy our Yamaha Nytro Turbo. Over the Top Rentals is in a great location in south Calgary, just five minutes off Deer Foot Trail. We offer to shuttle sleds to the Crowsnest Pass and B.C. for weekend rentals, and we also rent avalanche beacons. For more information on our company, including the tour options available, visit our website www.overthetoprentals.com.
Over The Top Rentals 
Get in on the action
If you consider yourself a powersports enthusiast and are interested in breaking into the industry, the Outdoor Power Equipment Technician Program or Motorcycle Mechanic, Pre-Employment Program is right for you. Offered at GPRC Fairview College Campus, these programs provide students with the skills that are in demand by North America’s recreational powersports industry. Students obtain the current knowledge of emerging technologies, combined with relevant, hands-on experience; and that’s exactly what employers are seeking. Furthermore, students in either program are eligible to write the Alberta Apprenticeship exams, their first step towards obtaining their Journeyman status in the trade. For more information, call Les Ashton or Brad Chorney at 1-888-999-7882.
Grande Prairie Regional Collegewww.gprc.ab.ca/fairview-
Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Elk Island Sales Inc.
Quality products from Polaris and Victory.
Elk Island Sales Inc.www.elkisland-polaris.com -
Polaris - Honda - Argo - Husqvarna
Dedicated to providing our customers with service, quality products and competitive pricing.
Athabasca Outdoor Productswww.athabascaoutdoors.ca -
Bonnyville, AB
A rock-solid reputation of providing excellent service, support and satisfaction.
At Motion Motor Sports, we offer you the best service available, the best parts and accessories, and a staff that understands all aspects of the motor sports business.
Motion Motor Sportswww.motionmotorsports.com -
Alberta
So many Arctic Cat models to choose from.
At Checker'd Flag Sports in Hanna, Alberta, every recreation enthusiast will feel welcome. See our lineup of cutting edge Arctic Cat models, and be amazed at what we have to offer.
Checker'd Flag Sportscfs@telusplanet.net -
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Offering the best in Yamaha and Arctic Cat machines
Northside Motorsports in Edson, Alberta, is proud to sell your favourite brands, and provide excellent customer service.
Northside Motorsportsnorthside.sales@telus.net - www.ralphsmotorsports.comAlberta
We carry a full line of ATVs, snowmobiles and accessories
Combining an awesome selection of machines and gear with premium customer service, repairs and financing options.
Ralph's Motorsportswww.ralphsmotorsports.com -
Alberta
The best name in powersports products
Come to Southland Powersports to find your ideal off-road bike, Yamaha ATV and other recreational vehicles.
Southland Powersportssouthpower@shockware.com -
Alberta
Using our vast experience to serve you better
Camrose Motorsports is proud to bring you the latest Honda power equipment; Honda and Bombardier recreational products; accessories, apparel and safety gear.
Camrose Motorsportswww.camhonda.ca -
Alberta
Let the good times roll, and see our latest specials on new and used machines
We are a dealer for New Holland agriculture and Kawasaki equipment, parts and service as well as Kawasaki ATVs, Mules and motorcycles, and many others.
Challenger New Holland Ltd.www.challengernh.ca 
Grande Prairie, ABWindsor Motorsports: A small store, with big deals!
At Windsor Motorsports, we ensure that you have the best bargains possible. Shop from our impressive selection of ATVs, motorcycles, scooters, pit bikes and boats, not to mention a variety of quality previously owned machines. We carry the top brands, such as Suzuki and PitsterPro, and we have financing options to suit every budget, so gear up and head down to our store today.
Windsor Motorsportswww.windsorrv.com