You can enjoy the snow, races and activities at the Eclipse Financial Pro Challenge Snow Cross event happening in Timmins this weekend.

Canada’s best snowmobile and snowbike racers will be flying over huge jumps and moguls for the Rockstar Energy National Snowcross Championships. The event runs all weekend at the Spruce South snow dump located at 605 Spruce St. South.

Among the racers coming to town is Jake Weir. Jake is an up and coming rider from Arctic Cat who is leading the Pro Class. Angela Vacchino, a coordinator for the Snow Cross event, says he is a rider to watch.

“Jake has just been riding consistently, smoothly,” she said, “just like the type of kid that he is. And his results are showing that he’s right now leading the pro class.”

The Eclipse Financial Pro Challenge is being organized by three dealers: Mikey’s General Sale, Riverside RV, and J&B Cycle and Marine. All three will be selling merchandise at vendor booths in the main tent. Kia Timmins will also have some cars on display.

The event will also have plenty of activities for kids attending. Kids aged 11 and under will get in for free on Saturday, March 2nd. Also on Saturday, there will be a chocolate egg hunt for the kids.

“Around 1 o’clock, we’ll be doing a chocolate egg hunt on the track for the kids,” Vacchino said, “so we’ll put over 5,000 chocolates across the tracks. The kids can run around and pick them up, fill their bags. There’ll [also] be 120 Demo rides for kids.”

Tim Horton’s will be providing free hot chocolate and coffee throughout the weekend, and there will also be heated tents and heated washrooms. Plus, there will be food and drinks for kids and adults.

“We will have alcohol beverages by Full Beard serving there, along with food and a tent to warm up in,” said Vacchino, “and at 2 o’clock, the pros will be going onto the track live to start their qualifying and have a final race.”

The mornings on both days, from about 9 AM to 1 PM, will feature the amateur classes and local racers.

Anyone wanting to attend the Eclipse Financial Pro Challenge can buy their tickets at the three dealers, Mikey’s Sales, Riverside RV and J&B Cycle and Marine up until Friday, March 1st. After Friday, attendees can get their tickets at the gate. There is also plenty of parking available at the Spruce St. snow dump.

“Drive on in, get your ticket, park your vehicle and enjoy the weekend,” said Vacchino.

Vacchino says the weather should be perfect for the event, with mild days and nights and some fresh snow. She has one big thank you for the city and the support this event has received.

“I would just like to thank the whole city of Timmins and all of our local businesses and sponsors that have come out year after year to support this event. If it wasn’t for them, it would not be happening. So thank you to everybody in Timmins and I can’t wait to see all of our spectators.”

For a schedule of the events this weekend, go here. 

Filed under: Local News