BLANDFORD-If the weather cooperates and snow falls on the Blandford Fairgrounds in the coming days, co-chairs Matt Ripley and David Chaffee will go ahead with the second annual Blandford Fair Snowmobile Races.
“We are still hoping for a couple of storms,” said Chaffee, noting there is only four to five inches of snow covering the grounds at press time. Chaffee is a member of the fair’s board of directors.
Steve Janisieski and Brian Hamel were among the snowmobilers to participate in the first races at the Blandford Fair in 2019. Races this month are slated for Feb. 29. (David Chaffee photo)
The snowmobile races are planned for Feb. 29 with gates opening at 7 a.m. Registration will be conducted from 7 – 9 a.m., and the races start promptly at 9:30. The entry fee is $30. In the event there is not adequate snowfall for the races, March 14 has been selected for the alternate date.
“The races are a fundraising event for the Blandford Fair,” said Ripley, who serves as executive vice president of the fair. “I’ve been snowmobiling my whole life but the last few years have gotten more challenging with the lack of snow.”
Ripley and Chaffee are overseeing all of the logistics of the day with assistance from several dedicated volunteers.
“A lot of people were happy with the way the race went last year and we received a lot of positive remarks,” said Ripley. “There are so few local races with the exception of the Littleville Fair now.”
Chaffee echoed those sentiments.
“The snowmobile races are becoming pretty popular,” said Chaffee.
The races range from Kiddie Classes for ages five to 12 in the 120cc Stock, 120cc Improved, and 340cc and under categories, to Stock Classes including 400cc-500cc, 501cc-600cc, 601cc-700cc, 701cc-800cc, and 801cc-1000cc. Also, a Stock Class Improved category includes 400cc-500cc, 501cc-600cc, 601cc-700cc, 701cc-800cc, and 801cc-1000cc.
Race categories also include Four Stroke Stock, Vintage pre-1987, and single cylinder for under 340cc, 340cc-439cc, and 440cc+.
An open category is billed as “If you can get it there you can run it,” noted Ripley.
Ripley said the stock category is described as a factory stock engine without modifications, with cool down fittings allowed and suspension tie-down permitted. The “improved” category is a stock sled with the original engine, and engine work is permitted retaining original cc’s.
For complete race details and rules, visit theblandfordfair.com.
Refreshments will be available throughout the event, including breakfast sandwiches, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chili, coffee, soda and water.
A warming tent will also be featured.
“We enjoy hosting events like this because it brings the community together and gives local riders an opportunity to race and have a good time,” said Chaffee.
Ripley concurred.
“For those who enjoy snowmobiling, it is a huge part of their lives,” said Ripley. “We enjoy hosting this event for them.”
