Connor Lalande

Fort-Coulonge March 4, 2023

The smell of exhaust and the roar of engines filled the air at the 25th edition of the Snowmobile Races in Fort-Coulonge this past Saturday.

Taking place at the Centre de Loisirs des Draveurs Century 21 Elite, the race was billed as a fundraiser for the arena and saw snowmobilists and spectators attend from throughout the Pontiac and beyond.

For a $15 fee (or free for those under 12), spectators could watch snowmobiles race in sprint heats. Competitors were organized into different race categories based upon their age and snowmobile characteristics. Snowmobile engine size categories ranged from 120 cc (cubic centimeters) to 1000cc.

Registration went from 8:30 until 11 a.m. and cost $20 per participant. As the first races, the kids class 120cc, started just after 12, crowds flocked to spectator areas on either side of the race track. Here they stayed to socialize and watch as snowmobiles dashed down the racetrack.

Event volunteer, Nathalie Lévesque from Mansfield, said that while it was her first time at the event, she was glad to see people outside enjoying themselves.

“It’s great for the region and its businesses as it brings in tourism,” Lévesque said.

Race participant, Jean-Nicolas Larocque from Val-des Monts, said the Snowmobile Races, like all sporting events, were a great way to get people together to bond over a shared interest. Larocque, who was racing in a number of different categories throughout the day, stated he was confident that he would be walking away with some first-place trophies.

“I’m feeling good, I think I’m gonna win it,” Larocque said confidently as a sly grin overtook his face.

A triumphant return for an event that was put on hiatus since 2020 due to the pandemic, the Snowmobile Races had over 500 people in attendance according to a Centre de Loisirs des Draveurs Century 21 Élite Facebook post.