Vintage Snow Oval Racing Tips

Racing vintage snowmobiles on oval racetracks provides plenty of thrills. International Snowmobile Racing (ISR) oversees the rules and regulations of most forms of vintage snowmobile racing, including oval racing. Most machines and riders must meet certain safety criteria, though many riders use safety equipment above and beyond the minimum requirements. Some tracks require additional equipment for insurance purposes. Contact local track operators to ascertain equipment requirements prior to the scheduled race.

  1. Conform to the ISR Rules

    • The ISR rules for vintage machines lay out strict requirements for several areas of the snowmobile machine in question. Strict regulations govern modified components and suspension requirements for all snowmobiles. According to snowmobile race resource Derby Track, seven classes of vintage snowmobiles exist: stock, super stock, relic mod, sport mod, super mod, pro mod '73 and older, and IFS Sno-Pro. Each class lists distinct rules for engine size, drive components, suspension, traction and several other important classifications. Modified machines cannot compete in most events featuring OEM models. Heavily modified machines must still meet minimum criteria for suspension travel distance.

    Safety Equipment

    • The safety equipment for snowmobilers covers a wide range of susceptible-to-injury body parts. Helmets, chest guards, shin guards, gloves and kidney belts protect snowmobilers from serious injury. Most events require gloves and helmets, but every course can require any safety equipment deemed necessary for that particular course. Online snowmobile publication Sled Addicts recommends safety equipment whenever operating a snowmobile to prevent severe injury. Chest protectors help prevent broken ribs and punctured lungs when contact is made with the snowmobile's handlebars during a crash; helmets can prevent brain injury or death in more serious crashes. Ensure that safety equipment meets standards and features designs that are specifically to help avoid snowmobile-related injury.

    Practice, Practice, Practice

    • Practice racing essentials such as acceleration, braking and turning repeatedly to ensure full understanding of how the machine handles at different speeds. Most accidents stem from inexperienced competitors experiencing unfamiliar racing situations. The most important practice often manifests during crashing: Practice dismounting safely to avoid serious injury. During a crash, tuck and roll if you're separated from your machine. As with automobile operation, drive defensively and remain aware of rival competitors ahead and to either side of you. Safe racers typically win the most races in almost every motorized competition.