Roger Steeves captured first place in the top division at the annual snowmobile races on the lake, hosted by the Sutherlands Lake Trail Groomers Association.
“I don’t think he was expecting to win,” said event organizer Chris Nelson. “He hasn’t won it before. King of the Lake is really why everyone comes out to race. It’s what they’re all after.”
With temperatures hovering around 3 C Saturday, Nelson said the forecast was ideal for spectators.
“But it could’ve been a little colder for the racers. The ice was soft because of the weather.”
Despite conditions, about 75 racers competed in 31 divisions with 1,500 watching from the sidelines.
“It was a great day and we were happy everyone came out. The competition is the biggest reason for the racers to come out, and for the spectators, it’s the enjoyment of watching the fastest snowmobile in Canada,” Nelson said of Bible Hill’s Dennis Mahar, a pro stock racer.
While racers have to be 16 to compete, the trail groomers association also includes youth when it can.
“We also have junior races. We had seven juniors this year, with the youngest being four years old,” said Nelson. “They can go up to age 16. It’s more of a fun thing and we call them our ‘next generation of racers.’”
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