Thousands to visit Beausejour for Canadian Power Toboggan Championships over weekend

WINNIPEG — The race cars of Manitoba’s winter are headed to Beausejour this weekend for the annual Canadian Power Toboggan Championships.

“A lot of us have grown up and lived in the community, and this is just part of the community,” Drew Baker, director of the CPTC said.

Organizers of the Canadian Power Toboggan Championships said this weekend is where you’ll find the worlds fastest half mile ice oval track. The snowmobiles race at speeds reaching up to 170 km per hour. But when you have a need for speed, that’s not your concern.

“It’s mainly dealing with the weather,” Baker said. “Hopefully it’s going to be nice this weekend, if it’s above 0 that’s great for the spectators.”

Over 100 racers starting from 6-years-old from around North America compete in the event. Many of the Manitobans attending will be cheering for their local champions this weekend.

“Everyone tends to cheer on the home town guy,” Travis Macdonald, local racer said. “When we do well here it feels a lot better than doing well other places because lots of people are watching you and paying attention.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Everyone tends to cheer on the home town guy," Travis Macdonald, local racer said. "When we do well here it feels a lot better than doing well other places because lots of people are watching you and paying attention."

The event is in its 54th year. The first race is at 11 a.m. Saturday.