Start your engines!

The Holidays have drawn to a close and the biggest snowmobile event unique to Eagle River is here. For the next two weekends snowmobile race fans will fill the World Championship Derby Complex (WCDC).

First, the finest and fastest in old iron takes the track as the ever-popular World Championship Vintage Derby is held January 10 — 12.

On Friday, Jan. 10, the gates open at 9:00 a.m. and time trials begin at 9:30 a.m. Snowmobiles 40, 50 years old and even older, will compete against the clock.

Saturday, racing again starts at 9:30 a.m. as the classic sleds race towards the Championship title. Junior drivers, 10 to 17 years of age, race in between the adult heats.

Racing finals on Sunday, Jan. 12, as the final heats begin at 8:00 a.m. with the Vintage World Championship Final race at 3:00 p.m.

Tickets for the races are $25 a day, hot box tickets are $200 for all three days. For those who arrive in motorhomes and park trackside, admission is $25 per day for each passenger.

January 16 — 19 welcome back to the WCDC for the most famous snowmobile racing event in the country — the 57th World Championship Snowmobile Derby.

Excitement is the buzz word for this weekend featuring many new events. For starters, see the new Pro Champ 440 class which replaces the old Champ 440 class.

This change makes for affordable racing sleds and should expand the number of class entries. Added driver safety is a great benefit, too. The new Pro Champ 440 class is the class supported by USSA’s ProStar Cup Series at all their events.

Be sure to check out the new Formula III races!

Added this year is Johnny Greaves, Off-road Truck World Champion, who will appear with his SXS (Side by Side) Sports Series. Motorcycle racing returns to the ice oval.

On Thursday, racers test their sleds and skills at the day-long paid practices runs. Beginning at 5:00 p.m., World Championship time trials take the track followed by time trials for the Outlaw 600 and Formula III classes.

Friday, Jan. 17, gates open at 8:00 a.m. with racing starting at 10:00 a.m. Friday Night Thunder launches the evening with the opening ceremonies and 6:00 p.m. with racing under the lights beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Electrifying racing, brilliant fireworks, music and so much more make this evening a memorable event!

The Sweet Sixteen Awards Ceremony is held after the races in the Expo Hall and the public is invited to join in.

Saturday, Jan. 18, the racing has an early start with gates opening at 7:00 a.m. and Sno-Cross racing starting at 8:00 a.m. Thrill to dozens of races on the Sno-Cross and Ice Oval tracks all day and into the evening.

Again, after the races, the awards ceremony is in the Expo Hall and the public is invited.

The much-anticipated Sunday racing begins with gates opening at 8:00 a.m.and racing beginning at 9:00 a.m. Race fans will thrill to the 57Th World Championship Snowmobile Derby Pro Champ final held at 3:00 p.m. The $10,000 purse goes to the Derby winner with second through tenth place prizes pro-rated depending upon the number of race entries. Take part in the emotionally charged awards ceremony following the conclusion of racing.

Tickets for the event are $35 for Friday through Sunday. Thursday admission is free. The Super ticket is $100 for all four days. To check on the availability of Hot Seats, call the WCDC at 715-479-4424.

To learn all the details, visit the WCDC website, or the Facebook page.