It’s a new year and a new course for the 100 Mile Mud Races, as it took on the new name of Scotty’s Mud Drags and shifted from being a late June event in 2010 to Aug. 27-28 this year.
It’s being slated as a family event, sanctioned by the North West Mud Racing Association (NWMRA), and it takes place at 105 Mile on the private property of Scotty Lang Construction.
Also new this year is the addition of one more mud pit, making it three in total.
First time co-ordinator Janine Mayes says they’re calling the new mud hole the pro pit and it will feature 15 centimetres of sand and water that will be geared for the fastest trucks. It comes at the request of high-end racers who want to avoid possible damage that deep mud pits can cause to their vehicles.
A total of eight classes of mud trucks will be featured at the races, including alcohol and nitrous fuelled, blowers and turbo engines. A $500 payout will go to the fastest of the bunch.
For the general public, a special street class will allow any road-worthy vehicle with working four-wheel drive to take a run at the mud pit.
There will also be a powder puff race and an event for mechanics.
Mud racing wouldn’t be complete without a mix of giant tires, and Mayes says people can expect to see rubber ranging in size from 81 to 122 cm.
Most of British Columbia’s big names in NWMRA pro and F classes are expected to make an appearance at the races, and Mayes is hoping Alberta and Oregon will also be represented.
The pit area will be open to the public during breaks and people will be welcome to take a closer look at the vehicles and get signed posters from the drivers.
A halftime show each day will see the 100 Mile Model Flyers Club giving radio-controlled aircraft demonstrations, and throughout the day, there will be plenty of random giveaways for children in the crowd.
A variety of concessions will be on site as well, selling ribs, hotdogs, baked goods, slushies and cotton candy.
As the races are a family event, Mayes says great efforts are being taken this year to keep the event trouble-free in the spectator area after last year’s races experienced some fighting.
A major focus will also be put on keeping the start time and races on schedule.
Racing on Saturday starts at 2 p.m. and is expected to continue into the early evening. On Sunday, start time is noon, and it should also continue into the late afternoon or early evening.
Admission to the races is $12 each day and children 12 years and under will be admitted free of charge.
Be sure to bring along your own lawn chair and hearing protection. On race day, just follow the signs west from 105 Mile, driving seven kilometres along Tatton Lake Road, then turn right and follow Lilypad Lake Road for one km.
