Michael Satterfield
The North-Am International Snowmobile Racing series launched in the late 60s pitting the fastest racers from the US and Canada against each other across icy tracks well into the mid-1980s. The race pictured here was held in Wetaskiwin, Alberta in 1970 and was one of the most successful races in the series drawing more than 20,000 spectators, hundreds of racers, and international media attention.
The event drew noted snowmobile racers like Don Brown, Bill Gunsell, and Steve Holcomb and was dominated by manufacturers like Polaris and Ski-Doo.
The race was a passion project by Wetaskiwin businessman George Hunerfauth who spearheaded the effort and was involved until the final year of the race in 1986. The North-Am International Snowmobile Racing series continued after the end of the race in Wetaskiwin but eventually gave way to organizations like the Midwest International Snowmobile Racing which still sanctions races to this day.
While the race is long gone, enjoy these amazing images via the Provincial Archives of Alberta.
