They call it the Indianapolis 500 of snowmobile racing. And despite Mother Nature’s best efforts, the largest and most prestigious snowmobile race in the world will take place as scheduled this weekend with the 61st running of the World Championship Snowmobile Derby. 

The traditional event for snowmobile racers and fans worldwide begins this Friday, January 19 at the banked, half-mile ice oval in Eagle River, WI. Qualifying action on Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning will set the stage for Sunday’s 25-lap World Championship Snowmobile Derby main event. 

This year’s event will once again be streamed live on FloRacing for fans unable to attend. 

Unseasonably warm temperatures in the Wisconsin area during the month of December and early part of January had many wondering if this year’s event would happen as scheduled. After all, freezing temperatures are required to create and maintain an ice oval. 

Four different attempts were made to build this year’s race track, and time after time track officials watched the ice melt away due to the warm temperatures. 

“To build a race track four times with ice anywhere from 1 to 3 inches, and watch it melt away is disheartening,” Race Director Craig Marchbank told WJFW News 12. 

Ultimately, event officials made the decision to postpone the Vintage World Championship Snowmobile Derby that is typically held prior to the World Championship Snowmobile Derby. That event is now scheduled for February 8-11. 

Mother Nature eventually cooperated and the freezing temperatures expected in Wisconsin during the month of January arrived in time for the World Championship Snowmobile Derby. The race track was built and forecasted temperatures well below freezing this week will provide safe conditions for riders chasing the big prize. 

On-track action is slated to begin at 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET on Friday with time trials for the World Championship Snowmobile Derby. A full day of racing will continue into the night and conclude with the Sweet 16 race, which will determine the pole winner for Sunday’s main event. 

Heat races, quarterfinals, semifinals for the World Championship Snowmobile Derby riders will be held Saturday, in addition to racing for the various other divisions competing. 

Sunday’s racing will begin at 10:30 a.m. CT / 11:30 a.m. ET with the last chance qualifier race for the 61st World Championship Snowmobile Derby. Track prep and opening ceremonies are slated for 12:30 p.m. CT with the green flag for the World Championship Snowmobile Derby expected to wave at 1:30 p.m. CT. 

The 4th World Championship Pro Enduro, a 130-lap endurance race testing man/woman and machine, will follow the World Championship Snowmobile Derby. 

How To Watch World Championship Snowmobile Derby

FloRacing is the official live streaming partner for the 2024 World Championship Snowmobile Derby.

STREAMING: Watch the 2024 World Championship Snowmobile Derby on FloRacing. SIGN UP HERE.

On Your TV: Now Available on Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast & Apple TV.

Cast: Cast to your smart TV including Vizio, Samsung and LG TVs.

On The Go: Download the FloSports app on iOS or Android.

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