"The track looks wonderful and Mother Nature has been absolutely fantastic for us this year," said Jan Bailey of this weekend's I-500 snowmobile race. Ms. Bailey is on the event planning committee. About 24 teams are expected to compete, and teams can register until Friday.

The I-500 snowmobile race planned for Saturday, February 7, in Sault Ste. Marie may be the final competition at the current location, as a change of venue is anticipated for next year's event if the cityowned property is sold. Organizers say the annual competition will not leave Sault Ste. Marie and the race will not be put on hiatus while a new location is prepared for next year.

This year's competition will take place at the same race track the I-500 has used for 40 years. It will feature the two most popular styles of snowmobile racing, traditional "oval track" racing, with an emphasis on speed, and snow cross racing, with an emphasis on maneuvering over moguls and jumps, taking place at the same time and same location. All races are open to spectators.

A $15 button allows admission to the whole week's events, or $5 will allow admission to a day of watching time trials. Children younger than 12 are admitted free. Buttons are available at the gate.

Time trials are Wednesday and Thursday, followed by a Pro Am division race Thursday evening. A youth race will take place at the track Friday evening.

Vintage snowmobiles will be displayed outside the gates Saturday, and no admission is required to visit that area. Track racing and snow cross competitions will continue all day Saturday, and snow cross will continue Sunday inside the gates. As the action takes place, results will be posted to the I- 500 Web site, www.i-500.com.

The schedule of events for the 41st Annual International 500 Snowmobile Race follows: Wednesday, February 4 Resume qualifying for positions from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, February 5 Final qualifying session from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rookie Round-up on the track at 6 p.m. Pro-Am race at 7:30 p.m. on the track 40 Laps (first 20 laps by an amateur driver, last 20 laps by a pro driver) I-500 Pub Crawl in the Evening Friday, February 6 Race Registration 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drivers Meeting 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Meet the Drivers 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Kids Mini Z Races 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 7 Green Flag at 10 a.m. Food and Vendors Expanded Vendors area Heated Beer Tent Vintage Snowmobile Show ISOC Snow Cross Sunday, February 8 ISOC Snow cross