Governor Rick Snyder will start the championship race of the International 500 Snowmobile Race in Sault Ste. Marie Saturday, February 4. This is the 44th running of the race and the first time a Michigan governor has attended.

The I-500 will include a 500- mile championship race, time trials, and community events Tuesday, January 31, through Saturday, February 4, in Sault Ste. Marie.

The governor, who campaigned at the race during his 2010 bid for the governorship, made a campaign promise at the time that, if elected, he would start the race this year. Mr. Snyder noted he was impressed with volunteer involvement at the race and its impact on the economy of northern Michigan.

Ric Federau, co-chairman of the event, said studies show the I-500 generates $3.8 million for area hotels and restaurants and the economic impact is seen as far south as Gaylord.

The race, which is organized with the help of 200 volunteers, draws thousands of spectators, participants, and snowmobile companies. Organizers say this year’s race should draw still larger crowds. Because most other snowmobile races are dependent on an accumulation of snow, some have been cancelled and the I-500 may be the only event of its kind this February, according to Mr. Federau.

Professional drivers will come from across the United States and Canada for the 500-mile race.

“It’s actually run on ice,” he explained. Organizers dump two million gallons of water on the milelong, oval track, layer by layer. Because it is double the length of most other snowmobile tracks, it gives manufacturers the opportunity to test out their sleds on longer straights. With those long straight stretches, speeds of more than100 miles per hour are reached.

Last year’s winner, Corey Davidson of Holt, Minnesota, is eighttime champion, with more wins than any other competitor. The an- ticipated purse for this year’s winner is $30,000. Mr. Davidson plans to return this year to retain his title.

The race last year was unusually long. It took more than eight hours in bad weather. Still, drivers clocked on average of between 98 and 100 miles per hour on the track.

The drivers stop only when absolutely necessary for pit stops. Mr. Federau said each driver has his own style when it comes to pit stops, but they usually only last between 21 and 25 seconds. The driver will pull his sled over and the team will fuel up and adjust the machine.

The first I-500 took place in 1969, when the fastest snowmobile was clocked at 57 miles per hour. Many in the state doubted whether any of the competitors would make it the full 500 miles, but more than 14 hours after the race began, 26 machines had crossed the finish line. By 1970, the word was out and professional drivers started to make their appearance.

Teams begin to arrive on the Monday before the race and participate in time trials and to decide where they will start on the track. By Saturday, 40 teams will have been chosen to compete in the finals.

Many community events are planned throughout the week for visitors and spectators. There will be an open skate on the racetrack Monday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Those interested can ice skate free, but must bring their own skates. Hot dogs and chili will be provided free of charge.

A pro-am race will be Thursday at 7 p.m. In this event, amateur riders are paired with professionals for short races. Usually, the amateur will drive 12 laps around the track and then the professional with drive 13 to complete 25 for the team.

A youth race will be Friday at 7:30 p.m. As many as 50 participants take part, according to Mr. Federau. A separate track is built for the race and families act as the pit crews.

New to the event this year is the Miss I-500 pageant Friday at 6 p.m. Contestants will complete a closed interview session, fashion show, three-minute talent routine, and evening gown competition. The winner will become an official spokesperson of the I-500.

Race day parking is $5 per vehicle. Cost for the event is $15 and youth younger than 8 are admitted free.

Governor Snyder proclaimed the Soo International 500 “Michigan’s premier winter sporting event” August 8, 2011, and called the I-500 a major participant in the Pure Michigan tourism campaign.