Snowmobile racer making tracks

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This article was published 09/02/2016 (3620 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Jason Boyda, 48, admits he’s one of the oldest drivers currently racing in Formula 500 snowmobile competitions — but he’s also one of the top racers.

Boyda, who grew up in Headingley and now lives in Charleswood, said most of the 10 to 15 regular racers are in their 20s and 30s. However, even though he only began competing in Formula 500 events about five years ago, he’s filling his garage shelves with first place trophies earned this season at races in Manitoba, Michigan and Wisconsin.

“The older guys have been schooling the younger guys this year,” he said.

Boyda recently took top spot in the Formula 500 event at the World Championship Snowmobile Derby in Eagle River, Wisc.

Formula 500 racing on ice oval tracks involves using Polaris Indy 500 snowmobile engines built between 1989 and 1992. Boyda said the engine can be placed in another machine’s chassis. His vintage model is a 1979 Yahama.

To be able to manoeuvre the machine on ice at an average speed of 80 miles per hour, Boyda places sharp carbides on the snowmobile’s skis and picks on the machine’s track.

“They flood the tracks,” Boyda said. “Every track is different and conditions change day-to-day.”

The challenge for drivers is adjusting to the varying conditions.

Boyda said accidents can happen and drivers must wear helmets, padded safety vests and arm and leg pads when competing.

Boyda follows a seasonal race circuit that starts and ends with events in Beausejour, Man. He hopes to finish his stellar season with another first-place win at the Canadian Power Toboggan championships, which run in Beausejour from March 5 to 8. He expects to face a field of about 25, with most racers coming from Canada.

“I hope to check that one (race) off this year,” he said.

While some of the races involve cash prizes, Boyda said he and the other drivers aren’t in it for the money, as it costs much more to drive to the races hauling their machines. He enjoys the camaraderie among the Formula 500 racers.

“It’s a good group,” he said. “Everybody gives you a thumbs-up when you win.”

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