WATERCROSSWATERCROSS
Publication Date: July 2001
One may look at the statement above and think that it doesn't make sense. But don't tell that to the members of the International Watercross Association, or they will prove you wrong. Each year the thrill of racing snowmobiles over water has attracted thousands of competitors and spectators to Grantsburg, Wisconsin. On July 20-22, Grantsburg's snowmobile watercross will feature top racers from the United States and Canada, each hoping to capture the World Championship honor and the large cash purse. This yearly race features two days of oval and drag races, and offers a purse of over $18,000 in cash and trophies.
The ability of a snowmobile to stay on top of the water seems quite unusual but really is quite simple when you ask the experts. The professional drivers will tell you speed and power keep the snowmobiles on top of the water. They may be somewhat modest though, as the ability to control the machine is not an easy task. As long as the engine is whirring and the track is turning, the snowmobile can keep going. Shut the engine off and it sinks...it's as simple as that!
As far as the history of the sport, the Watercross grew out of a ritual
at Big Yellow Lake near Webster, WI (about 25 miles northeast of Grantsburg).
During winter, the channel between Big and Little Yellow Lakes never froze
completely. The open water area was about 500 feet. Snowmobilers began to
challenge the open water by getting a run across the lake and trying to
reach the shore. Many failed and sank in three to ten feet of icy cold water.
Those who reached shore would try again. Eventually, word got around and
a crowd began to show up on weekends to watch these antics. The sport was
given the name of Waterskipping or Watercross.
Some 23 years ago, the Grantsburg Lions Club decided to hold a water crossing competition on Memory Lake during July. The reason? They just wanted to have it when it was nice and folks could sit on the lawn around the lake and enjoy the competition. The first year the racers were simply snowmobile enthusiasts who tried to master Memory Lake's 500 feet of open water from an island starting point (a bridge was connected to the island for access) to the south shore. The crowd was a few hundred and most of the snowmobiles sank.
As the years passed, the snowmobile drivers became more skilled and made a right turn to go farther down the bank to the 1,000 foot mark, and then around again to the 1,500 foot mark, and on to make laps. This began to separate the men from the boys. Soon the competitors became more skilled and developed racing teams. The Lions Club changed the name to the World Championship Watercross, and the crowds grew.
Over the years, the races have included ovals and drag races. One year
there were six machines in the final race with six laps...today there are
four laps. There are pro and semi-pro classes. The drivers are skilled and
compete in the circuit with the International Watercross Association (IWA)
as the racing organization.
The IWA was formed in 1988 to create unity for snowmobile watercrossers. Uniformed rules were established, providing safety for both the drivers, IWA officials and spectators. IWA-sanctioned races are held all over the United States and Canada.
On any race weekend, there are watercrossers from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, New York and Canada. They bring with them many different styles of driving and different styles of machines that accelerate over water. All the machines are track driven, have skis, and will sink when the engine is not running.
Some of the possibilities include mechanical breakdowns and driver fatigue. Beyond that are many small items that can greatly affect the outcome of the race. That's what makes the drivers nervous.
One hazard is the wake left by the snowmobiles as they make the turns.
A hearty wake can cause a racer to slow down and turn to avoid getting swamped.
Another hazard is spray, or more commonly known as the "rooster tail"
effect. The spray can not only obscure a racer's vision, but can also find
its way into the little parts of the engine that like to shut down when
water enters. Then there's the occasional slip-up by a driver. Even a professional
can loosen his or her grip on the handlebars. One wrong move can cause a
machine to stray off it's course, forcing a competitor to make a quick adjustment.
What happens to the snowmobile when it sinks? Submerged machines are hooked and hauled out by a pontoon boat outfitted with a winch. Surprisingly, these machines tolerate dunking pretty well - most of the time they start right up again. As long as you shut it down before it goes under water, they're usually okay.
Whether you're a snowmobile enthusiast or not, Watercross will provide you with a most unusual and enjoyable summer experience. Be sure to take your camera and video recorder - you'll enjoy showing the photos and videos to those who won't believe that a snowmobile can run on water.
For more information on the World Championship Snowmobile Watercross call: (715) 463-LION or write to: P.0. Box 365, Grantsburg, WI 54840, or check out their web-site on the internet: www.mwd.com/h2ocross
For more information on joining the International Watercross Association, or a list of Watercross competitions, check out the IWA web-site at: www.iwausa.com
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