BARK RIVER, Mich. (WZMQ) – This weekend, an annual event is bringing racers from across the country to Delta County.
August 12 – 13, the 47th Island Resort and Casino Off-Road Rumble in the U.P. will take over the Bark River International Raceway.
The event features 17 classes this year. Race chairman Scott Kwarciany says with so many different vehicles, there will be something for every type of racing fan.
“It will range from the old-style buggies to kids’ cart racing, which then will go to professional off-road trucks and side-by-side racing,” said Kwarciany. “Then you go all to the elite, to the pro four-wheel drive trucks. There are 800 horsepower engines in those trucks.”
It all happens on the raceway’s one-of-a-kind track.
“It is one of the most technical race tracks in the champ off-road series,” Kwarciany said. “It is a 1.5 mile, natural terrain, off-road track and one of the premier tracks in the United States.”
Being an off-road track, it creates unique challenges for drivers.
“When you’re going in an oval track, you’re just making a lot of turns, making a lot of turns, it’s very simple,” said Kwarciany. “The technicality of the tracks makes it much more difficult for drivers, and it really is not so much about who has the best car or best engine, but who is the best driver.”
Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee Evan Evans will also make an appearance at the event.
“This is one of his favorite places to race,” said Kwarciany. “I think his most wins in his career were right here at this track, so we’re looking forward to having him back.”
Racers prepare for the Off-Road Rumble in the U.P. all year—and so do raceway staff. They have been hard at work updating the track, fixing the stands, and completing the new, accessible VIP and media suites.
Proceeds from the event support the Bark River Lions in their effort to make both the Off-Road Rumble and the community better for years to come. Kwarciany expects a large turnout in support of the Lions and in support of U.P. racing.
“People just enjoy racing, and a lot of people—especially in the sportsman classes–they know these people and these racers personally, and a lot of them do follow them throughout their racing careers,” he said. “We are a very family-friendly venue as well, and that makes a big difference.”
Practices and qualifying events will begin on Friday, August 11. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at 9:45 a.m.
General admission will be available at the gate. The cost for entry is $30 for a day and $50 for the weekend.
Click here for more information about the Off-Road Rumble in the U.P.
