Snowmobile 'grass drags' Saturday

Snowmobilers will go head to head for cash prizes during the first Bailey Hill Classic Grass Drags on Saturday afternoon.

At least 35 racers are expected to compete on a certified grass drag course at Bailey Hill Lodge, between Coudersport and Ulysses. Spectators are welcome to attend. Racing gets underway at 3 p.m.

Proceeds will benefit Potter County Special Olympics.

"The Grass Drags are something that came together quickly after our successful 'Fastest Snowmobile Across the Pond' event in September," said Neal Klimek, a local heating and cooling contractor who is organizing the event in partnership with Bailey Hill Lodge.

"Merchants and retailers were impressed with the extra business the pond races brought in and were wondering if we might be able to schedule a similar event on dry land," Klimek continued. "We got together with the Special Olympics people and the owners of Bailey Hill Lodge, where they've had grass drags before, and the race came together almost overnight."

A double-elimination format is planned with a limit of 64 snowmobiles. Post entries will be accepted, with no engine size limits. Pairings will be decided by drawing.

Racing will continue into the early evening hours, after which time a Halloween Costume Party will be held at the lodge, with live music and dinner specials.

"Potter County is already a popular destination for snowmobilers and these new events - the water crossings and the grass drags - should help us to build on that reputation," Klimek said. "People seem to agree that we need some new events around the area to boost the tourist business, so this fits right in."