ARVIAT - The popularity of Bravo racing continues to rise in the community of Arviat.

This year's eighth annual Xtreme Bravo Challenge saw the number of racers double in at least one class from the 2010 field.

Desmond Ukutak, with flag, Jordan St. John and Pierre Ikakhik, right, were the top finishers in the men's class of the Xtreme Bravo Challenge in Arviat.

Desmond Ukutak took the flag and the $5,000 prize in the men's class, while Jordan St. John took second ($3,000) and Pierre Ikakhik placed third ($1,500).

On the women's side, Kristy Kablutsiak took home $5,000 for top spot, while Dorothy St. John earned $3,000 for second and Chelsey Kaludjak $1,500 for third.

Ikakhik returned to the winner's circle in the master's class to claim the $4,000 top prize, while Jimmy Misheralak ($2,000) took second and Joseph Kablutsiak won third ($1,500)

There was one injury in this year's race.

Peter Jr. Mamgark was treated for a badly-bruised stomach at the Arviat Health Centre before being released.

The final heats also had to be delayed until Monday, April 25, when blizzard conditions stopped the action on Sunday, April 24.

Ikakhik said this year's event was a lot of fun for both the racers and the large number of fans who cheered them on.

He said there were 18 racers in the master's class, 20 in the women's and 24 in the men's for a total of 62 entries.

"There's lots of Bravos in town now and it's really a lot of fun to compete in the races," said Ikakhik.

"There's usually only about nine racers in the master's class.

"People are enjoying it because the Bravos aren't as fast as the bigger machines, they're fun and easy to drive and parts aren't that expensive.

"With the Challenge followed by the Sam Napayok Memorial and the Noah Muckpah Memorial the very next week, it's a pretty exciting time for the community."

Ikakhik said many people help make the Challenge a success every year.

He said some make donations, some provide sponsorships and others simply give of their time to volunteer.

"We received a lot of support this year from the Hamlet of Arviat, Nuna M&T, Padlei Co-op, Eskimo Point Lumber, Anthony's Taxi, Nadine Lamoureux, Leona Aglukkaq, all the racers and the volunteers.

"Their support helps make the Bravo race a real community event."

Ikakhik said Dorothy St. John and Kaludjak fought a very close race for second place in the women's class.

He said the master's class was also very close between the top three racers.

"The men were fun to watch, but the final race wasn't really that close.

"The old-timers (master's) and women's were a lot of fun for the fans because the final races were so close.

"I was in both the men's and master's categories and, because there were so many more racers this year, I ran 37 total laps.

"The last couple of races were hard for me because I was so tired, but I have more muscles now."

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