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Kaluk Tatty, top, and Peter Jr. Aulajut, bottom, try to overtake Johnny Mamgark, middle, during ATV races in Arviat earlier this month. - photo courtesy of James Tagalik

ARVIAT
ATV racing returned to Arviat for the first time in more than two decades earlier this month.

A combined total of 14 racers took to the almost 10-km course in the categories of 350cc to 500cc and 550cc to 700cc machines.

Only stock machines were allowed in the event, with modifications such as racing pipes and ATV race bikes being banned to create a level playing field.

When the dust settled, Johnny Mamgark took the checkered flag in the 350cc to 500cc class and the $1,000 cash prize that came with it.

Kevin Kalluak was second ($500) in the race, with Matthew Issumatarjuak third ($400), Terrence King fourth ($300) and Travis Kalluak fifth ($200).

On the bigger machines, Jordan St. John took first ($1,000), with Kaluk Tatty second ($500), Johnny Mamgark third ($400), Matthew Issumatarjuak fourth ($300) and Travis Kalluak fifth ($200).

Arviat Racing Club president Ryan St. John said the Arviat recreation department used to hold ATV races for many years in the hamlet, but they ended in the late 1980s.

He said the racing club had a bit of extra money this year, so it decided to revive the once-popular event.

"The course was fairly straight, running straight south from the end of the old airstrip to Ihuarutnaaq, a ridge about three miles from the start," said St. John.

"So there and back was about a six-mile run.

"We decided to take a kind of winner-take-all approach and have just the one race in each category.

"It was pretty exciting to watch."

More than 100 racing fans attended the event.

St. John said the event gives racing fans something to look forward to outside of the traditional snowmobile races in the winter. He said while there's always some risk with racing, ATVs are no different than any other vehicle.

"Any time you organize races with snowmobiles, or any high-speed machine, there's always concern over injuries.

"That's the risk you take as an organizer and as a racer.

"There's always a chance someone can take a spill and get hurt. We had one accident, with a minor injury, but the racer was able to get back on his ATV and ride back to where the start line was."

St. John said the racing club hopes to make the ATV races an annual event in Arviat.

He said there's been enough interest expressed for the event to have growth potential.

"To be honest, I was a little surprised by how good the crowd was for this.

"It seemed to remind everyone how much fun ATV races are, both as a racer and a spectator.

"It's something different that hasn't been done here in quite awhile.

"A lot more people have said they plan to join next year's races, so we'll see where it goes from here."

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