Extreme racing skills rewarded
Annual Bravo Challenge still a hit with Arviat racing fans
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, May 21, 2014
ARVIAT
Jordan St. John pulled away from the pack to grab the checkered flag in the Men's Division of the annual Bravo Extreme Challenge cross-country race in Arviat earlier this month.
Bravo Extreme Challenge master's Division champion Peter Kaludjak, centre, is congratulated by Bravo Club members Pierre Ikakhik, left, Brian Gibbons and Gordy Kidlapik and race volunteer Gleason Gibbons in Arviat earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Nancy T. Gibbons |
Peter Kaludjak held off a determined effort by Benji Hapanak and Pierre Ikakhik to claim the master's division, while Chelsey Kaludjak grabbed the flag in the women's division.
On the Bravo drag racing side of the ledger, Desmond Ukutak took the men's crown, while Keith Aulajut won the junior's and Agnes Komakjuak blasted her way to the master's crown.
Race co-ordinator Brian Gibbons said he was pleased with how the races went this year.
He said the weather was a bit cloudy, but, other than that, everyone seemed to enjoy the event.
"All the races were pretty close, so there was some excitement," said Gibbons.
"We had a few racers have to get off their machines during a heat, but no accidents that saw anyone get hurt.
"The crowds were great all weekend.
"One of the times I was down at the race, I saw the whole shore packed with vehicles and machines and that's what we like to see."
Gibbons said almost all the racers were local, with just one Whale Cove rider entering the Extreme Bravo Challenge this year.
He said as soon as the banners for race sponsors Calm Air and Kivalliq News are taken down to officially close the race, planning next year's begins.
"We're (Bravo Club) going to meet sometime this month to start preparing to get funding for next year's race.
"It takes everyone to pitch-in all year to keep our race going."
Gibbons said the Extreme Bravo Challenge should go on in the immediate future, despite the fact the popular little snowmobile is no longer made.
He said as long as people can find parts for the reliable machines, the race will continue.
"We were a little worried the Bravo race might die when we first heard they weren't going to be made anymore a couple of years ago.
"But, it seems like there's always going to Bravos around, and parts available, so we'll still see the Bravo race for at least a few more years.
"Bravo racing is popular because, unlike the special parts you can get to make the big machines a lot faster, there's not much you can do except oversize the pistons a bit, and play around with the clutching and gears to make a Bravo a bit faster.
"This year, some racers said their machines were stock, and they did well against the modified ones, so, in Bravo racing, it really comes down to the experience of the driver."
