ARVIAT
Desmond Ukutak took the checkered flag in the Men's Division of the 10th annual Bravo Extreme Challenge snowmobile races in Arviat this past week.
Kristy Kablutsiak tears it up on her way to second place in the Women's Division of the 2013 Extreme Bravo Challenge in Arviat in May of 2013. - photo courtesy James Tagalik |
Chelsey Kaludjak took top spot in the Women's Division, while Peter Kaludjak took the flag in the Masters Division.
A total of 42 racers competed in the three divisions at this year's event.
The majority of the entrants were from Arviat, although racers from Whale Cove also took part.
Bravo Racing Club committee member Jamie Kablutsiak said the number of racers was down from 2012.
He said that may have been due to the fact the prize money was also a little smaller this year.
"Nobody really said anything, so I'm just assuming the smaller prizes may have been the reason for having a few less racers," said Kablutsiak.
"We had a lot of exciting races this year, including one big example of what the Extreme Challenge is all about in the masters division final.
"Jobe Nibgoarsi broke his wrist with three laps to go, but, despite the pain, he finished the race and took the checkered flag in fifth place.
"He really defined our Extreme motto this year when he dealt with the pain and finished the race."
The finals had to be delayed for three days due to a blizzard that swept across the Kivalliq this past week.
Kablutsiak said the storm left the track in choppy condition when the racers returned to the action at 5:30 p.m. on May 1.
"The track was about 2.5 kilometres in length, with the men running 12 laps in the final, the women 10 and the master's eight.
"We had some other great prizes in addition to the cash prizes, including tickets donated by Calm Air, five $100 certificates donated by Padlei Co-op, lumber material for a qamutiik donated by Arctic Connections, and two prizes of $250 for the best dressed racer and the best looking Bravo donated by Anthony's Bus and Taxi Services (ABNT Enterprises).
"We also handed out toques to the racers which were donated by Kivalliq News."
Kablutsiak said the crowds were quite large at this year's event.
He said the committee will soon begin planning for the 2014 edition of the Extreme Bravo Challenge.
"We owe a big thank you to all our sponsors, including the Hamlet of Arviat for giving us the bingo slots to raise the money for our prizes.
"Our committee, president Pierre Ikakhik and members Brian Gibbons, myself, Gordy Kidlapik, Tony Uluadluak and Stanley Komakjuak, put in a lot of time to make the race happen, but it's a lot of fun.
"We're already looking forward to next year."
