ARVIAT
The action was hot and heavy at the annual Xtreme Bravo Challenge in Arviat this past month. At the end of the weekend's racing action, Jordan St. John had the men's checkered flag and the $6,000 in prize cash that came with it.

Master's champion Pierre Ikakhik, right, has a laugh with racing fan and former dog musher Phillip Kigusiutnak during the annual Xtreme Bravo Challenge in Arviat this past month. - photo courtesy of Jocelyn Ukutak

Kristy Kablutsiak took the women's crown and its $4,000 winner's purse, while Pierre Ikakhik took the master's flag and its top prize of $4,000.

Ikakhik said a total of 39 racers competed in the three divisions. He said that number has only dropped by a couple people during the past two years, despite the fact the Bravo machine is not made anymore.

"I missed the women's heat, but the men's and the master's divisions were pretty close heats," said Ikakhik.

"The races were a lot of fun and nobody got hurt, so I'm very happy.

"There's still plenty of Bravos in Arviat and they're tough little machines."

Ikakhik, who also organizes the annual event, said he plans for the Xtreme Bravo Challenge to return in 2016.

He said he'll do what he can to keep the Bravo races going every year for as long as he's able.

"If the time comes when the hamlet doesn't want us anymore, I'll stop.

"I work with heavy equipment in Arviat and I laid out a good spot for people to park their trucks.

"And boy, that place was full.

"Lots of people were watching the races, and that's one of the reasons why we want to keep them going.

"It's good family fun, and there's not much chance of anyone getting seriously hurt on the Bravos."

Ikakhik said Mother Nature was even in the mood for Bravo racing, providing great weather for both days of racing.

He said the event also continues to get solid support from the business community.

"We really couldn't do this without our sponsors, so we owe a big thank you to Calm Air (airline pass), Arctic Connections (Play Station 4), Anthoney's Taxi ($500), the Padlei Co-op ($500), Eskimo Point Lumber Supply ($500) and Kivalliq News (jackets, sweaters and toques).

"Congratulations to all our winners, too, and, I hope, we'll be back even bigger next year."