I’ve been to a lot of snowmobile events over the past few decades including nearly all of the iconic venues in the sport. That’s not meant to sound like a brag, but rather a grounding statement for what I’m about to say next. The 2024 Ditchbanger National at ERX Motor Park in Elk River, Minnesota was easily one of the best and most FUN snowmobile racing events I’ve ever been to…period.
The Ditchbanger is a throwback race featuring old sleds (2001 and older) mostly from the 90s era and a smoothed snocross type track. The formula is threefold: keep things simple, keep it affordable, and most of all, keep it fun. A good friend of mine, Jason MacDonald, and myself have been announcing races at ERX for the past 15-years, and we were once again flapping our lips and staying hydrated for the “banger”.
Last year the race attracted more than 250 racers and the after buzz was palatable. This year, at midnight prior to race day, registration was shut down because they had run out of transponders. At daybreak, an incredible 472 racers were unloading their freshly prepped buggies at ERX in hopes of being crowned Ditchbanger champ. The atmosphere was euphoric, with a collection of old rats, barn finds, piped mods, greasy triples, and well prepped trail sleds all coming to the line. Throw in lots of cold beverages, warm smoked meat from the food trucks, the smell of moist leather, and a few stunning mullets and you had the makings of what was quite possibly the biggest and best snowmobile event of the season.
Prior to the race I walked the pits and snapped some photos of some of the “perfectly prepared” Cat racers and their steeds. If you were there, you already know how good it was. If you weren’t…mark your calendar for next year. Visit erxmotor.com for details and follow their social channels for full race results.
Hands down, this event captured the true spirit of snowmobiling “fun”. The sheer volume of spectators and racers was fantastic! I would say the Midwest Ride-In event (when snowy) has the same caliber of fun factor. In my mind, there isn’t a better place to hold an event than ERX… the crew there is a hard working bunch who know how to pull off successful events.
someone needs to teach the new guy here to get more tall bar riser shots… especially at a bar riser festival
maybe next year…
I considered attending this year, but didn’t make it. Next year for sure – looks like a blast!
Who was able to run the coveted number 69
Looked like a blast! Great pictures.
1976 Panther 440?. Looks like the oldest Cat racing. Cool!