Annual Radar Run hits Deerfield Lake

The Black Hills Snowmobile Club will take the runway at its annual Radar Run event coming up March 1. The club won’t be walking the runway but rather racing at top speeds of upward of 100 mph across Deerfield Lake.
Some modifications from previous years, including shortening the track, were made for safety reasons. Club member Mike Boock only recalls one major wreck over the course of the years, but they want to focus on safety.
Riders can enter 15 different classes, competing for prizes and trophies for first and second places in each class. Classes are based on age of the snowmobile such as the vintage and classic classes, the motor size and length of the tracks.
Riders race one at a time across the 660-foot track on top of the lake. Their time is recorded using a radar gun and the two fastest times in each class receive a trophy. The fastest run of the day earns the title “King of the Ice” and takes home the accompanying trophy, $500 and exclusive bragging rights.
“It’s more of a fun event,” said Boock.
Participants can buy tickets for a number of runs down the ice.
“The benefit of shortening up the track and tightening up the classes, then when two guys are neck and neck and within one hundredths or one thousandths of a second of each other, then they’ll go buy more tickets and try to get a little faster,” said Boock.
The club uses funds raised to help with operating costs as well as their involvement in community events such as decorating a float for the Parade of Lights in Rapid. The club also supports local charities such as Storybook Island, volunteering during their Christmas Nights of Light event held around Christmas each year.
The first run will be at 10 a.m. There will be food and drinks available for purchase throughout the day with a social and awards to follow at Mt. Meadows Resort and Bar.
“It’s a really fun time for us to get together as a group and just enjoy some time on the ice,” said Boock.