A map of the course for the Copper Country 100 snowmobile race set for Saturday in Houghton County. (Contributed photo)

HOUGHTON – The Copper Country 100 snowmobile race will take place Saturday at Valley View Quarry on Green Acres Road in Portage Township in Houghton County.

The racing will start at 9 a.m. Eastern time Saturday and is sponsored by COR Powersports, a group of motorsport enthusiasts based in Somerset, Wis., and Visit Keweenaw.

Visit Keweenaw Managing Director Jesse Wiederhold said the race is part of a circuit that typically takes place in northern Wisconsin and the western Upper Peninsula.

“The Porcupine Mountain 100 snowmobile race was canceled two weeks ago,” said Wiederhold, “so some local groups put out a bid saying the race could be hosted here.”

Wiederhold said the local groups offered to host the race because of the amount snow still on the ground in the Houghton area.

“Some of the places in northern Wisconsin where the races are held are just not getting snow anymore (this year),” he said, “so the fact that we still have so much snow product here in late March was very attractive for them, so it was very simple to get this race booked up here.”

COR Powersports announced on its website it was thrilled to confirm that they were able to successfully secure a venue and are ready to proceed, posting:

“The Houghton area has received 329 inches of snow so far this winter creating a great environment for riders despite the late winter conditions. Last Tuesday, we started exchanging messages with the Houghton group and on Wednesday we had a conference call, it became clear that our concerns about an entirely new venue were no longer an issue. We are especially grateful to Visit Keweenaw, Moyle Companies, Great Lakes Minerals, Keweenaw Snowmobile Club & South Range Snowmobile Club and all partners involved for their flexibility and willingness to help make this event happen on such short notice.”

Wiederhold said the race course, approximately 8 miles long, will not include public snowmobile trails, with much on private property.

Volunteers are still needed for the event, he said — anyone interested can contact Visit Keweenaw.

To register to participate in the race, go online to https://pci.jotform.com/form/252016244897158.

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Graham Jaehnig can be reached at 906-482-1500 or gjaehnig@mininggazette.com.