I-500

Goodridge / Grygla I-500
Goodridge / Gyrgla, MN
February 11 / 12, 2023

On every terrain racer’s bucket list, the I-500 is an iconic race that even trail riders often dream of completing. Sled reliability and durability has to do a lot with this race as the high speeds for 500 miles can put a lifetime of wear and tear on any snowmobile. For 95% of all entrants, it’s about finishing the race not just winning it.

Especially in the earlier years of the I-500 when race sleds were separated from a really good consumer trail sled with some reinforcements and shock packages. The I-500 is the only race over 500 miles that racers are not racing as a team of two sleds or a few racers sharing the work load on one sled. The original I-500 three-day race had racers start in Winnipeg, Manitoba and finishing in St. Paul, Minnesota. It has gone through a few changes over the years but it is still a race that is demanding and riders always trying to stay focused as the miles roll down to the days end. Today’s version of the I-500 is the Goodridge-Grygla 500, which takes place over two days covering 500 miles filled with the same treacherously rough ditches, deep holes, rivers, woods and fields.

The 500 continues to thrive in huge part to the support of former racers, club members, and enthusiasts from the Goodridge Grygla snowmobile clubs.

Day one will be the south loop; starting in Goodridge, MN the course will be routed towards Oklee, MN (location TBD), refuel there then head back to Goodridge to close out the first 125-mile loop. Vintage and Jr 10-13 classes (run only on Saturday) will run this loop once but all the remaining classes will venture out to attack this loop again to complete the 250 miles for day one.

Day two will be the north loop; starting in Goodridge, MN the course will be routed to Skime, MN, refuel there then head back to Goodridge to close out the first 125-mile loop. Classic class (run only on Sunday) will run this loop once but all remaining classes will continue on to complete another 125 miles for the two-day total of 500 miles.

• Goodridge / Grygla I-500 Race Day information

Friday