Another thrilling day of racing for Cain’s Quest, the world’s longest and toughest snowmobile endurance race. Teams from three countries travel extremely challenging terrain and snow conditions as they journey north to Nain from Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The majestic views of Nunatsiavut were sure to be a treat for them today, however.
The four leadings teams: 99, 22, 44 and 59, departed Goose Bay early in the morning and set the course for the next checkpoint, Postville. After Cain’s Quest organizers removed one remote checkpoint along the intended course, racers were given the opportunity to chart their own route to Postville, which brought all teams into Makkovik or Rigolet for fuel. Both communities are official checkpoints on the south-bound leg, but were not required on this portion of the race.
Three additional teams scratched; front runners- Team #44, Capital Crane/Team Maine, arrived under tow into the checkpoint with unrepairable damage to one of the machines. Team #16, Powell/Juszku also scratched after one machine rolled into a brook, causing mechanical issues. Team # 83, Branded Clothing weren’t able to leave checkpoint #2 due to mechanical issues as well.
To date, there have been no reports of illegal trail use or other race infractions. Racers have been treated to welcoming crowds of community members, eager volunteers and warm meals. Team #66, Wild Nordic Finland, enjoyed their first bowl of caribou soup at the Natuashish checkpoint!
The remaining teams will be required to layover in Nain for a twelve-hour period, after which time they will begin their journey back down the coast. Team #6, CSR Racing spent almost eight hours on repairs in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, but were determined to stay in the race. It will be a long journey for them tonight, but Nain will be waiting.
Hundreds of volunteer crews have been working together to make Cain’s Quest 2016 an incredible off-trail racing experience for the ambitious thirty-seven teams. Cain’s Quest would not be possible without the time and energy put in by so many people.
For more information on Cain’s Quest, visit cainsquest.com. Follow us on Twitter @cainsquest, use #cq2016 or join the conversation on our Cain’s Quest Facebook page.
Cain’s Quest is the world’s toughest and longest snowmobile endurance race. It is an incredible off-trail riding adventure where teams of two battle in an all-out race through 3,500 kilometres of deep snow and thick wooded areas in some of the most remote parts of Labrador. The race is managed by Cain’s Quest Inc., a volunteer-run, non-profit organization.
