Heartland 200 racers blaze through bitter cold

Windchill advisories both days of the USXC Park Rapids Heartland 200 only delayed the race time by one hour.

Ninety-five sleds competed Saturday, while 69 raced on Sunday, with temperatures 30 below zero.

For the first time, the start/finish line and pit area was located behind Salvage Depot, off Hwy. 34. All riders took off together and results were based on a total of both days.

The 120-mile, cross-country snowmobile course took racers north to Emmaville, through the Paul Bunyan State Forest and along the Heartland Trail.

The race featured 19 classes - including junior, pro, open, vintage and classic IFS - offering many racers a chance to complete one lap around course twice in two days. Full results are posted at www.usxcracing.com .

This was the seventh annual USXC race in Park Rapids.

1/2: Competing in the Semi Pro Factory 600, Tyler Oettinger (#227) captures second place.

2/2: Skyler Soyring crosses the finish line, placing 16th overall in the Semi Pro Factory 600 class.