NORWAY — Thursday’s snowfall has set the foundation for the annual Norway Trackers Snowfest, scheduled for Jan. 26 and 27.

“It’s a good start,” said Diane Gammon, president of the Norway Trackers Snowmobile Club.

Snowfest draws thousands of snowmobile enthusiasts and observers to Lake Pennesseewassee each winter for two days of drag racing and radar runs. Proceeds pay for the club’s maintenance and grooming of about 50 miles of trails.

Gammon said Thursday’s snowstorm provided a good base, but another 12 to 18 inches will be needed to provide safe conditions for the racers. Additionally, the ice needs to be thick enough. At this point, the lake still has some open water and the ice is thin, she said.

“It’s still a concern,” she said.

Last year, unsafe ice conditions caused the Snowfest to be canceled.

With snowmobiles running as high as 100 mph, Gammon said safety has to be a priority.

Gammon said this year fees for the participants will be reduced because the Norway Trackers decided not to team up with the Maine Snowmobile Drag Racing Association, which was previously at the races to check sleds before the runs for a fee. With the change, participants will no longer have to pay the tech fee for the inspection, she said.

The entry fee will be $20 for drag racing on the ice track, $15 for the snow track. Radar runs are $5, or $20 for five runs. More information about the Snowfest and the club is available at www.norwaytrackers.com.

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