HISTORY OF SNODEO
MISSION STATEMENT
The function of the Manawa Snodeo is to provide a safe, controlled environment for individuals to display their talents on an outdoor power sports vehicle in closed-course winter conditions. The Snodeo is also intended to promote the hobby of snowmobiling, while encouraging a sense of community by including various charitable and civic organizations.
2007
The Manawa Snodeo was conceived; by a group of racers and enthusiasts from the area, who wanted to rekindle the snowmobile derbies held at Bear Lake and Manawa Lake between the years of 1968-1973. The term “Snodeo” was considered as a play on words being that the City of Manawa is known nationwide for holding a 4th of July PRCA sanctioned Rodeo.
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The event began initially as a one day 1.5-mile-long Snowmobile slalom or “Lakecross” event and had 37 contestants with approximately, 100 spectators. For the following few years, the entrees, attendance, and length of the course continued to grow, up to 2 miles. A 10 lap or 20 mile “Iron Man” feature race was offered which added to the excitement.
2010
The Manawa Lions club became involved, constructing a 660’ long radar-run track, which brought in a whole new group of participants and now 500 spectators.
2011
The decision was made to build a ¼ mile long ice oval track with snowmobile and motorcycle racers bringing in an additional event plus an additional day. To help cover all the various functions Fox Valley Technical College from Appleton, WI came on board to assist with the workload. Spectator attendance doubled.
2012
Ice oval kitty-cat races were initiated on yet another track, which added a 4th event with all 4 able to be conducted simultaneously without conflict.
We now have help from more local civic groups: the Symco Threshermen, Manawa FFA Alumni, local Boy Scouts, Manawa Fire Dept, Rawhide Boys Camp, Little Wolf Sr/Jr High School, Art Club, Little Wolf Athletic Booster Club and Guardians of the Children.
2017
An agreement was established between the Manawa Snodeo and Weyauwega’s Fire on Ice Racing Derby to partner in several business areas to offer better programs for our racers and fans, an arrangement we believe everyone involved will benefit from. Now, we are essentially hosting 2 consecutive weekends of various forms of professional winter motorsport racing in our immediate area; a claim which cannot be duplicated anywhere in the country.
2019
The Central Wisconsin Ice Racing Association was added to the Snodeo race schedule. CWIRA will be back to race again on Sunday. This is our second year in hosting the Twin County Vintage Snowmobile Show which will bring in upwards of 75 classic and collectable snowmobiles from throughout history. Overall attendance is well over 2,000.
2020
We will hold a two-day Snodeo event, with racing of “Skis” on Saturday and “Wheels” on Sunday. Pro-Vintage racing joined our event; they will be racing on Saturday.Badger State Brothers of the Blade Lawnmower racing organization along with John Spence and his Minibikes will take to the ice on Sunday as well. The highlight of this year’s event will be an attempt by a rocket fueled race machine, The Arctic Arrow, to break the land/ice speed record of 247 mph. We also added the car/truck Merrill Ice Drag race club, a crowd favorite.
2021
In March of 2020, the Donald Craig family contacted the Manawa Snodeo, LLC and expressed interest in attempting to duplicate the surpassing of 100 MPH by snowmobile. On March 14, 1968, Bob Hansen from New London, WI drove a specially prepared Trade Winds Cheetah with a 594cc opposed-twin JLO motor recorded 101 mph. The record was set on White Lake near Manawa, Wisconsin.
The Craig family stated they would supply all of the necessary items to build a duplicate record sled, even so far as locating and shipping new original engines in crates from Australia. The family will offer as much support as possible but has no interest in retaining the machine after the record attempt, nor does the Manawa Snodeo. Sarah Anderson, Director from the World Snowmobile Headquarters, Eagle River, WI has agreed to display this record machine in their museum, as long as necessary. Russ Davis, Vice-President of the museum raced on the Trade Winds factory team at the same time the record was originally established. On Feb 20, 2021, Bob Hansen’s son, Brian, raced this re-produced sled and surpassed the 100 mph mark at 103.4 MPH on a 1,000 foot race course.
2022
The Manawa Snodeo took another leap with offering Saturday and Sunday Racing and a special invitational night show featuring the Champ 440 class. Many drivers and teams from that exciting division made their made way to Manawa to put on a thrilling exhibition. 90-year-old, Dick Decker former Eagle River Derby track owner was named our “Snowmobile Ambassador” and took time to visit with many teams and spectators. Ryan Suchanek-motorcycle stunt driver along with his son put on a great show and local crafter Buschke chainsaw carving was brought on board to demonstrate his talents. Over 4,000 fans attended.
2023
No racing; warm weather! Gone Fishin’ We did hold the vintage snowmobile show that brought in a lot of entrees. A collective decision was made to pass the torch to the New London Snowriders snowmobile club to take over our lakecross event the 4th weekend in February, we wish them well and will assist wherever necessary.
2024
No racing; warm weather! Gone Fishin’ We did hold the vintage snowmobile show that brought in a lot of entrees. We Introduced “Stanley the Snowmobile” a made over 1972 Polaris Colt which will become our mascot and children’s favorite, complete with fan club.
2025
Hopeful for good weather....So, sit back, relax and get ready for The Best Show on Snow! The Manawa Snodeo is held annually always the third weekend in February on beautiful Bear Lake in Manawa, WI.
