“Safety first. Hold your lines until the first corner. Have fun! Oh, and don’t hit the flagman!”

It all may sound a little informal and it is, because the flagman for KC PRO West snowmobiling races is talking to a group of racers ranging from 4 to 12 years old. These kids are racing in one of two groups, the Arctic Cat Kitty Cat group racing on an ice-packed track, or the 120 classes, racing on a snow-cross track with small hills and bumps. Within each group, the youth are split into classes, depending upon their racing experience and the modifications that have been done to their racing snowmobile.

KC PRO West, founded in 1989, is a non-profit volunteer organization that currently has over 60 family members. The club promote safety, teach children safe driving practices, encourage friendships among families, and aid in the building of a child’s good character.

While it may be all in fun for the young racers, you won’t know it by appearances. The event has a professional racing air that adds to the excitement. Trophies are awarded to all racers, no matter at what level they place.

The miniature snowmobilers are often decked out with the latest in racing graphics, and each racer sports a bright orange racing number. Plus, parents line the edge of the racing tracks — some even with heated trailers — for fast help in the racing pits. Personality of the racers show through on the paint and decals on the snowmobile hoods. Some will have Mickey Mouse decals and others will display the same racing style decals and branding as the professionals.

Approximately eight races are held each year in various locations throughout North Dakota and Minnesota. For more information on KC PRO West, visit www.kcprowest.com.