Snowmobile Crash Video

[AndyC]

OK, this is a video I shot at a snowmobile race last weekend. This was, oddly enough, the first thing I shot on video that day. I was just figuring out how to track the sleds with my homemade steadicam when one of them suddenly tips over and comes sliding right at me. This is followed by what I like to call "run-like-hell-cam" as I got my ass out of the way. Check it out.

http://209.200.253.26/special/huntsville/videozone/index.php?id=75&region=Almaguin

[Andrew]

You were wondering if the straw barrier was going to stop the snowmobile or if it had enough inertia to go through it, up the bank of snow like a ramp, and land on you - weren't you?

[AndyC]

I didn't start out behind the snowbank. I was actually in the pit area, where the barriers aren't quite as complete. There's an opening for track grooming equipment, and I was standing there, just sort of on the end of the snowbank, for a clear shot. The bales were about all there was. That's the beauty of having media access - I sign a waiver, and I get to stand right next to the track. I was probably far enough back, but I still can't say for sure. I also can't decide whether I'm disappointed at not getting more on tape, or pleased that my reflexes are a lot better than I thought they were.

Those Pro Champ sleds are insane - 130 horsepower on a chassis weighing 375 pounds. That's about the same horsepower as my first car 

[Allhallowsday]

Cool.  Good thing you got out of the way, Andy.   
I love snowmobiling, but haven't been in at least 20 years...