2026 Clunker Sled Classic
By the time the gates opened at 7:00 a.m., folks were already rolling in with coffee in hand, bundled up, and ready to make a morning of it. Families got a front-row seat to one of those true North Country events where the laughs come easy, the stories get better every time they’re told, and the excitement builds with every sled that fired up in the pits.
By Joshua Smith
Ready for the green flag is the 120 champ kids heat race at Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford last Saturday February 21, 2026. (Courtesy Photo)
Bradford VT - With an extra seven inches of snow falling the night before, winter showed up right on cue for this year’s Clunker Sled Classic at Bear Ridge Speedway on February 21—and it made for just about perfect track conditions.
By the time the gates opened at 7:00 a.m., folks were already rolling in with coffee in hand, bundled up, and ready to make a morning of it. Families got a front-row seat to one of those true North Country events where the laughs come easy, the stories get better every time they’re told, and the excitement builds with every sled that fired up in the pits.
A big tip of the cap goes to the organizers from the Connecticut Valley Snowmobile Club, who kept the day running smooth. Dan Ingerson led the charge, and the volunteer effort behind the scenes was a big part of why everything worked so well. Thanks to Butch and April May for the use of Bear Ridge Speedway, Woodsville Bobcat for the skidsteer (run by Derek Graham), Jason Fornwell for two loaders with pushers to open parking areas, and Ryan for bringing over a PistenBully 100 to get the track in shape. Credit also goes to Paul, Jackson, and Alex for snow blowing, shoveling, and setting up safety fence, and to Todd Dunham for keeping the road plowed so everyone could get in and out without trouble.
When the 10:30 a.m. green flag dropped, Bear Ridge turned into a snow-dusted playground of roaring engines and hometown cheering. It wasn’t just racing—it was community, plain and simple, and a family-friendly winter day that reminded everyone why events like this matter around here.
Ready for the 200 Stock Class at the 2026 Clunker Classic at Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford are :(L - R) Emery, Owen Patenaude, and William Morse.
(Courtesy Photo)
Steve Batchelder and Tonya Palmer of Batchelder Carpentry are shown enjoying the races from the sponsor’s booth at Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford. on Saturday February 21, 2026 (Courtesy Photo)