307 GoFast hits minor speed bump

After a successful first year in 2023, the organizers of the 307 GoFast On Ice races were looking to make the event “bigger and better” for 2024.

One of the primary reasons the races were so successful the year before was due, in part, to cancellation of the annual Saratoga Lake Ice Fishing Derby. WIth the lake restocked with trout, organizers knew that ice huts and ice holes would pose an issue for racers. That, combined with the fact that Sandy Beach was not as large as it had been in 2023—again primarily due to the process of the lake kill—there would not be as much ground for spectators and racers to park. So, the organizers began to look for a new location.

That new location may end up being Haines Reservoir, also known as Car Body Lake, off of Carbon County Road 304, an idea supported by Kip Kerbs who owns property near the area. Much of the land, however, is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Still, the area was large enough it could potentially support more than one track in the future, give plenty of parking to spectators and make for easier access for racers. The only issue would be a rough winter, impacting the county road and access to the reservoir.

The organizers and crew of 307 GoFast On Ice knew that, with the land being managed being BLM, they would need to get their “ducks in a row.” What was not expected, however, was the amount of time this would take.

“Getting all the BLM requirements has been a challenge,” said Susan Smith, one of the organizers. “The crew is working hard at getting all the information they need. The BLM Rawlins office has been extremely helpful and the 307 GoFast crew is very grateful for the information and insight the BLM has offered.”

Should the permitting process finish be successful this year, organizers believe this will be the only year with a “hiccup” and that next year should go smoothly. That leaves a few races this year, however, in limbo. The races for January 13 have already been canceled and are still unsure as to if the January 27 races will take place as scheduled. If the second races in January are canceled, it would leave only the February 10 races.

“Nothing is firm on either of these dates,” said Smith. “So, everyone, keep hoping for both. Priority number one for 307 GoFast is fun, but safety is also very important and that requires solid ice. The 307 GoFast crew thanks you all for your understanding and support and asks that you please don’t give up on the races.”