THE INSIDE EDGE: Wanna race?

Column by SHEP SNOW

If there ever was a racing town, Sandpoint is it.

We're temporarily under the radar, but soon everyone's going to be asking where we came from.

Presently three Schweitzer Alpine Racing School (SARS) athletes are knocking on the U.S. Ski Team door and there are a couple of tiers behind them well on the way. Add several Masters National Champions, a U.S. Telemark Ski Team member, a U.S. Snowboard team member and numerous NASTAR National Champions, and you have a town with a healthy racing resume.

The Sandpoint area offers a variety of racing opportunities to meet everyone's needs. We have old guys, young kids and every group in between competing in one form or another. There is really no excuse not to join the fun. All it takes is a little time, some wax and a good attitude. Our athletes range from the super competitive to the fun crowd, so there's bound to be a spot for you.

USSA Racing — The United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) is the governing agency for organized racing in the U.S., and is the feeder system for the U.S. Ski and Snowboarding Team. Clubs register with USSA, coaches are trained at USSA clinics and races are sanctioned by the USSA. Beginning at age five, racers can compete in their age groups either independently or as members of a club. All organized clubs are members of the organization and compete under a uniform set of rules. Youth and Junior racers eventually progress to national and international competition through this pipeline. There are two USSA teams in the Sandpoint area:

? The Schweitzer Alpine Racing School (SARS) is the big dog on the street — so big that I'll have to address it in sections.

SARS served Schweitzer families on a continuous basis for the past 30 years. There are a number of programs available to suit almost anyone's needs that range from 1 day to 4 days per week training programs. They also have a scholarship program to help dedicated and talented athletes offset the expense of membership.

SARS is best known for its successful youth and junior level alpine racing programs. They boast a large coaching staff and more than 125 members from the Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene and Spokane areas. The Youth Program (ages 12 years and under) meets on weekends. The Junior Program (13 years and older) is the largest and most successful in the region. SARS also features a dynamic snowboard (both racing and freeride) program expanding to five training days this year. Additionally, SARS has a cross-country program under the management of Joseph Franz. These athletes train here and travel to a variety of events.

SARS head coach/program director, Roger Taggart, is a graduate of the National Coaches Academy and has been in the business for over 20 years. For additional information about SARS programs, contact Taggart at 263-1081 or visit the web site at www.sars.net.

? The Independence Racing Team is a USSA club comprised of 16 young athletes from the Sandpoint area. The program is entirely free and offers children, who might not otherwise have the opportunity, a chance to compete. You might have seen these kids washing cars every weekend this summer to fund their Mt. Hood racing camps. Although small, they boast having 100% of their junior athletes qualify for Junior Olympics (of course, they have only one). Club membership is limited due to a small, volunteer staff. Presently there are no openings on the roster.

? SARS Masters Program — Racing doesn't end when one "gets a real job" or doesn't make the cut for the Olympics.

Some of the toughest competitors silently lurk in the ranks of the Masters ski program. I like to call it the mid-life crisis division — long on teeth, time and money.

USSA sanctioned races are held throughout the US. There are also National and International championships. Similar to junior racers, Masters have the option of competing independently or as members of a club. Schweitzer has a very active Masters program operating under the auspices of the Schweitzer Alpine Racing School.

The Schweitzer Masters have been active at Schweitzer for a number of years. Masters racing is for competitors over 21 years old. Long time supporters of SARS, it was only natural that they would eventually join under the same name. This program not only provides training for competitive adult racers, but is an excellent means of advancing ones ski skills to another level.

Many of the most diligent trainers do not participate in sanctioned races. The Masters program offers a number of flexible programs designed to fit into the varied time and financial constraints of its members. Training is provided by five USSA and PSIA licensed coaches.

The head coach is Svein Nostdahl, a noted National Level Racer, long-time coach and graduate of the National Coaches Academy. Call 265-6163 or come by Sandpoint Sports for details.

? NASTAR — The National Standardized Racing Program, also known as citizen racing, is geared toward the recreational skier as well as the competitive racer. The 2004 NASTAR National Championships drew more than 1,100 competitors. NASTAR is citizen racing at its best — simple, convenient, and measurable, with the chance for a tangible reward after each run. Area pacesetters earn handicaps based upon their time relative to that of the National pacesetter. A computer program interpolates any racer's time as it might compare against the National pacesetter and medals are presented based upon age and gender. It sounds complicated, but its simple, inexpensive, and lots of fun.

Schweitzer is the only mountain for more the 200 miles with a NASTAR program. The course is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Johnny Hutto at 263-9555.

? Independence Junior Race Series — Whether you are experienced or have never raced before, this series is for you. Last year's program was a huge success and we already have more than 80% of the kids returning. The racers will be organized into seven, mathematically equal, teams based upon NASTAR handicaps. Each team will have two coaches. The first day (Saturday, Jan. 1) will be a coached, "learn to race" clinic followed by timed runs through the NASTAR course. The following three Friday evenings (Jan. 7, 14 and 21) will center around the race course, with some coaching on the side. Each member of the winning team receives medals and everyone gets a neat T-shirt at the final party. The goal is having fun and making friends. A great deal at a very low price ($30), registration is limited to 80 kids, so act now!

Registration forms are available at local ski shops or contact Shep Snow at 263-3552.

? Twilight Race Series — This one is for the adults.

Teams of five (at least one must be female) race on the NASTAR course on Friday evenings throughout February. At an informal, post-race, party the evening's winners receive prizes donated by sponsors. There are also prizes and awards for the team that wins the overall series. But the most important prize is bragging rights.

Contact Patrick Werry at 263-9555.

Up close - Starting next week, each edition will feature one of our more accomplished athletes. This community has many nationally known competitors in all disciplines and we want you to meet them all.