ON THE FAST TRACK

MAT-SU — The Alaska Motor Mushers Club will fire up the engine on its 2011 cross country season with the Eureka Lodge K100 snowmachine race Saturday morning.

AMMC’s Craig Clayton said the race — which starts at the lodge located at Mile 128 of the Glenn Highway — is not just a great way to start the season, but also a chance to show off what the club and its races have to offer.

Clayton said one of the primary goals of the club is to expose it to more riders and bring in top competitors who typically steer toward more noted races such as the Iron Dog.

“We want to get those racers involved and show them we mean business,” Clayton said. “We want to get the big names back into AMMC.”

Clayton said about 15 riders have preregistered for the 100-mile race that involves four loops around a 26-mile track. The club would like to see 40 competitors spread among the five classes on race day.

The Eureka Lodge K100 is the first of six cross country races hosted by AMMC this season. Competitors will need to hit at least five on the list — which also includes the Mayor’s Cup in Valdez and the 200-mile Larry Heal Memorial — to be eligible for the season championship. Clayton said Saturday will provide a good chance for riders to hit the trail.

“I think it’s an excellent way to start out,” Clayton said. “It allows racers to see where the shortcomings are on their sled, tell them if it’s a good year to run the Iron Dog.”

There’s also a chance to win some cash. AMMC has guaranteed a minimum payout of $1,000 in the Pro Men’s Open class and $500 in the women’s open. The Pro Vet class will have its normal payout schedule, Clayton said, and all other classes are trophy classes.

AMMC is hosting signups Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. at Eureka Lodge. There is a racers meeting at 11:15 a.m., staging starts at 11:30 and the first rider leaves at noon.

Clayton said the event is fan friendly, and the course offers a great spot for spectators to catch the action.

“The last four miles are right alongside the Glenn Highway,” Clayton said. “The pits are easily accessible. You can sit in the car and watch the pits.”

Clayton said he expects a fast track. For more on the club and its races, see ammcracing.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/matsu_sports.