Preparations are underway for a big snowmobile race in
central Wisconsin. The 9th annual Wausau
525 will run this weekend.
Organizers say more than 2,000 people will attend the 525, which
is becoming one of the state's biggest snowmobile races.
Local tourism officials say the three day event provides a
boost to the area.
The Wausau 525 started as a memorial race for a local snowmobile
racer Philip "Flip" Merwin who died 10 years ago.
"It's difficult," said Ralph Merwin, Philip's Father. "It brings back a lot of memories, but
get to see a lot of his friends and fellow racers that he raced with and
families."
After Flip's death, a race promoter approached Ralph
about starting a memorial race in Flip's
honor.
"We struggled with doing it," said Merwin. "But
we went ahead, and it turned out quite well, so the group decided to keep
going, so now this is our 9th year."
Money raised from the 525, Flip's old number, goes to "Flip's Fund."
"It provides for families and mostly children that have
serious medical conditions," said Nancy Prigge, Wausau 525 Club Secretary.
And for Merwin, the race weekend is also about continuing
his son's passion.
"Oh he'd be smiling and kind of chuckling at all the
work we gotta do to make this happen," said
Merwin. "But I'm sure be in favor of it."
Merwin says the group is already planning a special event
for next year, the 10 year anniversary of the Wausau 525.
