On August 1, 1976, a 100-mile off-road race was organized by the Bark River Lions Club and brought what would become short course racing to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

On August 14–16, 2026, Bark River International Raceway will host the Off-Road Rumble in the UP. With the golden anniversary of the track right around the corner, BRIR plans to make it as special as possible.

One notable wrinkle was announced on Tuesday, reviving the Long Jump Contest as the Richard Ault Legacy Long Jump after it was last held in 2006. The current record is 190 feet set by Jerry Whelchel that final year, after which the contest was replaced by additional Pro races.

A Vietnam veteran who served as an Army radio operator, Ault competed in the inaugural Bark River off-road race in 1976 and was co-race director at the Bark River Lions Club until he passed away in 2022 at the age of 72. A $10,000 purse is available with $6,000 being provided by Ault’s family.

“We could not think of a more fitting way to celebrate our 50th Anniversary than by bringing back one of the most legendary events in Bark River history,” track officials stated. “For decades, the Long Jump has created stories and memories that are still shared throughout the off-road racing community today. We extend our sincere thanks to the Ault family for honoring Richard’s legacy in such a meaningful way. Their generosity will help create new memories for today’s racers and fans.”

BRIR began life 50 years ago on the work of Ken Lanaville and Dave Vandermissen Sr. The Bark River Lions Club members saw 15,000 people show up to Crandon for the Brush Run (which has also expanded its itinerary for 2026 in honor of its history) on Independence Day weekend and decided to organize their own event a month later.

The inaugural UP Off-Road 100 was held on August 1, consisting of 20 laps around a five-mile course that began by a softball park before going through the forest and swamps. Six classes were invited, with all but American Stock and Front-Engined Buggies running the full distance; the other two did 50 miles.

Registering for the race cost $25 per race plus an additional $10 for each start to cover insurance, while spectators got in for $2 (free for under 12 years old). Approximately 1,000 fans showed up in the end.

The morning kicked off with a pancake breakfast at the American Legion. After a pre-race parade through the village, racing commenced. 28 cars in total competed.

• American Stock: Gary Bradley beat Bob Carter, Ralph Smits, and Bob Weist.
• Foreign Stock: Lou Tryan won ahead of Ken Cayer.
• Front-Engined Dune Buggy: A battle of the Houle brothers, Wayne defeated Joe.
• Rear-Engined Dune Buggy Over 40 Horsepower: Wes Pichler followed by Vandermissen, Al Mott, and Jim Lahti.
• Rear-Engined Dune Buggy Under 40 Horsepower: Brian Kapugia held off Don Carrigan, Keith Winkowski, and Don Truit.
• 4×4: Jim Viau was the only entrant in the class.

The field expanded to 70 cars for the second race on July 24, 1977. It featured roughly the same itinerary and classes, though Rear-Engined Buggy Under 40 was split into single- and two-seater categories. Ray Miller (American Stock), Wayne Habeck (Foreign Stock), Gary Berra (Front-Engine), Dave Clark (Over 40), Peter Karempelis (Under 40, Single-Seater) and Ken Gagne (Two-Seater), and Dan Fiske (4×4) won.

While the racing proved popular, with 1977 drawing twice as many attendees as the year before, the format was difficult for them to follow. Thus, the course was shortened and reconfigured into a 1.5-mile layout.

Bark River has also stated it is “working to preserve the history of our event.” From the first races to the Long Jump to last year when CJ Greaves hit 200 short course wins, the track wants to remember it all. To this end, it’s encouraging everyone with additional historical info to contact BRIR’s secretary at barkriveroffroads@gmail.com.

The Island Resort and Casino Off-Road Rumble in the UP is the sixth round of the 2026 Championship Off-Road season.

Featured image credit: John Anderson / Escanaba Daily Press (July 25, 1977)