Turf Wars Racing huge hit with spectators in Cormorant

Racers braved temperatures in the mid-90s, and battled each other, for powersport, drag racing supremacy during the 4th annual Turf Wars Racing event.

Kicking off June 5 from Sherbrooke Turf in Cormorant, racers didn't disappoint the hundreds of spectators that gathered to see which drivers, and vehicles, were best as they sped down the 500-foot, grass track in a double elimination tournament. No cash prizes were awarded, but the class trophies, and bragging rights, were all many of the racers were after at the end of the day.

"I'm just here to win," said Jena Walz, a racer and event organizer. "Your machine has to be on-point, if it's a little off, then it just runs like crap and then you could lose the race."

The race was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which, organizers said, gave them more time set everything up for this year's race.

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Jake Sherbrooke, an event organizer, showed up to the race in dress clothes after attending his father's wedding earlier in the day.

"Honestly, I couldn't have imagined it any more perfect," said Sherbrooke. "Everyone who wants to be here, is here, and it's hot, and everyone is just dealing with it."

He also said the drag racing tournament event is unique for the area, which why he, and the other organizers, started the races to begin with. They hope to continue building on the popularity of the event and possibly add some more permanent structures as they continue the race in years to come.

"I think next year, what we're going to try to do, is try to acquire a different area and make a permanent strip, so it'll have all concrete and barricades," said Sherbrooke. "And then we'll do camping, and have a full weekend event, so that's our game plan."

Some of the spectators drove hours across the state to see the event, even if they weren't racing.

"It was my first time going to Turf Wars, and I just thought it would be cool to come and hang out," said Cody Tabatt, an event attendee from Albany, about 20 miles northwest of St. Cloud.

Tabatt said he heard about the event on Facebook and loves powersports. Next year, he said, he plans on entering as a competitor with his dirt bike or all-terrain vehicle.

During the event, organizers made the announcement they are currently planning a winter drag racing tournament that will take place on Dec. 18, 2021. While the exact location is being worked out, an organizer said, the winter race will involve snowmobiles, and other vehicles, in a similar double elimination tournament.

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1/5: Two dirt bike drag racers tear off the starting line during the 4th annual Turf Wars Racing event in Cormorant, Minn., on June 5, 2021. Racers competed on a 500-foot turf track in double-elimination tournament brackets for a variety of engine classes and racing categories. (Michael Achterling / Tribune)

2/5: Two side-by-side all-terrain vehicle racers tear off the starting line during the 4th annual Turf Wars Racing event in Cormorant, Minn., on June 5, 2021. Racers competed on a 500-foot turf track in double-elimination tournament brackets for a variety of engine classes and racing categories. (Michael Achterling / Tribune)

3/5: Side-by-side all-terrain vehicles wait to be called to the starting line during the 4th annual Turf Wars Racing event in Cormorant, Minn., on June 5, 2021. Racers competed on a 500-foot turf track in double-elimination tournament brackets for a variety of engine classes and racing categories. (Michael Achterling / Tribune)

4/5: Mikkel Heinlein, 12, of Detroit Lakes, Minn., shows off his trophy for winning the 0 to 85cc, 2-stroke engine class during the 4th annual Turf Wars Racing event in Cormorant, Minn., on June 5, 2021. Racers competed on a 500-foot turf track in double-elimination tournament brackets for a variety of engine classes and racing categories. (Michael Achterling / Tribune) portrait card

5/5: First place trophies are displayed at the registration table during the 4th annual Turf Wars Racing event in Cormorant, Minn., on June 5, 2021. Racers competed on a 500-foot turf track in double-elimination tournament brackets for a variety of engine classes and racing categories. (Michael Achterling / Tribune)