Two Litchfield boys have been racing their snowmobiles. Their mother, Darcy Donahue, said that her boys love the sort, but also know that one of the requirements for continued racing is continued good performance in school. "The race directors also emphasize good school performance so the boys don't just hear that from me."

The boys may race, but the love of the sport came from their parents. Their father Shawn Donahue enjoys both skiing and snowmobiling and he's passed his love of the sports to his sons. "We really make a family affair of the race weekends. It's a great time for all of us to be together."

Shane, age 7, is currently in second grade at Griffin Memorial School (GMS) and his younger brother, Connor, 5, attends kindergarten at kiddie Konnection.

This is their first full year of racing. The boys attended eight days of racing out of 20. However, Darcy is quick to point out that four days of racing were cancelled because of lack of snow. "When you consider the cancellations, they actually made 50 percent of the races," she smiled.

Both like bike riding in the off season, or riding their snowmobiles with wheels instead of skis according to their mother.

Shane is hoping to move up to the Adult track in the 2008-2009 season, after one more year of "seat time" on the smaller 120 track," said Darcy.

The WPSA (World PowerSports Association) is a governing body that organizes, promotes, and regulates a variety of snowmobile competitions. Snocross is today's most popular form of snowmobile racing with its high-flying aerial displays and short-track, which makes it both spectator and television friendly. A Snowcross rack features tight turns, banked corners and a variety of bumps allowing racers to catch "big air" in full view of spectators.

Even at the lower level with smaller, slower snowmoiles, Snocross has plenty of excitement. To catch some of that excitement, check out Shane and Connor on the racetrack. They made a video to share their love of the sport, and to thank their sponsors. The video can be viewed at www.DonahueRacing.net.

This past season, both boys raced in the 120cc class in the Rock Maple Racing SnoX series (www.rockmaple.com). The primary goal of racing in this class is to have fun, but a secondary stated purpose is "to teach children the importance to do well, not only on the track, but also in school."

The 120 program replicates the main series, but on a smaller level. Children are required to wear safety gear and may not race without it. Rock Maple wants the younger racers to know how to race safely and to be prepared to move upward as they grow.

Both boys run "stock" snowmobiles. Their father is their pit crew and chief mechanic rolled into one. He laughed, "There is always something that got bent or dented. I work on their snowmobiles."

The first race for Shane and Connor this past season was at Essex Junction, Vermont. Darcy said that neither of the boys made it to the finals, but that both had so much fun they couldn't wait for their next race.

"I love to race," grinned a happy Shane.

"Me too," echoed his brother Connor.

The boys were thrilled to be placed in the finals on both days of the two-day race weekend at Mt.Whittier in Ossipee. Racing in the Stock Novice class, and Stock class, both showed excellent skill and control of their snowmobiles. Racing is a combination of speed and skill. Figuring out how to take the turn without tipping over is a prime goal at this level.

Each of the boys got a small snowmobile after they turned three. "It was their Christmas present, " said Shawn. The Donahues have a large yard surrounding their home in Litchfield and when there is snow on the ground, the boys can happily and safely ride in their year.

Success followed them into their third race at Barton, Vermont. There they raced Stock Novice, Stock, and Improved class, and placed in finals in all classes. THe trophies were starting to mount up.

"For some reason they do as well and maybe even a little better when they run in the "improved" class," said Shawn, "but they are running stock snowmobiles. We just want them to have fun and by leaving the machines in a stock configuration, they can run in all classes."

Again in their fourth race, which was held at Windham Mountain, Windham, New York, they raced Stock Novice, Stock, and Improved class, and placed in all of their classes.

Now with race season over, the boys are filled with dreams for next year and enjoyment of the moment, The boys are energetic and imaginative. Although they stopped moving to talk about the fun of Snowcross racing and their hopes for next year, they really wanted to work on their plans for catching that pesky robin who is trying to eat the worms in their yard.