Who says you can't race in winter?

Stuart Schwagerman is all about speed.

While he races dirt bikes for most of the year, the Lindenhurst 10-year-old turns to racing a hulking snowmobile up and down hills when the ground is covered in snow.

"I like to go as fast as I can," Schwagerman said.

Stuart is one of 125 competitors participating in 58 heats this weekend at the Winter Thunder Challenge at Golf Farm in Wauconda.

After all the snow and cold weather, Mother Nature showed her sunny side Saturday, sending balmy weather just in time for the kickoff of snocross racing in Lake County. Lack of snow, however, didn't faze Thunder Challenge organizers who have been making their own snow since Thursday.

Snocross, a marriage between snowmobiling and motocross racing, has grown in popularity, particularly among children and teenagers.

Originating in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan, the sport came to Lake County in 2006 when the Winter Thunder track, formerly located in Twin Lakes, Wis., moved south of the border to Golf Farm, a driving range owned by Deacon Kallish.

"If you're any type of race fan, you will enjoy this," Kallish said. "It's a great family sport. It's an expensive hobby, but it's a family hobby," he said.

Looking for big air are racers in their teens and older and some as young as 4 riding snowmobiles just slightly larger than themselves.

During the 10-week season, Stuart and his parents, Perry and Lynette, will spend their weekends at the track. Perry maintains the snowmobiles and Lynette cheers on Stuart.

"It's family oriented, and we've made good friends through this," Lynette Schwagerman said.

Among these is the DeHamer family. Cody DeHamer, 11, races, as does his dad John DeHamer, 42.

"Just being out here and having fun," is why John DeHamer races.

The youngest racers ride mini snowmobiles that can reach 15 mph.

Competitive classes included semi-pro and sport in different age categories, including a "Legends" group for riders 35 years and older. Competitors earn points based on the order in which they finish the race. These accumulate throughout the season.

As in any racing competition, mechanics keep the equipment in top form. Teams also use trailers -- outfitted with television, microwaves and refrigerators -- to keep warm and stay comfortable.

The sport represents a financial commitment and sponsorships do help, said Jim Schwantz of North Barrington, who has three children competing: Michael, 19; Jennifer, 16 and Jon, 15.

"Our family has been enjoying this for 14 years. It's great," he said.

The competition continues today at Golf Farm, 2100 N. Route 12.