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NEWBERRY -- It's been almost a decade, but the Magnum Opus Road Rally is back in the U.P. Saturday, and 24 cars raced for the win in the closed-course auto race.

Mason Moyle is Northern Michigan University business student by day, auto addict by night. He may look young, but he's been on the rally scene four years now.

"I have to be here, this is definitely what I want to do with my life," said Moyle.

So far he's met success taking home a few titles, but his work doesn't end in the driver's seat. He put in 12-hour days during the month-long NMU winter break, wrench in hand, to get his car ready for the season. He's says it can push 130 mph, and that's why he loves being on the track.

"It's the biggest adrenaline rush, ever," said Moyle. "It's indescribable, going 100 mph completely sideways is wild."

The Magnum Opus is a performance rally; teams of drivers and navigators speed through timed stages. They'll race 60 miles total.

"It's like a game of golf, in cars," said Clerk of the Course Bill Westrick. "The object of these competitors is to get their cars to the start of a stage and to the finish in the fastest time."

In the U.P. that means the cars are battling nature's elements, firing through the sand and gravel in closed off forest county roads. Medical responders are stationed at every part of the race to keep safety the priority.

Some say the day isn't just about racing; it's also a boost to the local economy.

"You've got 500 people coming just to race, then you've got the spectators coming from out of state," said Newberry Area Chamber of Commerce Director Jomay Bomber. "Locally it's great for the area."

Organizers say the Magnum Opus has met a welcome return in the area.  They hope to hold another event next year.