Hibbert Takes Gold at Winter X Games

Hibbert walks away with gold.

Ten years ago, then semi-pro racer Tucker Hibbert, 16 at the time, shocked the snowmobile racing world by beating a star-studded field in his first pro race at the Winter X Games in Vermont, claiming a gold medal in the made-for-TV event.

Sunday, the racer from Goodridge, Minnesota, reiterated that, as an adult, he’s the most dominant racer in the sport. He absolutely destroyed the competition, winning by more than 48 seconds in the 20-lap final. In doing so, he earned his fifth X Games gold medal in snocross, including the last four in a row, and his ninth X Games medal overall.

Heat 1 of qualifying had Ryan Simons taking the holeshot and he was followed by Cory Davis and Dan Ebert. Davis quickly passed Simons to move on to win Heat 1. The top 5 racers to move on to the final from this heat were: 1. Cory Davis 2. Ryan Simons 3. Tim Trembly 4. Dan Ebert 5. Levi Lavallee.

In Heat 2 of qualifying, Tucker Hibbert took the holeshot and never looked back. By lap 7, Hibbert had a twelve second lead on the field. On lap 19, Bobby Lepage used the 18-foot Talladega turn to pass Colby Crapo for the final transfer spot. The top 5 to advance in Heat 2 were 1. Tucker Hibbert 2. Brett Turcotte 3. Paul Bauerly 4. Matt Piche 5. Bobby LePage.

[Read more]

New Yamaha Sled: Power Steering?

I spent yesterday riding a new, presumably 2011 Yamaha snowmobile. I don’t know its name, I don’t know what engine it features, and I’m not exactly sure what makes the steering so light. In fact, here’s everything I know about this exciting new sled….um….uh…..well, it has a track….

OK, that might be an exaggeration — it comes in a version of the Deltabox chassis, it has a four-stroke powerplant, and it features the Mono Shock rear suspension. Beyond that,  Yamaha officials are being unbelievably coy about this new machine — opting for this approach with the media: “Ride it, and give your impressions, but you can’t open any panels or the hood.” The Snow Goer team will learn the real answers soon, but I can tell you that it has the lightest steering of any snowmobile I’ve ever ridden, and it has the best handling of any four-stroke snowmobile I’ve ridden.

My guess? Electronic Power Steering has made its first entry into the snowmobile market. Yamaha is the same manufacturer who first introduced power-assisted steering to the ATV market, and with that has completely changed the market in the past three years.

On the snowmobile I rode, the light steering had a dual effect — first, made it easy to ride in any conditions I encountered. Beyond that, the lighter steering seems to have allowed Yamaha to better dial in its suspension setup — the front end stayed much more planted than other recent Yamahas, carving corners with ease, and with most ski lift eliminated. My guess on that one? Because the heavy-steering penalty of dialing in more front end is removed by the addition of power steering, Yamaha set up the sled with more transfer to the skis.

Now, the powerplant: I don’t know what that is either!! But, it felt like a three-cylinder engine on steroids. It ran with the Apex we had with us, leading me to think it has 140-plus horsepower, and it spins up to just over 10,000 rpm if you stay on the gas long enough. That said, it’s a different powerband than the Apex and the Vector. Could it have a slight turbo assist? Possibly, but it’s so unbelievably smooth there’s no turbo feel to it.

We’re leaving the hotel in 9 minutes for another day of riding. I’ll update this post tonight with more feedback after more time in the saddle.

–John Prusak

Oval Racing Photos From Shakopee

With the Eagle River World Championship Derby less than two weeks away, it’s time to tease you with some oval racing shots from the season-opening racing in Shakopee, Minnesota. To see the images, click on the photo tab on the upper nav bar. We’ve photos of all the top racers who appeared at the event — and many of whom will be those to watch at the Derby. Moyle, Wahl, Bewcyk, Schulz, Fjerstad and much more. The World Champinship Snowmobile Derby is January 14-17 in Eagle River, Wisconsin. Again, see the photo tab for photos from Shakopee, and check back here Derby weekend for complete coverage of the event.

In Support of Breast Cancer Awareness

It’s hard to live life anywhere in the mainstream and be surprised to learn that October is breast cancer awareness month. Even members of NFL teams are sporting pink shoes and hat brims in support of the cause.

            It’s also hard to find someone who isn’t in one way or another impacted by breast cancer. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in their lifetime, so chances are you know someone who has suffered from it. Breast cancer takes the life of one woman every 15 minutes.

            It’s one thing to have breast cancer awareness – yet another thing to do something about it. There are long-time cancer charities like the Susan B. Komen that fund grants toward a cure, but there are many people who believe research is no closer to a breast cancer cure than it was 10 years ago.

            If you wish to make a donation to a breast cancer charity in support or in honor of friends or family, there are two motorsports-themed charities. Both of them approach breast cancer differently. SnowGoer has partnered several times with the Pink Ribbon Riders (pinkribbonriders.com) who dedicate their efforts to awareness and financial assistance with those undergoing treatment.

            Another charity, http://www.1in8motorsports.org/, dedicates its mission to prevention and early detection. Much of the charity’s funding goes to buy mammograms for women who may not be able to afford them. According to the information provided by 1 in 8, a typical mammogram – the best tool we have for early detection – costs between $125 and $150.

            Be sure to check out the two sites to find out where events are happening near you or to make a tax-deductable donation.

Judnick Motorsports Hentges Racing Working Together

Judnick Motorsports and Hentges Racing have always worked together as a phenomenal part of the Polaris Racing Team…this year they are taking it to a new level! They will remain two individual racing teams with their incredibly talented racer line-ups but will combine sled building, research and development via legendary snowmobile racer and mechanical expert…Tim Bender.

Bender will remain Hentges Racing Team Manager, in addition will work with both teams as the Technical Director building sleds for 2010 season. The combined research and data sharing will ensure that both Hentges Racing and Judnick Motorsports hit the track with the ultimate in sled performance.

[Read more]

Kyle Tapio Reprises King of Kings Role

Kyle Tapio took the top prize at Jackson: King of Kings

Kyle Tapio earned King of Kings honors when he squared off against Les Keller and Tom Roby for the Jackson Hole World Championship Snowmobile Hillclimb top honors. Tapio blazed up Snow King’s Exhibition Hill with a time nearly two seconds faster than what he posted in Open Mod, one of three classes he won. Using a pair of tuned-up Arctic Cat M8 HCRs, Tapio won Improved Stock 800 and 800 Mod and he also finished fourth in Improved Stock 1000.

But nobody was happier with a King title that Jackson’s hometown veteran Roby. The long-time Jackson competitor has a history of King titles at various RMSHA events, but 2009 was his first at the World Championship.

Last year’s Stock King and King of Kings winner Keith Curtis opened the King runs, but aborted his mission near the 11^th of 14 gates. Chance Buckallew made a full run; Roby was the second to do so and he set a faster time. But Roby was nervous. Curtis earned a second run after wining two stock classes: Stock 800 and Stock 1000. But again, Curtis got a bad line and ended up with a highmark instead of breaking the timing lights.

Arctic Cat driver Les Keller won the Improved Stock 1000 class, giving him a bid for the Improved King. He was the fastest during the King runs, giving him a repeat Improved Stock King victory. 

Levi LaVallee Captures Pro Stock Win, Series Title at Geneva

Kaufman Falls Short of Title Hopes, Gulla and Simons Follow LaVallee to Podium; Ebert Wins Semi-Pro Open Race But Tremblay Clinches Title

Even the best Hollywood writer could not have scripted a better scenario for the final Pro Super Stock race of the season than what unfolded on the slopes of the Mountaintop Ski-Resort during the final weekend of the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series. Before the Nielsen’s Grand Finale began to unfold, the battle for the year-end championship was a dead heat between Garth Kaufman (Arctic Cat) and Levi LaVallee (Polaris). While neither racer has notched a win on the season, both had demonstrated uncanny consistency with multiple podium finishes. [Read more]

ISOC Championships To Be Settled This Weekend At Lake Geneva

March 17, 2009
One event remains on the inaugural International Series of Champions (ISOC) Amsoil Championship Snocross Series schedule. For some, it’s the most important race of the season as racers will battle for the biggest prize of all — a year-end points championship. Factory teams and privateers will set-up shop for Nielsen’s Grand Finale March 20-22 at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Tight points margins in several classes mean some riders and teams are feeling pressure to perform.
Perhaps nowhere is that pressure-cooker atmosphere more obvious than in the Pro Super Stock field where Garth Kaufman (Arctic Cat) and Levi LaVallee (Polaris) are tied with 195 points in their quest for the class crown. Arctic Cat’s Ryan Simons is right on their heels with 185 points.
“It should be an exciting weekend,” said ISOC Race Director Bob Coffin. “With our scoring system, a racer has the opportunity to capture as many as 37 points in a weekend … if they win both their heat race and the final. With the points so tight, one bobble or mechanical issue can ruin their chances. It puts a lot of pressure on not just the racer, but the entire crew to perform.”

ISOC racer T.J. Gulla won't be looking back during this weekend's season finale in Lake Geneva, Wis. His sites are set on winning the Pro Open points championship.

The chase isn’t as tight in Pro Open, but five riders are still in the hunt, mathematically speaking. Polaris rider TJ Gulla leads the pack with 198 points and his teammate LaVallee has 185 points. First-year pro Brett Bender has 160 points followed by Cat riders Brett Turcotte and Garth Kaufman.
In Pro Women, the margin is comfortable for Soldotna, Alaska, racer Carly Davis with 209 points. She leads JC Hupe (188 points) and April Moritz (169 points). The trio rides Arctic Cat sleds.

Four riders to square-off for semi-pro titles
The cream of the semi-pro crop have been trading wins and podium positions all season, and the close points race atop the Semi-Pro Open and Semi-Pro Super Stock standings proves it.
In Semi-Pro Open, Quebec hotshoe Tim Tremblay (Ski-Doo) holds an 11-point margin over Minnesota native Bobby LePage (Polaris). Just 15 points back from LePage is Dan Ebert (Arctic Cat), and 20 points back is Swedish sensation Christian Salemark (Arctic Cat).
“The racing action in the semi pro ranks has probably been some of the most closely contested and competitive of the season,” said ISOC Owner John Daniels. “Every week someone new steps up to take the win. Just when you think someone is going to break out from the pack to establish [himself], a crash, mechanical or fresh face comes on strong to change it up again. Lake Geneva will be interesting to say the least.”

Hentges Racing leads Woody’s Team Challenge
Year-end supremacy is more than an individual effort on the ISOC Amsoil Championship Snocross Series tour. Every member of a national race team must bring their “A” game to not only win, but to simply compete. This reality is what prompted the ISOC crew and Woody’s Traction Products to implement the Woody’s Team Challenge. The contest is designed to reward the best performing team for both the race weekend and the season, and with one race left there is $25,000 up for grabs as part of the year-end payout with $10,000 going to the winning team.
Currently the Hentges Racing team, which fields riders Brett Bender, LePage and Gulla, is leading the pack with 801 points, but with points awarded in both pro and semi-pro classes, they can add up quickly and teams trailing Hentges such as Christian Brothers Racing and HC Racing are still in the hunt for the $10,000 top prize.
A lot is on the line and Nielsen’s Grand Finale in Lake Geneva — the last chance this season to see the world’s fastest snocross racers compete. For tickets, information and to study the year-end point standings, visit www.isocracing.com.

Dustin Wahl Weekend in Valcourt

Dustin Wahl was the Pro Champ victor both Saturday and Sunday at the Grande Prix de Valcourt.

After winning the Pro Champ race Saturday, Dustin Wahl took top honors for the class winning the Pro Champ feature Sunday. Wahl also was the defending champion from the race event last year. But the final didn’t come all rosy.

During the second round of Sunday’s Pro Champ qualifying, Wahl was ejected from his sled in a turn 1 battle and sent to the bales. Though landing hard on the ice, he walked off the track under his own power. His sled was rebuilt in time for round three qualifying. He won his round three heat, but was short on points to qualify for the feature. He only advanced to the final after winning the LCQ.

In the final, two successive first-lap crashes caused two restarts. Jacques Villeneuve had the holeshot the first two times the race went green, but the red flag flew before a lap was in the books negating his starts. Three times wasn’t the charm. On the third start, Wahl took the lead from VanStrydonk and pulled away using a low, inside line. He quickly built a big lead. Villeneuve stole second from VanStrydonk but made no other progress. He was in position to finish second, but he broke down 100 yards from the finish. VanStrydonk inherited second and Joel Diamond, after coming through the LCQ, finished third.

• Nick VanStrydonk was powerful off the start, winning almost every holeshot in his heats Saturday and Sunday. He finished second to Wahl in Pro Champ Saturday and played runner-up to Wahl again Sunday.
• Travis MacDonald, at 15 years old and running Pro Champ for the first time at Valcourt, campaigned successfully all weekend. He was competitive against teammate and 2009 Eagle River World Champion Brian Bewcyk. He qualified for the final and finished sixth. MacDonald was presented as the youngest-ever qualifier at the Grand Prix.
• The Pro Stock 600 winner Craig House was affected by an injury. He was unable to put weight on his weakened appendage, but he raced a hard-fought battle with Malcolm Chartier. Mason Hamilton went into the wall on lap three, bringing out the red flag. From his last-place restart position, he battled back to third, his running order when he crashed.
• The final was off to a rocky start. Near the end of what would have been lap 1, Bewcyk was the victim of tight-pack contact. He wrecked on the inside snowbank after some contact from behind and brought out the first red flag. Without a lap in the books, there was a restart. Heading into turn three after the first restart, No. 66 Jason Lavallée wrecked through the outside wall. After the third restart, and with two fewer sleds than the original start, the 15-lap final ran flag-to-flag.
• In addition to his impressive starts in the Pro Champ feature, Grand Prix de Valcourt legend Jacques Villeveuve won a qualifying heat to the delight of the crowd. Unfortunately, the mob was unable to gesture their approval with wild applause after he broke on the final lap and coasted to a stop 100 yards from the finish. He remained the hero driver of Quebec after tossing Villeneuve artifacts over the fence and made a broken heart gesture while getting towed off his home track.
• All weekend long there were special tributes to Ski-Doo celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Look for features on the anniversary celebration soon on Snowgoer.com.

Pro champ
Dustin Wahl 74 Greenbush MN Wahl Polaris
Nicholas Van Strydonk 113 Tomahawk WI Polaris
Joel Diamond 2 Lapeer MI Ski-doo
Malcolm Chartier 33 Marine City MI Ski-doo
Mitch Diamond 65 Lapeer MI Ski-doo
Travis MacDonald 8 Lackport Man Ski-doo
Brandon Johnson 22 Holt MN Wahl Polaris
Jacques Villeneuve 96DNF St-Cuthbert QC Ski-doo
Jeff DeJong 16DNF Pembroke ON Gifford/Ski-doo
Jason Lavallée 66DNF Drummondville QC Ski-doo
Felipe Roy-Lalonde 71DNF St-Jude QC Ski-doo
Brian Bewcyk 39DNF Winnipeg MN Ski-doo

Pro stock 600
Craig House 11 Brant Lake NY Ski-doo
Malcolm Chartier33 Marine City MI Ski-doo
Mason Hamilton 37 Diamond Point NY Ski-doo
Mitch Diamond 65 Lapeer MI Ski-doo
Curtis Weatherdon113 Barry’s Bay ON Ski-doo
Erik Frigon19 Pownal ME Yamaha

Pro Formula 500
Serge Ouellet 14 Lachute QC Polaris
Dustin Gehrke 131 Morrisonville NY Ski-doo
Luc Lauzon 17 Rivière-Beaudette QC Polaris
Kevin Coulson 43 Milford Bay ON Arctic Cat
Hubert Côté 27 St-Jean Richelieu QC Polaris
Stephen Gorham 91 South Portland ME Yamaha
Rob Sheppard 330 Mindemoya ON Polaris
Olivier Paiement152 Ile Bizard QC Ski-doo
Anthony Pettinelli177 Rome NY TRC/Ski-doo
Serge Desilets 66 St-Nicéphore QC Polaris
Brad Moore 24DNS Winchester ON Polaris

Vintage 800
David Pettinelli 63 Rome NY Chaparral
Jocelyn Lesieur 72 Shawinigan QC Chaparral
Anthony Pettinelli177 Rome NY Chaparral
David Jr Pettinelli961 DNF Rome NY Chaparral
Tony Pettinelli 176DNS Rome NY Chaparral
Gaston Ferland 12 DNS Québec QC Ski-doo
Éric Champigny 221 DNS Bonsecour QC Ski-doo

Wahl Wins Saturday Pro Champ at Valcourt (complete results)

Dustin Wahl was the recipient of good fortune from his teammate to win Saturday’s Pro Champ 440 feature race at Valcourt.

Wahl chased race leader Nick VanStrydonk until the last turn of the white flag lap. VanStrydonk nailed the start and had the lead. Wahl advanced and kept pressure on the young VanStrydonk, with Brian Bewcyk in third. But Wahl was the one in position to win. 

“I was right on his bumper going into 3-4,” Wahl said of his VanStrydonk pursuit. “I’m not sure what happened. I stayed on it and came out of four in front. It’s nice when things work out like that — when it comes out in my favor. I’ve been on the other side of things like that too many times.” 

VanStrydonk knew exactly what happened, however. He watched Wahl’s teammate, Brandon Johnson, on previous laps and guessed wrong on his line. Johnson, about to go a lap down to VanStrydonk and Wahl, respectively, ran a lower line on the white-flag lap — the same lap VanStrydonk was running. 

“I didn’t want to go high,” VanStrydonk said. “That was a bad line. I took it once and almost went to the bales. I stayed low, got behind Brandon and I just had to follow him through the corner.” 

No ill will, mind you. That’s racing, and VanStrydonk was pumped. “I was having fun,” he said. “It was a fun race.”  

  [Read more]

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