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Oval Racers Alliance wraps up season in Garrison, Minn.
The Oval Racers Alliance concluded their first season with an action packed weekend on Lake Mille Lacs in Garrison, Minnesota. Vintage and modern snowmobile racers and fans flocked to the event that took place February 27-28 with support from the Garisson commercial Club and the Blue Goose.
Before I get started on the awesome racing action that took place, I feel it’s only appropriate to begin with the group of people who made this even possible. Without the passion and dedication of the many volunteers who make up the Oval Racers Alliance, this even would not have been the success that it was. So coming from me personally, I applaud each and every one of them for contributing not only to the organization and event but most importantly to the sport of ice oval racing. Your love for the sport shines just as bright as the sun did for the entire weekend.
That being said, let’s get to the races! On the modern side of the spectrum, P.J. Wanderscheid claimed victories in both the Pro Open and Pro Champ classes. By the middle of the Pro Open race he had made his way around the Ski-Doo of Nick Dolezal and finished the race with the hard charging sled of Dustin Wahl behind him. With momentum and a win behind him, he went on to lead the Pro Champ final for the entire race. As the race continued the top three pulled away from the rest of the field and left the battle behind them. The race finished with Wanderscheid in first, Spencer Graff in second and Curtis Boivin in third.
In the meantime, there was just as much vintage racing to keep you on the tips of your boots and grasping tightly to your taco in a bag (which, by the way, were delicious.) For me, this event served as a huge learning experience and I am slowly but surely becoming more familiar and without a doubt more appreciative of vintage racing.
Devin Fackrell, on board an Arctic Cat, won both the IFS Sno Pro 440X and Late Model 440 Open classes. Jeff Karrow took a win in the Vintage 440 Stock class with Trevor Milberett in second and Andy Radil in third.
The F-500 class had a huge line-up and some of the closest racing of the weekend. In the end, the two Wahl Brothers Racing sleds, piloted by Jordan Wahl and Levi Cater finished first and second, respectively, with Ryan Kniskern placing third on his Arctic Cat.
Some of the best racing of the weekend came from the youngest group of drivers. In both Junior Novice and Junior I Stock Morgan Hoglund, on his Arctic Cat, took the checkered flag with Blaine Stephenson, also on an Arctic Cat finishing second and the Ski-Doo of Gavin Bihner rounding off the top three. Hoglund also went on to win Junior I Sprint and Shawn Carlson took a win in the Junior II Sprint class. In the Vintage Junior class it was Clint Nouis who beat out the rest of the field on his Yamaha.
This event was equally as exciting for both the Modern Women’s 380 and Vintage Women’s classes, as they both had a huge number of entries. It was Bobbi Jo Meagher who took the win in the Vintage class on her Arctic Cat with Tracy Larson and Becky Lehrke finishing behind her. Meagher almost had another win in the Women’s 380 class as she was right on my mudflap when we crossed the finish line. Kayte Craft was also a tough competitor as she finished third.
As the sun sank lower over Lake Mille Lacs, the ORA drew a close to their first season. The weather was amazing (which was a very welcome surprise from the typically cold and windy Garrison) and the racing was not only safe but also awesome. Hats off to all the racers for putting on a fantastic show, the O.R.A, for making it possible and of course to the fans who came to show their support and make it all worth the effort.
For a complete list of results and more information about the Oval Racers Alliance, please visit www.ovalracersalliance.com.
Xtreme Mountain Racing Visits the Wyman Winter Festival
Selby!
Craig, Colorado – XMR put on a great Show at the Wyman Winter Festival in Craig, Colorado this past weekend. With over 3,400 spectators in attendance the festivities were fun for everyone. From snocross, to drags, the vintage show, the snodeo, fireworks and finals under the lights there was no shortage of winter snowmobiling fun. XMR hauled snow for almost two weeks and built a great track full of bumps that changed a lot throughout the race day with lots of sled traffic. XMR packed two days of racing into one full day and it wasn’t until he sun went down and the lights lit up that the finals took place.
Sport Stock Start
In the Pro/Semi Pro finals Wes Selby took the stock and mod honors over Willie Elam who had been winning the qualifiers most of the day. They put on a great show in the main, and rightfully so, with a $3,000 purse on the lines. It was the same in the sport class where Tyler Dyess had been winning the qualifiers, with Jason Fox Close behind, but Fox was hungry for the win in the main and took both the Sport I and Sport II wins for the day.
Chapman Under the Lights!
In the Juniors classes, Dillon Moss took the 16-17 title and the 14-17 Xtreme title. Wesley Chapman was a close second in the 16-17, and Chapman managed the win in the 14-15 class. Likewise AJ Stoffle kept up his winning streak in both the 10-13 and the 10-13 Challenge, and was looking good on the sled all weekend – it won’t be long before this guy moves up…Michelle Stoffle came back from an injury in Afton and won the Sport Women main in front of her hometown crowd as well!
We can forget the little sleds either… The Green Brothers Jarret and Kyler moved up to 7-10 this race and took first and second respectively. This left the door open for Jake Gill in the 120 Stock class, Payton Hogan in the 120 Super, and Grey Mathews in the 120 Champ to all take their wins. These little ones put on a great show and had a lot of fun on the big track at Craig!
This is always one of the best XMR events of the season, so if you missed it this year, start planning for next. XMR will be in Grand Lake again this weekend with Snocross and Drag races planned for Saturday and Sunday, followed by more racing action in Walden, CO the following weekend. More information on XMR and full race results and point standings can be found on the XMR website at www.xmrracing.com. See everyone at the Track!
MSRA Adds Two Race Venues to 2010 Circuit
Duluth MN- The Midwest Snowmobile Racing Association is pleased to announce the signing of two additional race venues as part of the new MSRA circuit.
While Hillcross, Hilldrags, and 120 racing might be new to Mount Itasca in Coleraine, Minnesota, the venue is no stranger to snowmobile racing. The layout of Mount Itasca provides for premier racing and ideal spectator viewing. This event at Mount Itasca, taking place on March 6, 2010 will start off the MSRA season with a bang! For more information on this venue, please visit http://www.intergarten.com/itasca/index.htm.
MSRA racers will also be ripping it up at Quadna Mountain Park (QMP) in Hill City, Minnesota, on Sunday, March 14, 2010 and will cap-off a busy weekend of snowmobile racing. QMP will host a regional ISOC Snowcross Race on both Friday and Saturday, with high flying MSRA Hillcross racing action on Sunday! MSRA invites all Snowcross racers to try the MSRA circuit at Quadna. For more information on this venue, please visit http://www.quadnamountainpark.com/index.htm.
MSRA has also set up a training and tuning weekend on February 27-28, 2010 at Planet X in Aurora, Minnesota. The MSRA invites you to head ‘up north’ to one of the premier practice tracks in Northern Minnesota. Scheuring Speed Sports, operators at Planet X, will have the groomer running both days to help get everyone some seat time for testing and fine tuning machines. For more information, visit http://www.scheuring-speedsports.com/index.htm.
Inaugural Oval Racers Alliance Event a Success
The weekend of February 5-7, 2010 marked the beginning of the Oval Racers Alliance’s first season. A total of approximately 536 entries and 120 drivers made for extremely close racing in both modern and vintage classes at the I-94 Speedway in Sauk Centre, MN.
The debut event was kicked off Friday night with the Friday Night Country Cat Spectacular. It became apparent from the get go that PJ Wanderscheid, of Sauk Centre, MN definitely had the home track advantage. Entering the Pro Champ final as the top qualifier, he got the holeshot and from that point on was untouchable. Chris Broermann, returning to the scene after a two-season leave, and also from Sauk Centre was fast early on. His prospects looked good until he encountered mechanical issues near the middle of the race which kept him from continuing on. With Wanderscheid comfortable in front on his Cat, things settled in behind him and ended with Brandon Johnson finishing second and Curtis Boivin taking third, both on Polaris’.
In the vintage realm of the Friday Night Spectacular, drivers competed in what was the fourth race of their five race Sno Pro series. Aboard machines that are twice my age, competitors rocketed around the track in a highly commendable fashion. Travis Hilmerson, of Little Falls, MN claimed victories in IFS 440, IFS 340X and IFS 340 aboard his Ski-Doo. Also claiming multiple victories was Richard Peterson, of Clear Lake, MN. His Polaris led him to win IFS 250 and IFS 250X.
Hilmerson carried his success with him to Saturday as he once again won the IFS 340X Sno Pro class and added an IFS 440X Sno Pro win to his list of accomplishments. Alexandria, MN native Jeff Karrow was also successful on Saturday as he claimed wins in IFS 250X Sno Pro and Pro Stock 440 on his Ski-Doo.
As vintage classes neared completion, the Pro Open final was on the horizon. Dustin Wahl, of Greenbush, MN was the man to beat as he entered the race as the number one qualifier and subsequently led the race from start to finish on his Polaris. As he created over a straight away lead for himself, Wanderscheid held onto the second position and held off Nick Van Strydonk, who moved into third after passing Nick Dolezal in the middle of the twelve lap race.
Spencer Graff, of Kewaskum, WI went undefeated throughout qualifying rounds and set the bar for his competitors for the Pro Champ final on Sunday. With a great holeshot, he got himself in front but a red flag was thrown before an entire lap could be completed, resulting in a restart. Upon the restart, it was Wanderscheid who was fast off the line and quickly gained the lead, but not without Wahl on his mudflap. The two leaders pulled away and left Graff, Van Strydonk and Joey Fjerstad to battle it out behind them. With under two laps to go, Wanderscheid’s sled burnt down and left Wahl in the number one position. Graff finished second on his Ski-Doo and Van Strydonk in third.
Among other successes were Curtis Boivin, from Ft. Francis, Ontario. Aboard his Polaris, he won Semi Pro Champ and Semi Pro Open in addition to his third place finish in the Friday night Pro Champ race. Ryan Kniskern, of Marinette, WI claimed wins in Semi Pro Sprint, Limited 600 and finished second in F-500 and Limited 500 on his Arctic Cat. In the Junior classes, Morgan Hoglund of Forest Lake, MN won Junior I Stock 380, Junior Novice and finished second behind Blaine Stephenson in Junior I Sprint 380 on his Arctic Cat.
The Oval Racers Alliance takes a week off before their next race on Trace Lake in Grey Eagle, MN. The event will take place February 20-21, 2010 and include both vintage and modern racing. Please visit www.ovalracersalliance.com for more information.
Team Arctic wins first-ever Soo 500 enduro
The following is a release from Arctic Cat:
Soo 500 Arctic Cat
Thief River Falls, Minn. (Feb. 9, 2010) – It took a racer with a broken shoulder to finally knock the monkey off Team Arctic’s back at the Soo International 500 enduro in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.
Piloting a 2010 Arctic Cat Sno Pro 600 while nursing a broken shoulder blade, Troy Dewald and his Cadarette Racing teammate Jeff Leuenberger broke the 42-year hex to finally put Arctic Cat atop the world’s most prestigious snowmobile enduro race.
“The Arctic Cat family of dealers, racers and race fans extends a huge high-five to Dewald, Leuenberger and the whole Cadarette racing team,” said Mike Kloety, Team Arctic Race Manager. “Aided by the never-say-die attitude of team owner Greg Cadarette, these two amazing racers overcame incredible adversity to win. The pride we feel toward them is immense.”
The greatest adversity wasn’t history, rather it was the crash sustained on Thursday while testing for the race. The result: Dewald’s broken right scapula and a seriously tweaked race sled just two days before the Soo 500, which put into doubt their ability to race let alone win for the second-consecutive year.
“The pain was terrible and that made this win extra special,” said Dewald, who started from the pole position and raced an estimated 200 of the 500 laps. ““We came close to scrapping the program. To come back after that big crash makes this feel great.”
“The sled was all bent and the crew worked feverishly on it,” said Leuenberger. “Troy just said he would tough it out. I can’t believe he was able to ride as much as he rode.”
Speed TV adds MSRA racing to Lucas Oil “On the Edge”
The Midwest Snowmobile Racing Association circuit coordinators have recently signed nationally known cable network Speed TV channel.
Speed TV cameras will be rolling at the MSRA race in Brainerd at Ski Gull for Speed TV’s “Lucas Oil – On the Edge” show. Catch this show every day on the SPEED Channel at 3:30 CST.
Lucas Oil has long been directly involved in the American racing industry through multiple vehicle sponsorships and racing event promotions, at all levels. Seeing a need for better lubricants in this industry, the Lucas Oil people went to work again – the end result being a line of high performance engine oils and gear oils that are second-to-none in the racing industry. Lucas Oil racing products have consistently proven themselves on NASCAR, NHRA, IHRA, PPL, and USHRA tracks across the country. For more information, visit www.lucasoil.com
Xtreme Mountain Racing Lights Up Afton, WY
Afton, Wyoming – XMR traveled farther north that it ever has to put on race three of the eight race season. This new location, just south of Jackson invited MWR riders to come mix it up with XMR, and with Coeur d’Alene canceled, many turned out for the fun – from local Pro/semi-pro Willie Elam to 120 rider Brody Hasenack. The horseshoe shaped track at the Afton fairgrounds proved challenging for all and went from fast and smooth on Saturday morning to a total bump-fest on Sunday.
Elam took the holeshot and the honors in both the Semi-Pro/Pro Stock and Open classes followed by Logan Halford and Zach Acord. Taylor Dyess was looking good in the Sport Class as was Jason Fox. Wesley Chapman kept up a strong presence in the junior classes again and is looking good in season points. In the women’s class Erica Potter came out and tried her hand, but didn’t have much luck, and after Michelle Stoffle came off her sled Darla Murphy took the win in the main. AJ Stoffle kept up his winning streak in Junior 10-13, and it was Cody Docheff in the 7-10 class. In the 120’s Jake Gill took the stock win and Peyton Hogan took the Champ win. In the super Sunday Korttney Potter got the win she had been looking for this early season.
Remember it is still early season, and XMR still has 5 more race events planned – the snow is looking good, and it will be back to back for the next five weekends! XMR will be back to Colorado February 13-14th for the Wyman Winter Carnival in Craig, CO with Snocross, Drag races, Vintage Snodeo and more! More information on XMR and full race results and point standings can be found on the XMR website at www.xmrracing.com. Big thanks to the town of Afton who helped make this race happen both hosting and hauling snow – see everyone next week!
Xtreme Mountain Racing Fueled by Max Muscle Lands in Eagle, Colorado
Eagle, Colorado – XMR was in Eagle for more Snocross action. Last year Eagle was most riders favorite track, and this year it may be as well. Will Brown and Jeff Mathews built a great half mile course that challenged all with a chicane right out of the start into a double that ejected more than a few riders over the course of racing, then it was in to a tight left with a double, and the setup for a big sixty footer, then a long run to another double, a hard left, and double double to the tabletop finish…everybody got some air, even Extreme Kellie of local Channel Two news who got tossed on a sled and ran around the track.
The Montgomery brothers sure got air with Logan taking the win in 120 Champ, and Luke doing the same in 120 Stock. The Green brothers rode well also this weekend – Jarrett took the win in Jr. 7-10 followed by his brother Kyler. Jarret took second in Jr. 10-13 behind AJ Stoffle and it was Stoffle and Greens again in the 10-13 Challenge on Sunday. Wesley Chapman rode to the top of the podium again this weekend in the Jr. 14-15 class after a tough battle with Dillon Thomas. Although, Thomas rode well in the Jr. 16-17 class and took the win there. Dylon Moss has been quiet this year, but after having some rough qualifiers he pulled out the win in Jr. 14-17.
Michelle Stoffle won the sport women’s class this weekend, and is riding well competing in some junior class races as well. Jason Fox is looking good this year, holding his own in Sport I and Sport II but still behind Tyler Dyess, who wone both classes respectively this weekend. Fox had the win this weekend in the Beginner Stock class though. In the Masters 35+ class Eric Potter continued his winning streak, as did Wes Selby in both the Semi-Pro Stock and Open classes.
The Eagle race was sponsored by Max Muscle sports nutrition, and riders got to sample some of the products including supplements, Skins recovery gear, and Zeal eyewear, the podium finishers even took some home… XMR hosted snocross in Afton, Wyoming – so all those in the Northwest came out and play – more on that race to come… As always, more information on XMR sno-cross and full race results and point standings can be found on the XMR website at www.xmrracing.com.
Debut Season for Midwest Snowmobile Racing Association
The newly formed Midwest Snowmobile Racing Association, or MSRA is pleased to announce the launch of a new and exciting snowmobile racing circuit. Created with a storied tradition of racing, melded with a new way of thinking, the circuit will be running Hill Cross, Hill Drags, as well as 120X races at every event.
The finest Hill Cross, Hill Drag, and Sno Cross racers throughout the Upper Midwest will race in head-to-head uphill battles with several different types of jumps, moguls, kickers, and huge air launches. When it comes to big air, huge double and triple jumps, these are the events that spectators and racers alike enjoy.
What separates the MSRA apart from traditional snowmobile races is a revised race class structure which allows first time racers, youth classes, and vintage class racers to try the sport with very little out-of-pocket expense. The MSRA also guarantees a “purse style” payout for the Pro and Semi Pro classes and minimal entry cost for fans. Spectators will have the opportunity to attend rider autograph sessions, win free prizes, visit numerous vendor displays and participate demo rides. The MSRA circuit will also feature both the MSRA Hill Drag events as well as a 120X race at each event – the perfect race for beginners. This is just the tip of the iceberg – stay tuned for even more exciting changes!
Two ski areas, one in Minnesota and another in Wisconsin have already agreed to host MSRA events in 2010.
MSRA is bringing racing back to Ski Gull in the Brainerd Lakes / Nisswa area on Saturday, March 20, and is sure to offer some great spring racing weather! For more information about this venue, please visit http://www.skigull.com.
The second event will be held at Christie Mountain, tucked in the northwoods of Wisconsin, and will cap off the season on Saturday, March 27. While Hill Cross, Hill Drags, and 120X racing might be new to Christie Mountain, their layout and 38” snow base offers a premier place for excellent racing action! For more information about this venue, please visit http://www.christiemountain.com/index.html
The MSRA promoters are also working to secure two additional events for the 2010 race season, which will be announced on the MSRA website and Facebook page.
For more information about the Midwest Snowmobile Racing Association, visit www.msraracing.com and become a fan on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/msracing
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.
In the LCQ (last chance qualifier), Zach Pattyn pulled the holeshot followed by Andrew Johnstad and Robbie Malinoski. Pattyn soon after was moved to the back for a false start and was never a factor. Malinoski took over the lead and never surrendered. The final 5 racers to advance to the Main were 1. Robbie Malinoski 2. Garth Kaufman 3. Andrew Johnstad 4. Ross Martin 5. Matt Morin.
In the Final, the field consisted of 15 racers. Nine of them started in the front row with the remaining six in the row behind. Levi Lavallee started on the inside with Tucker Hibbert three sleds over. Hibbert pulled the holeshot with Ryan Simons and Paul Bauerly close behind. Robbie Malinoski crashed in the first turn and was all but out of the race from the get go. At mid-race Levi LaVallee was already out with a DNF (did not finish) due to a crash in the Talladega corner, and Hibbert had a 18 second lead on second place Simons.
The remainder of the race was focused on the battle for silver and bronze between Simons, Morin and Martin. After falling to eighth place early in the race Martin climbed back into medal contention by passing Morin on lap 16 for second place. Hibbert went on to crush the field by 48.4 seconds over second place Martin followed by Morin in third. This gold medal puts Tucker Hibbert past Blair Morgan for most medals at the X Games.
It was a good day for Minnesota-based racers. Earlier Sunday Matt Schulz won the Adaptive Snocross gold medal. Levi LaVallee closed the event by earning gold in the Snowmobile Knockout competition.
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