A Special Publication of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle
2014 expo March 14-16 // West Yellowstone
A Winter Motorsports Guide to Southwestern Montana
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SnowMotion • Big Sky Publishing • February 23 rd 2014
West Yellowstone Snowmobile EXPO Weekend It’s the best end-of-season power sports weekend in the West! The 24th annual Snowmobile EXPO & Power Sports Weekend is on March 14-16th, 2014 in West Yellowstone, Montana. Arctic Cat, Polaris, Skidoo and Yamaha will be unveiling their new 2015 snowmobile lines for the FIRST time in the Rocky Mountain West, along with hundreds of new after-market exhibits and retail products all on display at the EXPO headquarters located at the West Yellowstone Holiday Inn. A single day admission (Friday & Saturday) is $15 for both the exhibition hall & the track. Saturday night’s freestyle admission is $15. Sunday admission to the exhibition hall is just $5.00. The SWOOP street motorcycle demo on Saturday at 4 PM is free! Purchase tickets at the race track or at the Holiday Inn. Kids, 12 and under, are free. Free shuttles throughout the weekend are available to all venues.
Snowmobile SnoCross Racing
are also welcome to watch all events from viewing areas, entering thru the Spectator Admission Entrance. No spectators are allowed in or on staging area.
Radar Run
The 120 Western Grand Championships return again with
racing just for kids. This is a special event for all youngsters to compete in five different classes: Kitty Kat, 120 speed limited, 120 Stock, 120 Champ, and Outlaw. Kids from 4 to 12 years old have a chance to try out racing or gain racing experience (open class). Mountain West Racing (MWR) hosts “SnoCross for the youth” with Junior 10-13, Transition 300, and Transition 500 classes on a modified SnoCross track with hills and jumps bound to create “spills and thrills’.
The Radar Run competition is a snowmobile speed run verifying your top speed by a Radar Gun. The Radar Run competition is held on a straight-line 500’ packed snow track, with a 600’ shut down extension. Entries run one at a time. All snowmobiles and riders of all classes, eras, and experience, are eligible and welcome. Each class winner will be determined by the fastest speed. $10.00 gives you 2 runs. The highest speed of 2 runs will be considered your entry. If someone beats your speed you can “pay to play again” and try your luck at a faster speed. No pre- registration. To enter, each Radar Run entry must personally drive their snowmobile to the Radar Run Staging Entrance. Pay your entry fee, and a Technical Official will verify your class. Radar Runs are held at the North end of Snowmobile EXPO Race Track located on IRIS Street. Racers may park in the designated Racer Parking area or wherever you choose. Spectators
Vintage Snowmobile Association, is located at the EXPO Race Track on Iris Street. Participants can register on the day of the show as well. The featured year for this year’s show is 1978. In 2013, EXPO premiered vintage racing as an exhibition event. This year it returns with expanded classes and a specially designed race course. WSVSA Vintage Snowmobile Oval Races starts on Friday 12:00 Noon, with finals starting at 1:00 PM on Saturday. Classes will include stock and mod single cylinder, 340 and 440 fan cooled, and 340 and 440 free air. Races are limited to snowmobiles year 1980 and older.
Vintage Exhibits & Oval Racing Vintage will be even bigger in 2014 with The WSVSA (Western States Vintage Snowmobile Association) will be hosting the 11th Annual VSCA (Vintage Snowmobile Club Association) National Vintage Snowmobile Show at the 2014 World Snowmobile Expo in West Yellowstone, Montana on March 14th and 15th, 2014. It’s one of the largest gatherings of vintage and antique snowmobiles in the West with U.S. and Canadian participants from all over the ‘snow belt.’ The VSCA National Vintage Snowmobile Championship Show will be from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturday March 15, 2014. This show is hosted by the Western States
Duane Eck’s 1970 Ski Doo Double Eagle will be on display at the Vintage National Show. Eck of Driigs, Idaho was a factory racer and spent years in West Yellowstone in the early 70’s racing the Double Eagle across the Old Airport in the “Speed Wars”, and Snowmobile Roundup oval races. He set the “ 1970 world speed record” at West Yellowstone. The Double Eagle is now owned by Brad Warning. Eck will in attendance as a “ Special Guest”.
february 23 rd 2014 • Big Sky Publishing • SnowMotion
Snowmobile d n a e l c y c r Moto
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SnowMotion • Big Sky Publishing • February 23 rd 2014
Western Grand Championship 120 Races for Kids The third annual Western Grand Championship 120 races return to the Annual West Yellowstone SNOWMOBILE EXPO, March 14-16th 2014. This is the perfect opportunity for kids from 4 to 12- years old to try out racing or gain racing experience. Four different classes will compete starting at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 14th with finals starting at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 15th.
The 120 Stock (4-12 years) class includes basic 120s snowmobile models that use a 120cc four-stroke engine. The 120 Speed Limited (4-12 years) Class includes 120s snowmobiles that have clutching and gearing changes, but no engine modifications. There will also be a “true stock” class. The 120 Champ Class (6-12 years) will run 3-4 laps and at higher speeds
due to modifications including heavy output motors, clutching, and suspension changes. The Outlaw Class (6-12 years) includes sleds with a 120 body but larger motor and includes “Champs” that sign up. Registration fees (per race per day) are $25.00 for the 120 Stock (Amateur) and $35.00 for the 120 Speed Limited, 120 Champ, and 120 Outlaw plus a
$5.00 insurance fee for all racers. Last year’s kid competitors came from Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Registration is available at www. mountainwestracing.com. or contact Shelley McLam – 208.596.6161 – csmclam@elkriveridaho.com.
february 23 rd 2014 • Big Sky Publishing • SnowMotion
The National Vintage Snowmobile Championship Show & Vintage Oval RACING The WSVSA (Western States Vintage Snowmobile Association) will be hosting the 11th Annual VSCA (Vintage Snowmobile Club Association) National Vintage Snowmobile Show at the 2014 World Snowmobile Expo in West Yellowstone, Montana on March 14th and 15th, 2014. It’s one of the largest gatherings of vintage and antique snowmobiles in the West with U.S. and Canadian participants from all over the ‘snow belt.’ More than 200 immaculate snowmobiles encompassing the entire spectrum of snowmobiling history are expected to participate. The VSCA National Vintage Snowmo-
bile Championship Show will be from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturday March 15, 2014. This show is hosted by the Western States Vintage Snowmobile Association, is located at the EXPO Race Track on Iris Street. Participants can register on the day of the show as well. The featured year for this year’s show is 1978. West Yellowstone, Montana has a long history of oval racing. In the 1970’s, a one-mile oval was constructed just outside of town. West Yellowstone hosted many oval racing events including the 1978 World Series. The West Yellowstone oval was a favorite for many
racers including World Champion Racer Jeff Biddiscombe, who claimed the West Yellowstone track was always his favorite because “you can hold it wide open at 100 MPH.” Over time, the course transitioned back into forest service lands and snowmobile racing moved to SnoCross tracks. But, vintage racers have a chance to pull out those sleds from those glory years and race on a new specially constructed vintage oval track. In 2013, EXPO premiered vintage racing as an exhibition event. This year it returns with expanded classes and a specially designed race course. WSVSA Vintage Snowmobile Oval Races starts
on Friday 12:00 Noon, with finals starting at 1:00 PM on Saturday. Classes will include stock and mod single cylinder, 340 and 440 fan cooled, and 340 and 440 free air. Races are limited to snowmobiles year 1980 and older. Don’t miss the crowd pleasing Vintage “hot” laps where Vintage drivers take to the track with an entertaining display of decorated vintage sleds, decorated and pulling an amazing array of items from dog houses to bars. Vintage “hot laps” are featured at 11 AM on Friday and 1 PM on Saturday.
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SnowMotion • Big Sky Publishing • February 23 rd 2014
Yellowstone
Park
This year you can travel into the heart of Yellowstone during the World Snowmobile EXPO. Over-the-snow travel into Yellowstone Park will be permitted through March 15th, 2015, weather permitting. While Yellowstone logs more than three million visitors annually, only five percent of those come during the winter months. No other season rivals the wonder of Yellowstone in winter. Imagine standing alone next to a thumping hot pool, surrounded by steam, and watching the sun reflect an array of brilliant blues and greens before you. Or, being surrounded by a herd bison, close enough to see the icicles hanging from shaggy fur and hear their heavy breathing. Snowmobiling on the park asphalt roads was allowed beginning in 1968. Today’s newer models of fourstroke snowmobiles, approved for use within the park, also have more rider-friendly features such as heated hand-grips and thumb-warmer, seats, mirrors and even reverse. This makes them easier to drive, even for someone who has never driven a snowmobile before. Many models are two-up allowing a driver and passenger to share the same snowmobile. Early March is an incredible time to visit Yellowstone as temperatures begin to warm; the sun stays bright well into early evening when incredible sunsets end the day. Animals are on the move as wolves and coyotes prepare for spring denning, pregnant bison make their way to traditional birthing grounds, and eagles are spotted warming their nests. Each day, commercially guided snowmobile and snowcoach tours depart from West Yellowstone, Montana traveling over snow covered, groomed roads to popular destinations including Old Faithful and The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. These Yellowstone tours are full day trips and must be booked 24-hours in advance. For more information, please call the West Yellowstone Visitor’s Center at 406-646-7701. Snowcoaches and snowmobiles
both offer two main tour routes. Both begin at West Yellowstone and head east along the Madison River Canyon to Madison Junction. The first major stop is at Madison Junction about mid-morning for a rest stop, heated restrooms, and to check how you are doing. At that point, tours going to Old Faithful will head south and those going to Canyon will go north. Old Faithful tours will stop along the way at various thermal areas like Fountain Paint Pots or Biscuit Basin. Generally, these tours will stop at Old Faithful long enough for a lunch break and a chance to see Old Faithful erupt (a not-to-be missed sight). Then, the tour returns along the same route you took in the morning. Tours to Canyon will travel north to Norris and then east to Canyon for a lunch break. A highlight of this trip is the chance to see the semi-frozen grandeur of the waterfalls at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This tour travels through more forested areas but offers some incredible winter views. It returns along the same route later in the day. If you like to experience the outdoors on a personal level, smell the scent of frosted pines in highaltitude air, or come close to wildlife, try a Yellowstone snowmobile tour. Better yet spend a couple of days experiencing both Yellowstone and neighboring mountain trails and powder riding. The West Yellowstone area provides a wide range trails that meet the demands of beginning, intermediate, and experienced riders. Whether you prefer steady, mellow cruising with few elevation changes, or you are craving the powdery steeps, there are plenty of options to suit your taste. “This year’s EXPO is a great value for anyone looking for a day or weekend of fun,” states event coordinator Marge Wanner. “Better yet, come a few days early to experience Yellowstone in the winter. If you combine EXPO with an over-the-snow tour into Yellowstone, you’ll experience your best getaway of the winter.”
february 23 rd 2014 • Big Sky Publishing • SnowMotion
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SnowMotion • Big Sky Publishing • February 23 rd 2014
Schedule of Events Friday, March 14th
Saturday, March 15th
8:00 am – 7:00 pm
EXPO INFO Desk & Ticket Will Call
8:00 am – 8:30 am
Racer /Safety Meeting @ SnoCross Track
8:00 am – 9:00 am
MWR Cross Country Snowmobile Race – Open Class @ Racetrack
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
MWR Radar Runs @ Drag track
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
WSVSA Vintage Snowmobile Show @ SnoCross Track
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Free M120 Snowmobiles Rides for Kids (3-12 yrs) @ South of the SnoCross Track
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
MWR Radar Runs @ Drag track
9:00 am – 9:30 am
Racer /Safety Meeting @ SnoCross Track
10:00 am – 10:15 am
Exhibitor Opening Ceremonies
10:15 am – 7:00 pm
Expo Exhibits Hours
10:30 am – 3:00 pm
M120 Western Grand Championships FINALS @ SnoCross Track
10:15 am
SnoWest SnoCross Qualify: Jr,Sport, Pro Lite, JR @ Sno Cross Track
10:30 am – 3:00 pm
SnoCross Racing FINALS – Junior & Transition Classes @ SnoCross Track
10:30 am – 11:00 am
WSVSA Vintage Hot Laps
10:30 am – 11:00 am
WSVSA Vintage Hot Laps @ SnoCross Track
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
M120 Western Grand Championships Snowmobile Racing @ SnoCross Track
11:30 am – 3:00 pm
WSVSA Vintage Snowmobile OVAL Racing FINALS @ SnoCross Track
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
SnoCross Racing – Junior & Transition Classes @ Sno Cross Track
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Octane Addictions Freestyle Show @ SnoCross Track (gates open at 6:30 PM; show starts at 7:00 PM)
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
WSVSA Vintage Snowmobile OVAL Racing @ Racetrack
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Octane Addictions Freestyle Practice @ Race Track
Sunday, March 16th
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Casino Night @ Holiday Inn
EXPO Exhibit Hours @ Holiday Inn Convention Center
9:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Calcutta for the Vintage Racers @ Holiday Inn (after Casino Night)
Mar 16 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
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february 23 rd 2014 • Big Sky Publishing • SnowMotion
General Information For those new to the EXPO, race events and demonstrations are held at the “Old Airport” which is at the western edge of West Yellowstone off Iris Avenue. Every year, hundreds of volunteers work together to build the venues, erect snow fencing, and set up each area. The grandstands are all built from snow, 25’ feet high and tiered. Dress warmly for the outside events including warm, waterproof boots. Dressing in layers is highly recommended. Layers can be removed for sunny, warm afternoons or added to stay warm in early mornings and evenings. If it is sunny, make sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses. You can bring an outdoor chair or blanket to sit on in the grand stands while watching the races. Food, hot drinks, a beer garden, and outdoor toilets will be available in the track area, along with outdoor restrooms. The Exhibition area, displaying new snowmobiles and aftermarket parts, is at the Holiday Inn on Yellowstone Avenue. There is a large, heated exhibition tent along with inside displays. The Holiday Inn is also the location for nightly events (free admission) including Friday night’s “Casino Night” and “Calcutta.” Parking is available throughout the venue and throughout West Yellowstone. Shuttles offer pick-ups and drop-offs from major hotels and downtown locations. Shuttles will also circle by the Swap Meet and downtown Swoop location on Saturday.
For information on lodging call 406-646-7701 or visit www.destinationyellowstone.com
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SnowMotion • Big Sky Publishing • February 23 rd 2014
Snowmobile freestyle Snowmobile freestyle is back under the lights on Saturday, March 15th, 2014 at the annual World Snowmobile EXPO in West Yellowstone, Montana. Octane Addictions, a Billings, MT powersports event promoter, guarantees the biggest and sickest aerial stunt show of the season. Gates open at 6:30 PM, with the show starting at 7:00 PM. Location is at the EXPO Racetrack, Iris Street, at the western edge of West Yellowstone. Tickets are $15.00 (12 and under are free). This year’s performers will include Sam Rogers, Kourtney Hungerford, Willy Elam, Travis Cady, AND Canadian freestyle legend Reagan Seig who will attempt a Timbersled ramp to snow landing for the first time in the world!
Kourtney Hungerford made the news recently with his first Winter X Games appearance in February. Although living in Bozeman now, Kourtney comes from West Yellowstone, home of the freestyle event that he helped to create. Kourney and his brother Whitney began snowmobiling as youngsters. Kourtney’s first sled at age 10 was a Yamaha Sno Skoot. They were also freestyle motocross fans and wanted to figure out a way to do similar stunts with a snowmobile. With the help of a shop class teacher and friends, they constructed their first ramp in 2001 and starting modifying their snowmobiles. Within a few years, West Yellowstone hosted the first freestyle event, followed by other cities until in
2007, ESPN’s Winter X Games added snowmobile freestyle to its list of extreme sports competitions. Hungerford performed his first backflip in front of a hometown crowd at last year’s EXPO. He took 8th place at this winter’s X Games and everyone is looking forward to his appearance back in West Yellowstone for EXPO. Sam Rogers is another Montana favorite from Bozeman that has competed at the X games. At his first X Games, Sam competed in the Speed and Style Division which is a mix of SnoCross and freestyle tricks. “ In my first heat Chris Burandt got bucked off his sled in the whoops section, I couldn’t believe it. That took me to my second qualifier round where Heath Frisby
did the exact same thing! I hung on and threw down the tricks I knew. With that I ended up in the final round, Levi put on an amazing run to take the gold but I still ended up with silver…I’d hafta say that was pretty cool.” Rogers holds the world record for the longest backflip off a ramp to snow up accomplished at a venue in Whitecourt, Canada. Willy Elam is another Aspen X Games competitor taking 7th in Snowmobile Freestyle and 22nd in Monster Energy Snowmobile SnoCross. Hailing from Buhl, Idaho, Willy always gives the crowd some heart-stopping moments with his crazy back flips. Travis Cady is both snowmobile and dirt bike freestyle rider from Sidney, Montana.
february 23 rd 2014 • Big Sky Publishing • SnowMotion
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585-5420 He joined the Octane Addictions crew last year. Reagan Seig is a professional dirt bike rider who grew up in the mountains around Vernon, in British Columbia, Canada. Since 2000, Reig has been a sponsored professional freestyle moto crosser and also crossed over to snowmobiles. Seig will be attempting to set a world record jump on a Timbersled. Snow Bikes are the first ever motorcycle to sled conversions. Any motor bike can be outfitted with a kit to turn it into a powerful snow machine with riding characteristics far superior over conventional sleds. The “Mountain Horse” conversion kits are manufactured by Timbersled Products Inc. in Idaho, U.S.A.
Octane Addictions progressively evolved into a full scale digital print, graphic design, apparel, and event hosting agency Starting with the qualifying rounds of the X games and then the first “Big Air Bash” in 2008, Octane Addictions has been promot ing and hosting extreme shows for more than five years. Owner, Tyler Johnson says, “We have built our business around the most extreme and talented riders in the world. Growing up around the Extreme Motorsports lifestyle, we have become very familiar with the fans and also are well acquainted with the riders”
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SnowMotion • Big Sky Publishing • February 23 rd 2014