October 2014
Inaugural Teen Challenge Sled for Eternity Event Huge Success!
New engine powering the RUSH® and Switchback® AXYS™ sleds Hibbert & Carlson win AMSOIL Championship Snocross, powered by Ram, season finale Yamaha Motor Canada Announces MPI Turbo Kits Now Available For SRViper Trail Series. 2015 ZR 6000 R XC VERSUS 2015 ZR 6000 RR
Monster Trucks Invade Thunder Bay
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Exciting Freestyle Snowmobile Show at the Fort William Historical Park: Willie Elam and Sam Rogers
New engine powering the RUSH® and Switchback® AXYS™ sleds // UNRIVALED ACCELERATION The Polaris AXYS™ platform with the new 800 Cleanfire® H.O. Engine delivers what riders really want: class-leading, unrivaled acceleration, which is the result
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BRP’S 2015 SKI-DOO LINE-UP BRP continues its innovation leadership with more industry firsts: • New Summit package: longest track in the industry • New RAS 2 front suspension • Only finger-operated throttle on all Rotax ACE engine-equipped models BRP today introduced at its semi-annual dealer meeting held in Québec City, Québec, the 2015 Ski-Doo snowmobile line that continues to bring industry firsts and innovation to the market. Some 1,200 Ski-Doo representatives from Canada, the United States, Russia and South Korea witnessed the unveiling of the new Ski-Doo Summit X snowmobile with T3 package, the Renegade XRS model and the expansion to more models of groundbreaking technologies like Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) and Rotax Advanced Combustion Efficiency (ACE) engines, plus improved systems like the new Response Angle Suspension(RAS 2) front suspension. “The great winter season in most markets has allowed the Ski-Doo brand to expand its market share in North America to record levels by having the technology and products buyers were looking for,” said Yves Leduc, vice-president and general manager, North America division. “We are seeing the pay-off from our drive to improve the customer experience by providing innovative, reliable, high performing snowmobiles, as well as accessories and clothing that notably enhance the actual riding experience. The Ski-Doo brand keeps getting stronger as its market penetration in all segments increases every year.” If there is one thing that defines BRP’s approach to its Ski-Doo snowmobile offering, it is a drive to always move forward, as no manufacturer has delivered more innovations to snowmobiling than BRP over the past 12 seasons. That doesn’t change for 2015. For the deep snow mounPAGE 2
tain market, the Ski-Doo Summit X model with T3 package delivers the longest standard track and tallest lugs ever offered by an OEM that will take riders even further in powder conditions. Trail riders will appreciate the new RAS 2 front suspension with improved big bump capabilities, improved roll centre and lighter weight, along with a new model, the Renegade XRS sled, for the most demanding crossover riders. And models equipped with Rotax 600 ACE engines get iTC technology added. Plus both 900 and 600 ACE-equipped sleds will see the only finger throttle offered by a manufacturer so riders can choose how they want to experience their ride for more comfort. “The introduction of the 900 ACE engine in many models last season was a tremendous success worldwide and expansion this
year will continue to build momentum not only for North America, but also for international markets,” said Chris Dawson, vice-president and general manager, International division. “Expanding this engine to our utility line of snowmobiles gives us a real advantage where buyers can now get all the benefits ACE and iTC deliver in both 600 and 900 versions.”
facturing, distribution and marketing of powersports vehicles. Distributed in 105 countries, its portfolio of brands and products includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles, Can-Am roadsters, Evinrude outboard engines, as well as Rotax propulsion systems. BRP employs approximately 6,800 people worldwide. www.brp.com Ski-Doo, Lynx, Sea-Doo, Evinrude, Rotax, Can-Am, Summit, Renegade, ACE, iTC, RAS 2, T3, X-RS and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.
About BRP BRP (TSX:DOO) is a global leader in the design, development, manu-
This is the first issue of the season of
NW Ontario Snowmobile News A special thanks to our readers and advertisers who have supported the 20 th year of the publication. You can also receive more snowmobiling information including videos at www.slednews.com and follow me on twitter @tbay25 See you on the trails!
Scott Sumner SNOWMOBILE NEWS OCTOBER 2014
www.slednews.com Yamaha Motor Canada Announces MPI Turbo Kits Now Available For SRViper Trail Series. Reduced pricing on kits available with purchase of a Viper until December 31st. Yamaha Motor Canada is proud to release the Mountain Performance Incorporated (MPI) Trail Turbo Accessory Kit for Yamaha SRViper models. Snowmobilers who purchase a 2014 or 2015 Viper Trail or Crossover snowmobile before December 31 will qualify for reduced pricing of $3,200, down from an MSRP of $4,195, as part of their purchase - if they select the Turbo option. Complete information on this promotion and all other Yamaha snowmobile sales programs can be found at yamaha-motor.ca. The standard Yamaha warranty still applies to the entire snowmobile, with the exception of the MPI kit parts. Kit parts are warranted by MPI for 12 months. Kit must be installed by an authorized Yamaha dealer to be eligible for a warranty claim.* Mountain Performance has developed a proven track record for “boosted” Yamaha performance with its turbo and supercharg-
er applications. Earlier this year, Yamaha announced the introduction of an MPI accessory turbo kit for the all-new SRViper M-TX. During Yamaha’s Spring Power Surge, Yamaha customers could purchase the MPI kit in conjunction with a new MTX at a considerable savings. The dealerinstalled kit delivers an additional 45horsepower on pump gas while still retaining Yamaha’s legendary reputation for reliability. The new MPI Trail Turbo accessory kit for 2014 and 2015 SRViper R-TX, L-TX, XTX and S-TX models touts many of the same features of the Mountain Kit including the same 45-horsepower boost, while differing in its use of an electronically controlled waste gate. The sea-level turbo kit was developed specifically for applications below 6,000-feet. Both the Trail and Mountain kits feature a solid mounting system and a new muffler that is quieter than previous designs; both systems also meet EPA standards. “Ever since we introduced the MPI Mountain Turbo Kit for the new M-TX this
spring, everyone has been asking for a sealevel version,” said Yamaha US Product Manager Rob Powers. “The guys at MPI have been working all summer on this new kit…we didn’t want to compromise power or reliability, which was a real challenge, but we got there and riders are going to be blown away by the power and ride-ability of this system.” The new MPI Trail Turbo Kit will be available at Yamaha dealerships in late fall. MPI Trail Turbo Kit – Part Number: SMA8JP17-00-TB – MSRP: $4,195 *While installation of this kit will not “void” your snowmobile’s warranty, specific failures determined by Yamaha to have resulted from installation of kit components or other modifications may not be covered by the Yamaha limited warranty or extended service coverage. ###
2015 ZR 6000 R XC VERSUS 2015 ZR 6000 RR • Both models have Arctic Cat-Built CTEC2 600 engine with Electronic Fuel and Oil Injection. In addition to Team Arctic racers, the 2015 ZR 6000 R XC is also available to consumers on a limited basis. Consumers should visit their local Arctic Cat dealer for availability. • Both models utilize the Procross Chassis, the 2015 ZR 6000 R XC adds Cross Country Racing Features for Improved Performance. Below are the following comparisons: - Additional tunnel brace added around lower chaincase for increased strength - New outer rear suspension brackets for
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increased strength - Front bulkhead, front spars, and rear spars use 10mm mounting for increased strength - Production RR uses 8mm fasteners which is used on all other Procross chassis • 43.5” wide Arctic Race Front Suspension - RR models come with 42-inch ski stance - Race Style Spindle and Ski Damper adds pressure to the rear of the ski for improved cornering and handling - Larger diameter tie rods (same as 2014 ZR 6000 R race models) for increased strength - 5-Inch Trail Ski allows Arctic Cat to maintain required 48-inch overall vehicle width - 2015 ZR 6000 RR comes with 6-inch trail ski • Float Evol RC Ski shocks with wide range hand adjustable Compression and Rebound Adjust - Different length to accept the wider ski stance - XC Race Valve specification which is a little stiffer than the current RR package • Stationary Clutch Guard with Spare Belt mounting - New clutch guard design with Pipe mount and spare belt mount - Addition of spare belt mounting on clutch guard not available on RR models. 2015 ZR 6000 RR models come standard with spare belt bag mounted to the rear tunnel. • Race Proven TEAM Secondary Clutch with Race Driven Shaft - TSS-04 TEAM clutch, same model that has been used on the 2014 ZR 6000 XC racing snowmobiles (and prior) - Race driven shaft to mate with the Team Driven - RR models come with the Arctic Roller Driven • Revised XC race Drive clutch calibration gives a little more aggressive punch stepping into the throttle • Offset Ski spacers for Adjustable Ski Stance - Additional ski spacing options for Ice racing applications - More adjustment than Production RR model
• 2.86” Pitch 8 tooth Track Drive shaft for Added Ground Clearance - Production RR comes with 9 tooth 2.86” pitch track drive • 2.86” Pitch 129”x15”x1.25” Cobra Track
- Production RR comes with 1.25” Ripsaw track • Torque Overload Sensing (TOS) Bottom chain sprocket for eliminating spike loads into the drivetrain - Same TOS sprocket as 2014 XC Racer - 23/40 gearing (change for 8 tooth track drive) - Production RR comes with standard 48 tooth bottom sprocket (22/48 Gearing) • Race Proven Brake Caliper and Pads for improved wear and increased stopping power - Same Brake Caliper as 2014 ZR 6000 XC Racing Snowmobile o Larger Bridge bolts for increased stiffness o Low pressure seals for less resistance when lever is pulled o Offset friction material on pads for more even wear under high pressure - New Brake Pad Friction material has increased braking power at elevated brake temperatures
SNOWMOBILE NEWS OCTOBER 2014
- Production RR has the standard caliper with 2014 Race Friction Material • High-Grip Seat Cover - Additional High-Grip fabric on Seat cover for added grip • New Rear Suspension Geometry for Improved handling - Lengthened out Front torque arm 2” from Standard RR o Allows Arctic Cat to run more front arm travel but still maintain transfer control - New Rail Profile to match the front arm travel and 8 tooth driver diameter for optimal track/driver/rail interface • FOX 1.5 Zero C Center Track Shock with wide range hand adjustable compression - XC Race Valve specification which is a little stiffer than the current RR package • FOX 2.0 Zero RC Rear Track Shock with adjustable Compression and Rebound - XC Race Valve specification which is a little stiffer than the current RR package • 7 Position Rear Coupling for a wide range of transfer control - Production RR has 4 position coupling • New rail cap for improved durability • Revised rear axle adjust blocks for improved durability - Race proven rear axle and adjustment, 4 wheel kits available - Production RR comes with Tri-Hub Rear Axle assembly • 11.7 Gallon Clear Fuel Tank (same volume as Production RR) - Production RR comes with Standard Black fuel tank • Lightweight Torque Control Link (TCL) Engine Mounting System to Maintain Proper Clutch Alignment - Lighter weight TCL engine mount with 4bolt driven hub to work with TEAM Driven - Production RR uses an Extruded TCL with 6-bolt driven hub
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Inaugural Teen Challenge Sled for Eternity Event Huge Success! BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
NW Ontario Snowmobile News It was a bitterly cold Saturday morning March 1st in Thunder Bay, but that didn’t stop avid snowmobilers from coming out for a great cause. “ Teen Challenge is a Ministry that helps men and women with life controlling
Ontario Teen Challenge. “ We are located on the corner of Syndicate and Ridgeway in Thunder Bay where we have 8 men now and after we raise another $25,000 and can finish renovations will expand to 10 men.” Robby is from Abbotsford, BC and went through Teen Challenge himself. “ I was addicted to crack cocaine, in and out of jail, and went to Teen Challenge in 2006
streets. Teen Challenge did a 180 degree turn on me. I had no hope for a future and my life was going nowhere. Today I have hope, a plan and purpose for my life. They introduced me to a relationship with Jesus and I have now seen thousands of men and women have this opportunity as well.”
Robby Ahuja, Executive Director for Northwestern Ontario Teen Challenge Many people came out to ride on a cold day! addictions. We do youth outreach and have a men's home in Thunder Bay and one for women in Brandon Manitoba. They come in and live with us for 1 year and it is a holistic approach for their spiritual, physical and mental life,” said Robby Ahuja, Executive Director for Northwestern
and finished the program. In 2008 there was a job opening in Thunder Bay, Ontario and I live here now, am married with three kids and my wife is currently pregnant,” smiles Robby. “ Drugs and alcohol got me to a place where I had nowhere to turn and I was going to die so I was walking the
Teen Challenge has about 10,000 centers worldwide and 13 in Canada. They have seen great results in Thunder Bay with guys that are now working government jobs, are bus drivers and labourers and those that have gotten married. Sled Eternity 2014 has happened for 8 years in Winnipeg and has grown and received more donations each year. “ Everyone has had a blast doing it in Winnipeg so we decided to try in Thunder Bay for the first time. We got 115 riders out, which is phenomenal, and way more that expected. We grossed $30,000 in a first year,” said Robby. “ Many people registered on line and 25 people fundraised. We gave away a used 2006 Yamaha this year and next year will give away a 2014 Yamaha Viper to the top
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SNOWMOBILE NEWS OCTOBER 2014
fundraiser. The riders got a trail pass for the day, lunch at Silver Mountain and then dinner at the Kakabeka Legion as well as a tee shirt. People enjoyed it and the funds will really help out our organization.” Each year Teen Challenge also do a 36 hole golf marathon at Whitewater GC in one day with 18 holes in the morning and an 18 best ball in the afternoon. At this event they give away a used car. Last years event raised $50,000 with 36 golfers. “ We don’t receive any government funds. In 2013 we needed to raise $300,000 to purchase our new home to expand from 4 men to 10 men and we did it is 6 months. The support here in Thunder Bay is phenomenal.” said Robby. For further information go to www.teenchallenge.tc or phone 345-2277
Monster Trucks Invade Thunder Bay BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
NW Ontario Snowmobile News The people of Thunder Bay and NW Ontario came out in huge numbers to watch a very professional display of monster trucks and freestyle motocross proving
electric to mechanic fabrication. Driving is about 5% of the whole job. We spend upwards of 50 hours a week just to maintain the trucks and make sure they are ready to go for a short period of time so more work than play!” The tires on Travis’s truck are 66- 43- 25
The machine usually weighs about 10,000 pounds. “ We can role them and they are up to all the abuse. We even have to work during the race weekends on the trucks say doing adjusts because of the temperature. In between the shows we are working.” “ I love it here in Thunder Bay, the people are friendly and it is beautiful here in
Canada. I am flying back to Reno Monday as I am still in university finishing up my degree in Criminal Justice. The Monster X Tour is one of the best promoters out there. I love running with them as they are very professional with great set ups and their people are tremendous!”
Above: Travis Wvara, Professional Monster Truck driver Below: Brent Schwalm, Professional Freestyle Motocross rider with young fans once again their love of motorsport! The
and it has a 454 engine alcohol blown which runs on methanol with 1500 HP.
Murillo Fairgrounds was a bee hive of activity as thousands attended 4 different performances October 3 to 5, 2014. Brent Schwalm, Professional Freestyle Motocross rider from Meyerstown, Pennsylvania’s performed at the event. He had just come back from Japan riding for 4 weeks. “ I love riding my dirt bike so much. Our promoter got us in this show although I usually ride near Toronto on my Yamaha YZ 250. Weather permitting we will do everything today except for a back flip because we are dealing with a wet surface which means you have to keep the bike straight. Some of the whips mean getting the bike sideways so we need a dryer track for that as well.” “ The turn out in Thunder Bay is awesome and has been excellent yesterday and today. I’m really excited to be here!” Travis Wvara, Professional Monster Truck driver, is from Reno, Nevada. “ I got in the business in 2009 and worked my way up to driving in 2013 and then became an event director so am pulling double duty here including running the track. My machine is custom built, they are fabricated. You have to be a jack of all trades in order to be in this industry. You need to do everything from body work to SNOWMOBILE NEWS OCTOBER 2014
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Hibbert & Carlson win AMSOIL Championship Snocross, powered by Ram, season finale Tucker Hibbert wins his 15th out of17 Pro Open races in record-setting fashion, Corin Todd places 4th in Pro Lite class to wrap up the overall title LAKE GENEVA, Wis. (March 16, 2014) – Tucker Hibbert (Monster Energy/Arctic Cat) put an exclamation point on the most dominant year ever in the history of professional snocross racing, winning the Nielsen Enterprises Grand Finale, presented by Coors Light- broadcast “Live” on CBS Sports Network – round eight of 2013-’14 AMSOIL Championship Snocross, powered by Ram.
gold medal. “The track today wasn’t easy, and that’s the way it should be. Separated the men from the boys and we had to work for the win.” With Broberg in 2nd place, his Hentges Racing/Polaris teammate Kody Kamm was rushing up from 4th – and gaining on Martin. Martin would make a mistake in trying to get past Broberg on a hilltop turn, tipped over and allowed Kamm to get by for 3rd. Martin would remount to make the top five (5th), behind Pallin in 4th place.
Lake Geneva Sunday Pro Open results 1 Tucker Hibbert Monster Energy/Arctic Cat 68 Arctic Cat Pelican Rapids, MN
3 Kody Kamm Hentges Racing 53 Polaris Kenosha, WI 4 Kyle Pallin Team LaVallee 324 Polaris
2 Kody Kamm 17 584 584 Hentges Racing 53 Polaris Kenosha, WI
4 Cody Thomsen 17 513 513 Arctic Cat 62 Arctic Cat Nisswa, MN 5 Justin Broberg 17 506 506 Hentges Racing 168 Polaris Mukwonago, WI 6 Logan Christian 17 470 470 Christian Brothers Racing / Drift 43 Arctic Cat Fertile, MN 7 David Joanis 17 456 456 ROYAL DISTRIBUTING 115 Arctic Cat Cochrane (Kok rane), Ontario 8 Petter Narsa 17 421 421 Team Jimmy John's/Ski-doo/BossRacing 271 Ski-Doo Moskosel, Said Broberg of his first-ever Pro Open class podium: “It’s been a long time coming. This is my third year in the Pro Open class and we’ve come a long way. Getting my first podium here at Lake Geneva couldn’t have ended the season any better.”
Ironwood, MI 5 Ross Martin Judnick Motorsports 837 Polaris Burlington, WI 6 Petter Narsa Team Jimmy John's/Ski-
9 Ross Martin 11 387 387 Judnick Motorsports 837 Polaris Burlington, WI 10 Levi LaVallee 17 327 327 Team LaVallee 108 Polaris Longville, MN 11 Jake Scott 17 323 323 Team LaVallee 42 Polaris Port Jefferson Station, NY 12 Johan Lidman 13 323 323 Warnert Racing 52 Ski-Doo Pitea, Sweden 13 Zach Pattyn 17 259 259 Stud Boy Racing 99 Ski-Doo Ravenna, MI
Hibbert would then set his site on Broberg, who he set up and passed on the outside of a downhill section, doubling past Broberg through air – and into the lead for good to secure the 1st/1st/1st sweep of Lake Geneva this weekend. photo by John Hansen “This was easily the best season I’ve ever had,” said Hibbert, who won 15 out of 17 AMSOIL Championship Races, along with his seventh-straight X Games Snocross
14 Tim Tremblay 9 250 250 Amsoil/Air Force/Rockstar 11 Ski-Doo Ste Jeanne D'Arc, Quebec 15 Mike Bauer 13 234 234 Jess Racing 717 Arctic Cat medford, WI 16 Darrin Mees 14 233 233 BossRacing 9 Ski-Doo stanchfield, MN
doo/BossRacing 271 Ski-Doo Moskosel,
17 Bobby LePage 16 199 199 Cottew Motorsports 244 Polaris Duluth, MN
7 David Joanis ROYAL DISTRIBUTING 115 Arctic Cat Cochrane (Kok rane), Ontario
18 Lincoln Lemieux 8 187 187 Amsoil/Air Force/Rockstar 13 Ski-Doo St. Johnsbury, VT
8 Logan Christian Christian Brothers Racing / Drift 43 Arctic Cat Fertile, MN
19 Iain Hayden 4 92 92 Rockstar Energy Polaris 93 Polaris Chatsworth, Ontario
9 Cody Thomsen Arctic Cat 62 Arctic Cat Nisswa, MN
20 Robbie Malinoski 5 86 86 Amsoil/Air Force/Makita 4 Ski-Doo Stacy, MN
10 Mike Bauer Jess Racing 717 Arctic Cat medford, WI
photo courtesy of Lissa Marsolek and ISOC
11 Lincoln Lemieux Amsoil/Air Force/Rockstar 13 Ski-Doo St. Johnsbury, VT 12 Colby Crapo Huber Motorsports 999 Ski-Doo St.Anthony, ID 13 Jake Scott Team LaVallee 42 Polaris Port Jefferson Station, NY
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1 Tucker Hibbert 17 727 727 Monster Energy/Arctic Cat 68 Arctic Cat Pelican Rapids, MN
3 Kyle Pallin 17 550 550 Team LaVallee 324 Polaris Ironwood, MI
Pro Open
With Kyle Pallin (LaVallee Racing/Polaris) following in 3rd and Hibbert in 4th, the four sled pack separated from the field and took to breaking way on the longest track on the AMSOIL Championship Snocross racing circuit this year. Hibbert would make a move towards the end of lap two to get by Pallin, then soon after charged past Martin – who had checked up for a split second on top of a large berm.
15 Zach Pattyn Stud Boy Racing 99 SkiDoo Ravenna, MI Overall Pro Open Standings
2 Justin Broberg Hentges Racing 168 Polaris Mukwonago, WI
And winning the final Pro Lite main event of the season, also on live TV, was Andrew Carlson (Carlson Motorsports/Polaris), followed in 3rd place today by Corin Todd (Leighton Motorsports/Polaris), who wrapped up the overall Pro Lite point championship, seven points out front of Carlson.
Local Ross Martin (DuPont/Jack Links/Polaris) pulled off his second massive start in as many nights, nailing the Stud Boy Holeshot and towing the Pro Open field up the first massive hill at Lake Geneva. But as quickly as you could say “left hander,” Justin Broberg (Hentges Racing/Polaris) shot to the outside of Martin and led pack back down the same hill.
14 Bobby LePage Cottew Motorsports 244 Polaris Duluth, MN
SNOWMOBILE NEWS OCTOBER 2014
Continued Next Page
Hibbert & Carlson win AMSOIL Championship Snocross, powered by Ram, season finale Continued From Previous Page Pro Lite
Racing 181 Ski-Doo Wyoming, MN
Doo Anchorage, AK 13 Michael George MFG Racing 307
Andrew Carlson had one thing to accomplish today – and that was to win. And he did just that, finishing the 2013-’14 AMSOIL Championship Snocross, powered by Ram, on a high note at the season’s final race. Corin Todd had one thing to do as well, and that was to stay within 11 points of Carlson – and Todd did just that, winning the overall Pro Lite championship by seven points over Carlson, 588581, with a 3rd place run today. “It was a long season and it came down to the last race – and it couldn’t have ended any better,” said Todd, the reigning Pro Lite champion. “I qualified in 2nd place, got a pretty good start, picked the right lines and rode a smart race. I didn’t get the points lead this season until Fargo (N.D.), then I put on a strong finish through the end of the season. It’s great to win the title, but it was a struggle for sure.”
14 John Stenberg Team Bauerly Racing 259 Ski-Doo Lofsdalen, Sweden 14 Dylan Hall Royal / Hall Racing 421 Ski-Doo Ayr, Ontario Overall Pro Lite Standings 1 Corin Todd 16 588 588 Leighton Motorsports 136 Polaris Otego, NY 2 Andrew Carlson 16 581 581 CARLSON MOTORSPORTS 151 Polaris Big Lake, MN 3 Corey Watkinson 16 515 515 Watkinson Motorsports, Arctic Cat 173 Arctic Cat Port Carling, Ontario 4 James Johnstad 16 512 512 Judnick Motorsports 154 Polaris Beltrami, MN
Tucker Hibbert and father Kirk Hibbert 12 Casey Boylan Team Boylan 630 Ski-
5 Andrew Lieders 16 510 510 Team LaVallee 857 Polaris Colby, WI
Arctic Cat Pine Plains, NY
There was never a doubt for Carlson today, putting in his best effort of the second half of the AMSOIL Championship Snocross season. From the holeshot over James Johnstad (Judnick Motorsports/Polaris to a smooth, consistent run, the race win for Carlson today was well-deserved and wellreceived by the Carlson Motorsports team. “This is the race you think about all year, from when you’re training in the summer up to today. We had a lot of ups and downs this season, so I’m just happy to end the year on a positive note. It was win or crash trying – and we were fortunate to win today.” With Carlson up front and in control, Todd, who started in 4th place, would get past Leighton Motorsports/Polaris teammate Zak Mason for 3rd. Johnstad would stay strong in 2nd, recording his second podium of the Lake Geneva race weekend. Rounding out the top five today in Pro Lite racing were Mason in 4th and Arctic Cat’s Corey Watkinson in 5th. Lake Geneva Sunday Pro Lite results 1 Andrew Carlson CARLSON MOTORSPORTS 151 Polaris Big Lake, MN 2 James Johnstad Judnick Motorsports 154 Polaris Beltrami, MN 3 Corin Todd Leighton Motorsports 136 Polaris Otego, NY 4 Zak Mason LEIGHTON MOTORSPORTS 863 Polaris Gaylord, MI 5 Corey Watkinson Watkinson Motorsports, Arctic Cat 173 Arctic Cat Port Carling, Ontario 6 Kevin Wallenstein Ingles Performance 122 Ski-Doo Cadillac, MI 7 Travis Muller Warnert Racing 436 SkiDoo Windom, MN 8 Trevor Leighton Leighton Motorsports 931 Polaris Eagle, ID 9 Cole Cottew Cottew Motorsports 621 Polaris Lake Nebagamon, WI 10 Maxime Taillefer Taillefer Motorsports 144 Ski-Doo Laval West, 11 Spencer Cowing Cowing Brothers
SNOWMOBILE NEWS OCTOBER 2014
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Exciting Freestyle Snowmobile Show at the Fort William Historical Park: Willie Elam and Sam Rogers BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
NW Ontario Snowmobile News A beautiful sunny day on the Kam River adjacent to the Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay was ideal for an extreme freestyle snowmobile show. Veteran riders Willie Elam and Sam Rogers put on a great show after some initial problems with the jump set up. Elam’s brother-in- law, Drew Latimer suffered a knee injury during a practice jump and wasn’t able to continue. “ I have raced the national snocross series for 5 years starting when I was 13 and am 27 now. The teams I was on were Blair Morgan Racing, Warnert Racing, a Polaris team from the Western US and Scheuring Speed Sports," said Willie Elam. Elam made the switch from traditional snocross racing to freestyle after some summer snowmobile riding one year. “ We have set ups at home where you can ride in the summer. I thought it would be good to ride snowmobiles in the summer to keep on it.
After that I started riding the ramp with Heath Frisby and then just started doing shows. We use foam pits to practice and jump into," smiled Elam.
This year Elam raced two events at the Winter X Games including snocross. In freestyle he got 7th, which was a good result. The team drove 26 hours to get to Thunder Bay from Idaho to do their freestyle show. “It is a pretty cool set up here, sweet. We have never done this before on a river. There is a good crowd out. The ramp was set up for us with a team out of Southern Ontario.” said Willie Elam. “ There is slush coming through at the landing area and a big hole on the landing which makes it hard. Drew hurt his knee. Its is pretty scary doing the jumps. You have to practice all the time. We wear the Leat Brace and chest protectors. The landings are usually steeper and this is flatter." Willie Elam has had his fair share of
Willie Elam injuries over the years including breaking pack. As soon as he could walk Sam was riding a Kitty Cat. his right leg three times, his pelvis, collar “ I grew up in a place called Cook City, bone and so on but the injuries don’t stop Montana which is a pretty popular snowhim. Elam grew up riding snowmobiles in mobile place. My Dad started the largest the mountains and is from Twin Falls west snocross circuit called Rocky Idaho. Mountain and I actually met Willy then. At 14 or 15 I wasn’t getting the financial supSam Rogers, from Bozeman Montana, has been snowmobiling since he was a baby port I needed and it costs a lot of money to when his parents took him out in a backrace so I ended up getting freestyle ramps and excelled there," said Sam Rogers. “ My first X Games was at age 17 or 18 and I got a silver medal. We learned the back flip when I was 16 and was one of the first 5 people to do it. This year I got 5th at the X Games after I crashed during the second run. I got to hang out with my buddy Colton Moore that was great. I first met Caleb and Colton Moore and helped get them into snowmobiles.” (Caleb Moore died at the 2013 Winter X Games during a Freestyle Style competition)
Sam Rogers from Bozeman Montana It is an interesting life for Sam Rogers who will go to France next weekend for two weeks and perform up in the Alps with a similar show. “ It is then back to Montana, Sweden and kind of all over the place. Former X Games Gold Medal winner Daniel Bodin is going to provide sleds for us in Europe. In the Alps they don’t allow snowmobiles on the mountain so it will be interesting to be there,” said Sam Rogers. This is the first year in a while that Rogers has been pretty healthy. Last year he damaged his right ACL, the year before tore both rotator cuffs in his shoulders, which required surgery. The year before that he tore his left ACL and right rotator cuff. He has also broken his neck, back and all his teeth are fake. “ I love the sport and it is all I have ever known. I have a deep passion for it and am not going to quit until I have to. It is a dangerous sport.” said Sam Rogers. If Sam is healthy he likes to ride dirt bikes and if he has the time likes to ride snowmobiles in his hometown, Cook City, Montana.
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SNOWMOBILE NEWS OCTOBER 2014