TAYLOR McCOY
PRO CHAMP CANADIAN SNOWCROSS RACING SNOWCROSS.COM TOUR PROGRAM 2023 CANADIAN SNOWCROSS
2022
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MOUNTAIN
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A SUSPENSION CALIBRATED FOR THRILLS
Product offerings, accessories, and pricing are subject to change without notice. All riders should read and understand their owners manual and safety instructions. Always wear a helmet and never drink and ride. ©2022 Arctic Cat Inc. All rights reserved.
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www.snowcross.com email: info@snowcross.com (905) 722-7771
CSRA President: Ken Avann
CSRA PROGRAM PRODUCED AND PUBLISHED BY ON SNOW MAGAZINE
President & Publisher: Richard Kehoe
Copy Editor: Rick Bloye
Art Director: Darryl Aspin
Production Manager: Tendra Crossman
Advertising Sales: 1-888-661-7469
Director of Sales & Marketing: Andrew McEwan
Sales & Marketing: Brandon Meddick
Administrative Assistant: Sarah Day
Photographers: Virgil Knapp, David Bouthillier, Dwayne Young, Clean Media
Contributing Writers: Ken Avann, Mark Boncher, Richard Kehoe, Tendra Kehoe, Andrew McEwan, Brent Geerlings
Subscriptions: 1-888-661-7469 or info@osmmag.com
On Snow Magazine 27083 Kennedy Road Willow Beach, ON L0E 1S0
toll-free ph: 888-661-7469 toll-free fax: 888-680-7469 email: info@osmmag.com www.osmmag.com
www.moonlightinn.ca 1-800-424-0321 fully paved & secure parking lot accommodates many large trailers. station, Restaurant and Tim Horton’s access off the trails *Accommodations include one guest room and breakfast for two people for two nights. C & D trail access to the door. parking lot accommodates many large trailers. Tim Horton’s access off the trails Distributing close by off the trail. Snowmobile Rates and P www.MoonlightInn.ca or call 1 information. availability between: December room and breakfast for two people for two nights. t A c c o m m o d a t i o n s i n S u d b u r y ü Snowmobile C & D trail access to the door. ü Large fully paved & secure parking lot accommodates many large trailers. ü Gas station, Restaurant and Tim Horton’s access off the trails from motel. ü Royal Distributing close by off the trail. ü Special Snowmobile Rates and Park ‘n’ Ride Packages. ü Visit www.MoonlightInn.ca or call 1-800-424-0321 for accommodation information. *Reservation is required & subject to availability between: December 22, 2014 to March 1, 2015. *Accommodations include one guest room and breakfast for two people for two nights. 8 WELCOME 10 CSRA PROFILE 10 SAFETY THE #1 PRIORITY 12 SPONSORS 14 START RACING 16 THE FLAGS 18 CLASSES 20 UTV SIDE-X-SIDE RACING 22 CSRA SCHEDULE 24 TAYLOR MCCOY 26 DEKLAN HENSHAW 28 KEN AVAAN 32 DAKOTA KARKOULAS 6
WELCOME TO CSRA SNOWCROSS RACING
Tis winter represents our 29th year of professional snowcross racing.
With the pandemic behind us, we are looking forward to returning to our favorite race sites without any spectator restrictions.
After a (3) year absence, we welcome back our sponsors and race fans to the Georgian Downs Racetrack & Casino in Innisfil, Ontario. This world class facility features trackside viewing and a enclosed heated grandstands overlooking the entire racecourse.
In addition, we look forward to returning to the Ski Slopes at Chicopee Ski Resort in Kitchener where spectators can enjoy viewing the races trackside or from the huge decks surrounding Chicopee’s Silvertip Lounge.
This winter CSRA continues with our ongoing development of our kids’ snowmobile and snow-bike racing programs.
Each race day, our morning race schedule will include (12) competition classes for kids and teens starting as young as (4) years of age racing on mini 120cc sleds and 110cc snow-bikes.
CSRA partners with companies and sponsors that lead the way in their respective business categories. Our primary sponsors include Ultimax Drive Belts, Sunoco Race Fuels, Motul Lubricants, FXR Race Apparel, Royal Distributing, Snap-0n Tools, On Snow Magazine and Tom Smith Chevrolet / GMC Trucks. The OEM Snowmobile manufactures, their dealers, and our aftermarket sponsors.
They all do their part to keep our race series strong, vibrant and exciting.
To our passionate community, we hope you enjoy the races.
Please remember to support our sponsors when possible and share your snow cross experience with your family and friends.
Sincerely,
Ken Avann CSRA President
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8
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DISCOVER
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Since its inception in 1994, the CSRA (Canadian Snowcross Racing Association) has been a governing body that organizes, promotes, and regulates snowmobile competitions in Canada, primarily within the provinces of Ontario and Quebec as they are the two largest Powersports markets in Canada.
The CSRA was created to help sponsors, manufacturers, and racers benefit from the rapidly expanding sport of professional snowmobile racing. The mission of the CSRA is to bring the sport of snowmobile racing to its highest level. The CSRA strives to bring sponsors, racers, manufacturers, and racing fans the most organized, visible circuit in the industry.
Snowcross is today’s most popular form of snowmobile racing. With its high-flying aerial displays and compact track design,
competitors race around tracks that feature tight turns, banked corners, and a variety of jumps allowing racers to catch “big air” in full view of spectators.
Spanning (6) events from January thru to April, the CSRA travels to key Powersports markets with its travelling race circuit. The series attracts hundreds of racers and thousands of spectators at each event. Sponsors of the CSRA benefit from a captive audience of race fans totalling over 50,000 on site attendees each race season.
Amongst all snowmobile’s, CSRA racers, spectators and recreational snowmobile users, the common thread that links them together is their love of the great outdoors and spending quality time with family and friends.
SAFETY THE NO. 1 PRIORITY
Snowcross racing is one of the safest forms of competitive snowmobiling; our officials go to great lengths to present a safe and controlled competition.
Safety starts before the snowmobiles enter the racecourse area. Every racers machine is safety inspected by technical staff who inspect steering carbides, studs, lighting, engine kill switches, brake operation, etc. Each rider must wear appropriate safety equipment such as approved helmets and eye protection, upper body protection (Tekvest), shin and kneepads, etc.
The race course is designed so the first turn is wide, and on a gradual sweep to reduce the chance of collision as racers approach the first turn bunched together, jockeying for the right racing-line or the “hole shot.” Sharp turns and jumps are often implemented onto the course design to keeps speeds down and to provide a challenging race course for the competition and also to create exciting race action for the spectators at a safe distance from the track, as well as to keep other snowmobilers form entering the race course area.
A minimum of six officials are on the racecourse at all times to assist racers if an accident should occur. Near the pit area, an ambulance with two additional EMT’s and advanced life support equipment are present at all times.
Though everyone’s safety is foremost, we are sensitive to the environment as well; we enforce strict sound level requirements for all the snowmobiles that compete at our events. We pride ourselves on our high safety standards both on the racecourse and off. If an accident was to occur, our trackside rescue team is ready to assist immediately.
We hope you enjoy our Snowcross racing events. If you ride the trails on a snowmobile or ATV remember to ride responsibly. If you want to ride hard and fast, do it at a sanctioned event where everyone is going in the same direction in a safe controlled environment.
Remember RIDE SAFE, RIDE SMART, and RIDE SOBER!
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10
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CSRA SPONSORS
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S21 E07 Motorsports Suspension Specialists
Suspension Specialists
* as per Jeff Steenbakker STV
Motorsports
START RACING WITH CSRA SNOWCROSS
CSRA makes it easy to get started in Snowcross racing. Want to be a future racer? Here’s how…
CSRA has classes for first time racers: Snowcross racing is a great family sport, and it’s easy to get involved.
New racers compete with stock trail sleds, modifications are not permitted with the exception that you can change or replace handlebars, shocks, and skis.
To prepare the sled to compete all you need to do is cover the headlight and taillight with clear tape and ensure that the sled
has a snow flap and a functional tether cord kill switch and a handlebar shut off switch.
Rider safety equipment including (approved helmet, goggles, knee pads, and TekVests are available at Royal Distributing stores or your local snowmobile dealers.
CSRA events take place throughout Ontario and Quebec.
Snowcross racing provides opportunity for kids and adults to meet new friends, socialize and compete in a sport that is safe, competitive, professional and fun. Snowcross racing classes for kids, boys, girls, women and first-time racers, are available at all CSRA events.
RACE CLASSES FOR NEW RACERS:
Kids (Age 4-12 years) 120cc Race Classes:
At each CSRA race there are (4) racing classes for kids to compete with 120cc mini snowmobiles. Yamaha, Polaris, and Arctic Cat each make snowmobiles to compete in these classes. The 120cc classes compete to finals on both Saturdays and Sundays. CSRA also has a Kids 110cc Ripper Snow Bike class: Age 6-13 years of age.
Kids Novice and Transition Race Classes: Age 8-13 years:
At each CSRA race there are Novice and Transition racing classes for kids aged 6-13 years.
Novice class racers compete with the new mid-sized 200cc Yamaha Sno-Scoot, Ski-doo MXZ, or Arctic Cat ZR200 4-Stroke sleds. Kids can also race Transition classes that feature full size Pro race snowmobiles 0-600cc. that are equipped with detune kits to reduce the machines performance by approximately 50%. Polaris, Arctic Cat and Ski-Doo each make snowmobiles to compete in these Transition classes.
Junior Race Classes: Age 13-17 years:
At each CSRA race there are (3) Junior racing classes for guys and girls 14-17 years of age.
Juniors compete with full size Fan, and Liquid cooled snowmobiles. Polaris, Arctic Cat and Ski-Doo each make snowmobiles to compete in these classes. The Junior classes compete to finals on both Saturdays and Sundays.
Trail Sport Class: First time adult racers: CSRA events feature a 600cc Trail Sport class designated for first year adult competitors. This class is great for introducing new riders to Snowcross competition as all racers in this class have no previous Snowcross racing experience.
Interested in more information?
For additional information on getting started. Go to www.snowcross.com and download CSRA Newsletter #1
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THE FLAGS
You will see several flagmen standing around the racecourse the entire race weekend, usually situated near large jumps and corners, as well as, at the Start/Finish line. They will be waving their flags all weekend to signal the racers– So what does it all mean, what are they saying?
Here is a quick rundown of the flag colours and what they stand for.
Green Flag or Light
When the light goes Green, RIDE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT The race has started and the first racer to the first corner has a great advantage.
Yellow Flag
This is a CAUTION – Somebody up ahead has lost their sled. There is no airtime on jumps or passing in a Yellow Flag Zone! The zone is the area between the Flagman and the downed rider or machine.
Red Flag
This means the RACE IS STOPPED – The track is blocked up ahead or somebody has fallen, and they need help getting up. If less than one lap is complete, it will be a total restart. If one lap is complete, there will be a staggered start based on rider position at the time of the red flag incident.
White Flag
ONE LAP LEFT – Time for that last lap pass for the win!
Black Flag
A rolled up Black flag signals a warning to the racer, if the Black flag is being waved, the racer must pull off the track and report to the race director as he or she has been disqualified due to a rule violation..
Blue Flag
Get ready for a forced pass – This is waved at the slow guys, get outta the way the race leaders are coming up behind you … FAST. This keeps the tempo up by letting the slower racers know they are about to be lapped.
Checkered Flag
The race is over! Time to celebrate or time to start working on the sled to make it faster.
16
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CLASSES
As with any Motorsport, racing rules and classes are created to ensure competition is not only fair but also exciting to watch, whether it’s a Novice or Junior qualifying heat, or a Pro final. Driver experience, engine size and the engines performance define the different Snowcross racing classes.
Each vehicle is classified by engine cc and if it is stock or modified. In most stock classes racers are allowed to add traction products such as studs or carbides, as well they may change shocks, handlebars and skis. Pro and Pro-Lite class racers compete with limited build production 600cc race sleds that produce approximately 130HP. Pro class racers are permitted to use aftermarket exhaust silencers, skis, and shocks.
For 2022 CSRA will once again implement the Snow Bike Class. With the advent of manufacturers such as Polaris (Timbersled), Arctic Cat, Yeti, and Camso manufacturing Snow Bikes and Snow Bikes components, as well as aftermarket kit options that continue to grow the Snow Bike market. CSRA will include a Snow Bike Racing class at each CSRA event. As Snow Bike Racing grows in popularity, CSRA will create additional race divisions and race classes. For the 2022 CSRA race season, there will be one Snow Bike class, each race day, each weekend. The races will take place as part of the “Main Events” each race day. Snow Bike racers will compete in a minimum of (2) Motos and a Final each day for CSRA National Championship Points.
Race Class Engine Age Sled Description 1. 120 Stock 1 120cc 4-6 Kids, on 4HP mini sleds. 2. 120 Stock 2 120cc 6-10 Kids, on 4HP mini sleds. 3. 120 Briggs Improved 120cc 6-7 Kids, on 12HP mini sleds 4. 120 Briggs Improved 120cc 8-10 Kids, on 12HP mini sleds. 5. Kids Snow Bike 110cc 6-13 Kids on 110cc Snow Bikes 6. Novice 1 200cc 6-8 Kids on Stock 4/Stroke sleds. 7. Novice 2 200cc 9-12 Kids on Stock 4/Stroke sleds. 8. Transition 600cc 8-10 ECM Detuned race sleds. 9. Transition 600cc 11-13 ECM Detuned race sleds. 10. Transition Girls 600cc 8-13 ECM Detuned race sleds. 11. Junior/Novice 600cc 10-15 ECM Detuned race sleds. 12. Junior Girls & Guys 600cc 14-17 Limited Throttle race sleds 13. Trail Sport 600 600cc 18+ First year racers. 14. Sport 600 600cc 18+ Limited Build race sleds. 15. Pro/AM Women 600cc 18+ Limited Build race sleds. 16. Pro/AM Vet 600cc 30+ Limited Build race sleds. 17. Pro Lite 600cc 18+ Limited Modified race sleds. 18. Pro 600cc 18+ Limited Modified race sleds. 19. Pro/Am Snow Bikes 450cc 14+ Motorcycles with Tracks. 20. Production UTV 1000cc 16+ Production Side x Sides 21. Turbo UTV 1000cc 16+ Turbo Side x Sides >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> SNOW BIKE CLASS NOW AVAILABLE AT BITEHARDER.COM HELMET SAFETY LIGHT NOW AVAILABLE IN 6 COLORS HAVE YOU TRIED OUR
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RACING INFO 2022
UTV RACE CLASS INFO:
CSRA will include (2) UTV Racing classes at select events. Production 0-1000cc: Maximum width is OEM specification for make model and year or up to 64” inches. Production 1000cc Turbo: Maximum Width OEM up to 74” inches. Competitors will compete in double elimination type races with (2) UTVs each race. Winners of each race will continue to the next round until we have a final with (2) racers.
RULES:
• UTVs must be commercially available 0-1000cc maximum engine displacement.
• Engines may be modified, but must run on commercially available automotive fuel with no Ethanol, and no performance enhancing additives.
• Fuel Options: Esso 91, Canadian Tire 91, Shell 91, Sunoco Surge or Sunoco Optima Race Fuel.
• Must have original OEM Roll Cage or better.
• Aftermarket commercially available brakes are permitted.
• OEM Fuel tanks, lines, fuel filler, filters and components may not be altered, or relocated.
• Suspension geometry including width, must remain OEM for the make model and year of UTV.
• Aftermarket shocks may be used but may not exceed OEM shock length.
• The maximum overall width is measured from outside of tires at the widest point.
• Racers must wear a Snell 2015 or ECE 22.05 approved helmet and goggles.
• Must have a 4 -5 or 6 point restraint harness.
• Must use driver side safety window nets.
• The UTV must be equipped with an OEM or commercially available exhaust and silencer.
• Tires must be commercially available. Maximum diameter is 32” inches outside diameter.
• Rims: Bead lock bolts must be recessed and not protrude past the face of the ring.
• Traction products are not permitted.
• Fire Extinguisher must be fully charged and securely fastened in the rear area of the UTV.
• Racer numbers must be a minimum of 6” High on both sides of the UTV.
• Age requirements are 16+, and racers under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian on site.
UTV racers must purchase a CSRA Membership to allocate a racer number. The annual UTV Membership cost is $75, or a Weekend membership is $25. A Membership Form and Entry Forms are available online at www.snowcross.com Racers should register their entry fee in advance with CSRA the Monday prior to each race weekend. UTV Entry Fee for each race day is $75.
UTV Prize Money and Awards:
UTV racers compete for awards and Prize money.
Minimum prize money each race day: 1st $300 • 2nd $150 • 3rd $75 Awards (Trophy’s or Plaques) will be allocated to the top (3) racers each race day. Top Gun Shootout night racing events. Entry Fee is $250. 1st. place prize money is $5000.
Note: There is no Free riding or unauthorized testing at the race sites. Participants must drive slowly to the UTV Staging area, the off track speed limit around the pit area is idling or 10 km/h.
1994 Charlie Masters Arctic Cat
1995 Ric Wilson Ski-doo
1996 Ric Wilson Ski-doo
1997 Ric Wilson Ski-doo
1998 Chip Vaadi Ski-doo
1999 Ric Wilson Ski-doo
2000 Chris Umphrey Ski-doo
2001 Earl Reimer Arctic Cat
2002 Luke Lester Polaris
2003 Iain Hayden Ski-doo
2004 Noel Kohanski Ski-doo
2005 Iain Hayden Arctic Cat
2006 Iain Hayden Ski-doo
2007 Mike Vandolder Ski-doo
2008 Mike Vandolder Ski-doo
2009 Lee Butler Polaris
2010 Lee Butler Ski-doo
2011 Iain Hayden Polaris
2012 Iain Hayden Polaris
2013 Iain Hayden Polaris
2014 Iain Hayden Polaris
2015 Lee Butler Arctic Cat
2016 Iain Hayden Polaris
2017 Colby Crapo Polaris
2018 David Joanis Polaris
2019 Jake Weir Arctic Cat
2020 Jake Weir Arctic Cat
2021 Taylor McCoy Ski-doo
2022 Taylor McCoy Ski-doo
UTV SIDE-X-SIDE
20
BLAIR MORGAN 7c CUP PRO OPEN CHAMPIONS
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2023 SCHEDULE
JANUARY 28-29
FXR KAWARTHA CUP
LINDSAY, ON.
Presented by HB Cycle & Royal Distributing
Website: www.lindsayex.com
CSRASanction: National & Regional points event.
Race Classes: All sleds and Snow Bike classes race Saturday & Sunday.
Kids, Regional classes & UTVs race on Family Day Monday
Track Design ½ Mile Snowcross made with natural snow.
Track Location: Lindsay Exhibition 354 Angeline St. South
Facilities: Covered Grandstand / 40,000 sq. ft. Heated building with Vendors & Displays
Host Hotel: Days Inn & Suites (705)-328-0100 • www.daysinnlindsay.com
FEBRUARY 11-12
GRAND PRIX SKI-DOO DE VALCOURT
VALCOURT, QC.
Presented by: BRP Ski-doo
Website: www.grandprixvalcourt.com
CSRA Sanction: National Points Event
Race Classes: CSRA National classes only.
Sport 600, Pro/Am Vet. Pro-Lite, Pro/Am Women, Pro & Snowbikes
Track Design: ½ mile race course made with natural and man made snow.
Track Location: Valcourt Racetrack
Facilities: Heated Food & Beverage Powersports Vendors and Dealer displays.
FEBRUARY 18-19-20
ROYAL DISTRIBUTING CUP SNOWCROSS INNISFIL, ON.
Presented by: FXR & St.Onge Recreation
Location: Georgian Downs Casino
Website: www.georgiandowns.com
CSRA Sanction: National & Regional Points events.
Race Classes: All sleds Pros and Snow Bike classes race each day.
UTVs race Saturday after the snowmobile races.
Track Design: 1/2-mile Snowcross race course made with natural snow.
Track Location: 7485 5th. Sideroad, Innisfil Ontario
Facilities: Casino, Heated Enclosed Grandstands, Free Parking
Official Hotels Allure Hotel, Barrie (705) • www.choicehotels.com
Ski-Doo 600R, 850, 900T
MARCH 4-5
SUDBURY PRO SNOWCROSS
SUDBURY, ON.
Presented by: Royal Distributing, Ultimax Belts & Motul
CSRA website: www.snowcross.com
CSRASanction: National & Regional points event.
Race Classes: All CSRA classes including UTVs, Sleds, & Snow Bikes. All classes Kids and Pros race Saturday and Sunday.
UTVs race on Saturday after the snowmobile races.
Track Design ½ Mile Snowcross made with natural snow.
Track Location: Sudbury Downs www.sudburydowns.com
Facilities: Free parking / Snowmobile parking
Host Hotel: Travelodge Sudbury (705)-522-1100
Homewood Suites (705)-523-8100
Super 8 Sudbury (705)-522-7600
Townplace Suites (705)-525-7700
Hilton Garden Inn (705)-586-3001
MARCH 25-26
FXR PRO SNOWCROSS KITCHENER, ON.
Presented by: Team Vincent Motorsports, FXR & Royal Distributing
Website: www.snowcross.com
CSRA Sanction: CSRA National & Regional Points event.
Race Classes: All classes including Kids and Pros race Saturday & Sunday.
UTVs race on Saturday only after the snowmobiles.
Track Design: 5/8 Mile on the Ski Hills made with artificial and natural snow.
Track location: Chicopee Ski Club – Kitchener www.skichicopee.com
Facilities: Chicopee Chalet with Indoor Restaurant.
Hotel: Radisson Kitchener Waterloo (519) 894-9500 www.radisson.com/kitchener.ca
APRIL 1-2
ULTIMAX SNOWCROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS BARRIE, ON.
Presented by: St-Onge Recreation & Truenorth Motorsports
Website: www.snowcross.com
CSRA Sanction: CSRA National & Regional Points event.
Harness all the power from our 850 clutch kits. Acceleration is improved as well as lightning quick back shift. Whether on trail or off, high or low elevation we have a kit for your need.
Mini Sled Performance: Available for all minis, ZR 200 and SnoScoot –clutch kits, race kits, suspension mods, shocks, engine mods, carb kits, new lightweight suspension arms, and rear suspensions.
Shock Rebuilds: Don’t be shocked when your ride is not what it once was. You know your shocks need to be rebuilt. Let us do it with Tech-Syn high performance seals. We service Fox, ACT, KYB, Walker Evans, Works Performance, RydeFX, Ohlins and HPG. Guaranteed quick turnaround.
P Drive Clutch
We have all the P drive tools as well as adjustable pivot weight kits, springs, ramps and replacement parts.
Race Classes: All classes including Kids and Pros race Saturday & Sunday.
UTVs race end of the day on Saturday only.
Vintage sleds race on Sunday Easter Egg hunt for the kids on Sunday
Track Design: 5/8 Mile on the Ski hills, made with artificial and natural snow.
Track Location: Horseshoe ResortCraighurst, Ont.
Facilities: Indoor Restaurants, Spa, Pool and onsite accommodations.
Host Hotel: Horseshoe Valley Resort (705)-835-2790
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TayloR Mccoy
By VIRgIl KNapp
Winning a championship at the professional level of any sport is a major accomplishment. Winning one in a sport like snowcross is even more impressive because so many factors have to align that aren’t necessarily in control of the athlete (weather, avoiding mechanical breakdowns, being taken out by other riders, avoiding injury, etc). When you get into the category of winning consecutive titles year over year that truly falls into special territory. Taylor McCoy accomplished this feat with some amazing and consistent riding over the course of the 2021 and 2022 seasons taking home the trophy in The Pro Open class. Don’t expect Taylor to be resting on his laurels, as he looks for an unprecedented ‘threepeat’ in the rapidly approaching 2023 season.
Taylor, back-to-back titles in the Pro Open class! Congrats.What is behind this prolonged run of success?
It’s been a long run, but it couldn’t have felt any better to go back-to-back. As cliché as it sounds, a lot of blood, sweat and tears have gone in to this sport as well with training and having the tons of support behind me.
One of the perks for winning is getting your name engraved onto the 7C Blair Morgan Cup. What does that mean to you and what kind of impact has Blair had on your racing career?
Yeah it’s very honoring to have my name added to a trophy with such in inspiring athlete like Blair. He was one of the best in the world, and to have my name on an item with his, feels incredible!
You also were the lucky recipient of a brand new GMC Denali Truck (the second in 2 years), do you keep both and just build a bigger garage or?
You know, this has been my third truck I've won as a prize through CSRA (2017, 2021, 2022) and I've been so lucky to have Gren from Tom Smith GMC/Chevrolet award me with these trucks for winning. A lot goes in to this sport and it’s amazing to have awards like this. Hahaha, yes I wish I got to keep all 3 trucks, but I'm fortunate enough to have each one for a 1-year lease; Gren has a great program!
Did you race any CMRC Nationals this year on the moto side of things? If so what were your results like?
This summer I honestly didn’t race anything besides the MotoPark Cup, I really just focused on having fun, riding every weekend and staying in shape!
Do you think winning the title two years in a row will cause complacency? How will you
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ensure a chance it going for 3 in a row in 2023?
The plan is to start off right where I left off last season. The program I've figured out has clearly been working and there's no reason to change it yet. Last season I had a lot to prove, and I'm ready to still prove a lot more this season.
I stumbled upon a Swedish riders Tik Tok page (Andreas Bergmark) and he has some insane free riding posts hitting massive natural kickers. Do you ever make time to freeride or is it too risky to your race season? Freeriding is an insane type of riding! Those guys are crazy. As much as I would love to freeride and hit gnarly jumps in the mountains, it is a huge risk for me during race season. However I would love to try it out when our season is over.
How did your off-season go? How did you spend the majority of your time?
My off-season was great! Lots of riding my dirt bike and I trained a ton on it! I find there's
no better way to train for our sport then transferring to a bike on similar tracks in the summer to keep that race mode in you so you still know what a track feels like come winter. Most of my summer was riding, work, family and friends; the usual!
What is the best advice you can give someone just getting into snowcross that has aspirations of becoming a champion?
The biggest thing I learned, is that you need to be unique with how you ride, and how you attack the track. There are so many things that add up to becoming a champion, but being able to focus on making the best lines, corners and passing choices are one of the BIGGEST things. Do your thing and if you want to win, you can.
From a racers perspective what are the most difficult things about racing snowcross? Also what are the most rewarding?
I find that you have to be in amazing shape as well with great endurance. Also being able to have lots of track time on the sled is a
big priority, knowing that some people don’t have the same access to that. Consistency is key in this sport, and that’s a very difficult thing to balance. There is no better feeling in the world then winning a pro race or championship. Absolutely nothing can compare to the feelings you get after putting so much work in to the sport.
Feel free to thank sponsors and anyone else who has helped you get this far in your career I just wanted to give a huge thanks to my whole family. My dad has been a huge inspiration with this including having my sister and mom being there to support me along the way. There's so many people that have gotten me to where I am today including my girlfriend, Tim and Liam from Prostreet Powersports, Bill Fullerton (for getting me on Ski-Doo’s radar), TEAMLTD, Scott Goggles, Steve from St Onge Recreation, SKIDOO, FOX, Rox Speed FX, Stud Boy, and all the OG’s from day 1, you know who you are.
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DEKlaN HENsHaW
By VIRgIl KNapp
Deklan Henshaw breaks the stereotype that you have to start racing at a young age to achieve success in the pro ranks. Although he first tried snocross in 2014, he didn’t commit to it on a regular basis until the 2019 season and in just a few short years, wrapped up his first title in the Pro Lite class. On the outside Henshaw breaks another stereotype resembling more of a rugby player or big wave surfer with his shoulder length hair and stocky build, but on the inside he’s all racer.
How did you get involved in snocross?
My Dad raced sleds, my brother Connor and I have always ridden growing up and I wanted to compete. I tried to race a CSRA round in 2014 and ended up fracturing my tib/fib in the Sault Ste. Marie. In 2019 I tried racing again at The Compound Muskoka and once again I was hooked.
You have a pretty unique name, what’s the backstory?
My parents liked the Movie "The Jackal" and one of the characters was "Declan". My mom and dad didn't like the look of the name with a ‘C’, so when I was born they changed the ‘C’ to a ‘K’ and I became Deklan.
Take me through your 2022 campaign in The Pro / Lite class, what did you do right that led to winning the class?
I have the best in the business backing me up with a LP-Racing Ski-Doo race sled; I had to focus on the main goal at the end of the season, which was the championship. I had to pass well and stay fast, because the ProLite class was stacked.
Taking a quick scroll through your Instagram, it looks like you live a pretty active lifestyle. How do you spend your time away from the track?
I am always busy doing something, In the summer months where I live it’s really busy with work and fun which leads to a lot of
boating and wake surfing. I’m also thankful to have a bunch of close friends who are quick on an mx bike to keep me ready for when the snow flies.
I also noticed like many snocross racers you have a passion for motocross. Where would you rate your mx skills compared to your snowmobile skills?
I honestly think I have more skills on a snowmobile over an mx bike; motocross is such a crazy sport with everybody evolving so fast and pushing the limits. Motocross is one of the only things that us snocross racers do in the off months to keep us in shape and ready to race.
Reflecting back on the 2022 season what do you think you did differently over previous years that resulted in winning a championship?
The 2022 Race season started off hectic with the first race basically being a whiteout with
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wind and snow in the Sault (see attached photo for reference). I had to push through and do what I’ve been training to do, which is finding fast lines while staying smooth. Believe it or not, 2022 Was My first full CSRA race season.
I saw you spent some time in Australia, how did that compare to life in Canada and what did you like most about your time there? Australia was a really cool experience; I had gone over to visit some friends and travel. The major difference between Canada and Australia was driving on the opposite side of the road. That took a couple times to get used to, but everyone was out to have a good time, similar to how Canadian’s are.
Professional sports are constantly evolving as athletes get bigger, stronger and faster; where do you see snowcross 10 years from now?
I hope all the motorsports continue to evolve and progress. But if you look at how many kids are in the younger classes, in 10 years there will be some serious competition.
I know from my time racing motocross you can’t really have fear if you want to be successful, is there anything about racing that truly freaks you out?
I can say one thing that freaks me out is the first corner, you have 10 or more sleds trying to squeeze together going down the start straight and it could go wrong in a split second.
Who has helped you to get to this point in your career?
I am super thankful for my amazing sponsors for helping me and the LP Racing team out this season, Ski-Doo with the sleds, FXR with the gear and helmets, Scott goggles, CTI Braces, Stud-Boy, C&A Skis, ROX speed FX, Bert Lee and all My Friends and family.
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KEN aVaaN
By VIRgIl KNapp
Ken Avann started his racing career in 1975. He became an avid motorcycle, watercraft and ATV racer but most importantly he was a standout snowmobile racer. He started racing ice ovals as a Pro in 1976, campaigning a Yamaha SRX340. He would go on to race Ski-doo and Polaris and would find his share of success, winning the ISR Pro Stock World Championship three times as well as a Formula III Title in Valcourt in 1989. While racing ovals, Avann was also dabbling in snowcross and logged two ISR World Series snowcross championships aboard Ski-Doo in 1984 and ’85. He had the privilege of racing with Gerard Karpik and had a hand in testing and building the Ski-Doo prototype snowmobiles.
“I worked with Gerard Karpik as a test rider while he developed the limited build crosscountry/snowcross sled,” Avann said. “I won the first oval race for him on his new sled in Alexandria, Minnesota, beating the factory
riders from Yamaha, Polaris and Arctic Cat. At the time we used the same sled for three different types of racing-oval, cross-country and snowcross. That was one of the best sleds I ever raced.”
It wasn’t until 1992 that Avann began to get his feet wet in the race circuit business when he created the Canadian Watercraft Racing Association. He was tired of the disorganization of the current watercraft racing circuit and felt he could promote a better racing series for his fellow watercraft racers. He was somewhat successful but ultimately his ties with one brand hampered his efforts.
“The personal watercraft race series worked well.” Avann said. “However, I was a factorysupported Polaris snowmobile racer and because of that only Polaris would support the watercraft series, the other manufacturers backed out.”
Though it didn’t go far, the CWRA was important because it marked Avann’s start as a powersports racing promoter and laid the groundwork for the CSRA.
sWITcHINg T o sNo Wc Ross
While Avann had raced his share of snowcross, most of his snowmobile racing experience rested in oval racing. In fact, he served on the board of the Ontario Snowmobile Racing Federation from 19831993 and was part of the decision-making progress for snowmobile racing events that took place in Canada. With a lengthy motocross and ATV racing background, Avann saw the potential of snowcross and wanted OSRF to sanction the blossoming form of snowmobile racing in conjunction with the ice oval races.
“I was out voted.” Avann said. “I was told snowcross wouldn’t grow in Canada.”
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The very next year Ken founded CSRA and started promoting his own snowcross races. The results he witnessed promoting snowcross in the first season proved he was right. CSRA’s first race, held at Mount St. Louis Ski Resort in Ontario, had 200 racers, twice as many as the ice oval circuits were getting at the time. Those entries even included Toni Haikonen, a top European racer who brought instant credibility to the circuit.
“After that first event I knew we were on to something,” Avann Said. “ But I had no idea how big it would become.”
The fledgling snowcross series continued to grow until it reached a peak in 1997 when it boasted 1,000 racer entries for its opening event at Searchmont Ski Resort. It was an incredible number of racer entries even for the time, but, if anything it was indicative of CSRA’s prominence in the growing world of
snowcross racing both in Canada and the rest of the snowmobile racing world.
csR a Expa NDs
The CSRA grew quickly, and in 1995 Avann noticed that 30-percent of the race entries he was receiving were coming from Michigan. There was no snowcross race circuit in Michigan in the mid-1990’s and racers were so eager to hit the snowcross tracks, they were driving to Ontario to compete at CSRA events. Seeing a need for Regional-type circuit to serve the Michigan Racers, Avann made the decision to start the ASRA American Snowcross Racing Association.
“We started the ASRA to provide the racers in Michigan with their own Regional snowcross racing series,” Avann said. “When I first started out my father would hop in the pickup truck and drive me 36 hours across the country on a moment notice to race any time I
asked him, so I had an idea what these people where going through. The ASRA series took off, and within three years it grew as big as CSRA.”
By the end of the 1990s Avann was hungry for more. His ATV supercross racing background instilled visions of snowcross racing indoors, in arenas and stadiums. He wanted to break down barriers and take snowcross to the highest levels of motorsports entertainment. However, with big-time venues come big-time money and logistics.
“I was confident that snowcross could attract a crowd big enough to fill a stadium,” Avannn said. “But coming up with the $250,000 to create the race was a huge problem.”
Avann and partner Grant Reeves contacted the management at the new Air Canada Centre in Toronto and convinced them CSRA could convert the stadium into a snowcross venue, fill it with fans, stage the race, tear it back down and make it ready for a Raptors basketball game within 24-hours. The Air Canada Centre management gave them the go-ahead and it wasn’t long before the CSRA crew had the place filled with snow and Blair Morgan was winning the first indoor event in front of 16,000 fans. And they kept their wordthe arena was ready to go for the basketball game in plenty of time.
“The event went perfect,” Avann said. “Looking back it seems crazy, but it was something we believed in and I’m so proud that we were able to make it happen.”
Ta KINg sNo Wc Ross INDooRs
After the successful inaugural event, Avann expanded to two events the next year, again holding a snowcross race in the Air Canada Centre as well as the Molson Centre in Montreal. Fan attendance was strong and it was clear the CSRA was on to something. “We were taking snowcross so far beyond where we had started,” Avann said. “We were taking it right into the middle of some of the biggest cities in the United States and Canada. It was really incredible to be a part of it.”
In 2001 the stadium tour grew to four events, all of them in the United States Including the Palace in Auburn Hills, Mich., the Fargo Dome
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in Fargo, ND, the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, ND, and the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The event’s had a new name, the Indoor Super Snocross Tour. The next year the tour again featured four races but commanded some of the largest venues in sports – the Metrodome, the Pontiac Silverdome in Detroit, the SkyDome in Toronto and the Fargodome. In 2003 the series made history when 36,000 fans paid to see a single day snowcross race on the floor of the Pontiac Silverdome, setting the record for the largest crowd to ever see a snowmobile race.
Hol DINg FasT
Despite its fantastic success, the indoor series began to run out of steam and 2003 would mark its final year. In fact, 2003 was a pivotal year in many ways for CSRA. In addition to the final indoor events, Avann sold the ASRA series to the WSA World Snowmobile Association, who brought it into its growing fold of USA snowcross
circuits and it became the WSA Michigan Regional Series.
After building on of the largest combined snowmobile racing operations in the history of snowmobiling, Avann has tapered his efforts back down to the CSRA as his sole racing venture.
“ I would never have dreamed the CSRA would last as long as it has,” Avann said. “We have created some unique events with the CSRA, the ASRA and the Indoor Super Snowcross Tour, but now I want to focus on CSRA and try to keep racing affordable so more youth can participate, I would also like to help develop Snow Bike Racing in Canada and try to receive more exposure for our sponsors and racers through enhanced Social Media efforts and National television programming.
Today, the CSRA is the oldest ISR- affiliated snowcross circuit and is still the most
prominent snowmobile racing circuit in Canada. Avann remains a leader in the world of snowcross and his experience is something that has become sought after in the industry. He regularly consults with the manufacture’s race managers and other racing affiliates.
“We respect each other,” Avann said. “If one of us has a tough situation regarding racing we discuss and consider each others point of views. We make decisions through ISR to improve our sport, the efforts to improve never end”.
THE Fu T u RE
What lies ahead for the CSRA? For now, Avann is content with the circuit and the direction it is headed.
“My focus is on the kids classes, the 120s, 200s, Transition, Novice and Junior classes, the young kids,” Avann said. “That’s the future of the sport and we can’t lose sight of that.”
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DaKoTa KaRKoulas
By VIRgIl KNapp
Dakota Karoulas comes from a family full of racers with both her siblings competing in Snowcross (her older sister Brooklyn, directly against her no less), which must lead to some interesting family dinners on Sunday night! 2022 was a pivotal year for Dakota as she took home titles in the Pro AM Women’s class and the Junior Boy’s division. Hoping to continue that momentum into 2023, we caught up with Dakota just prior to the start of the new year and new CSRA Nationals season.
First off congratulations on winning the Pro AM Women’s class and the Junior Boy’s class all in your rookie year no less! Did you do anything different this year over previous ones that led to so much success?
Thank you! It was a great year. No Drastic changes this year, always just working on pushing myself and trying to do my best. However, this year we did begin practicing at Black River Racing’s track in Muskoka.
The track and support there is just amazing, which I definitely feel helped improve my riding and racing. Another change would be racing a full throttle sled for the first time. This gave me more confidence when hitting jumps, and eventually I was able to do all the jumps on both my full throttle, and half throttle. I just needed that little boost in self esteem the full throttle gave me, in order to encourage myself to try the harder jumps.
I know from interviewing your sister Brooklyn in the past, she considers you one of her strongest competitors in the Pro Am Women’s class. Typically in racing you wouldn’t share a house with other riders you’re actively competing against throughout the season. Does this ever create tension at home or it’s easy to leave whatever happens on race day at the track?
Oh man I would be lying if I said the tension didn’t follow us into the trailer and home. We improved on keeping our cool throughout the
season, but the first couple races were tense! The first corner off the green light always seemed to be our biggest issue, as that was when we were the closest on the track. Our line picks always seemed to be very close, if not right beside each other as well. Putting us ski to ski right off the line. But, we live and we learned. Avoiding conversations right after a tight race was the most effective way for us to remember we’re sisters before competitors.
What is the biggest difference between the Pro AM Women’s class compared to the Junior Boy’s?
I would say the biggest difference for me would be that there is a higher number of racers. The boys class also seems to be more aggressive as they aren’t afraid to rub. You’d be hard pressed to find me letting off the throttle before the first corner, which sometimes caused issues in the boys class because they also aren’t afraid to back down.
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Usually, if I could make it around the corner I was good for the rest of the race.
I read that your jumping evolved this year and you were hitting triples you wouldn’t have previously attempted. Did you find taking bigger risks like that paid off in faster lap times?
Taking bigger risks DEFINITELY paid off in the long run. I found a new comfort place in the air, which I had never seemed to of been in before. I have always liked jumping, but this year was different. The air was calming and exciting. During some races I would forget all about the other competitors and would be competing against myself when going over the jumps. Always trying to get higher, jump further. I would be yelling “weeeeee” in the air while I was supposed to be racing!
Are you picky with sled set up?
I am the WORST when it comes to sled set up. I come off the track and my Dad tries to ask me about my sled. How it’s running, if I’m bottoming out, etc. and I could not tell you a single answer to any of those questions! When I’m on the track I do not take in or register anything, but the track and the riders around me. Even though I don’t know anything about the mechanics, my Dad always keeps my sled in tip top shape. I just worry about the riding aspect.
Despite being only 16 you’ve been racing for the majority of your life. Do you feel like a veteran or you still think there’s a lot to learn?
I still feel like a ‘newbie’ some days. When I’m struggling with a jump or a corner, I sometimes feel like I know nothing. In the end, there is always lots more to learn. I love watching other riders. How they move, how they hit the jumps, do they ride the berm around the corner, or do they brake hard and power out. And then I try to copy them. Later checking in with my Dad looking at lap times and seeing what he thinks is the fastest and best way to ride at certain times.
If you could only use one social media app for the next year would it be Tik Tok, Instgram or Snapchat? And why?
Definitely Instagram. I could scroll for hours if I could. It’s got all my favourite things. Snowmobiles, racing, French Bulldogs, and my friends!
Fast forward 10 years do you see your self still racing sleds?
I definitely would if I could. With post secondary coming up faster than ever, there’s no telling what will happen. Racing or not, I will always love sleds, and will definitely try my hardest to get to some races.
What do you love most about racing? And what do you dislike the most?
Hmmmm hard question. I love so many things about it. I love just riding, and flying through the air, I love going fast and being with friends and just so much more. The pressure is definitely a downside to racing though. Except it’s not pressure I feel from other people, but from myself. Sometimes I take the fun out of it for myself, because I’m just so focused on the end result of crossing the transponder line first, and not appreciating the process, and enjoying the actual riding and racing. My goal this year is definitely to try and relax. I just want to have fun and take in the experience and do my best.
Do you ever see a time when the guys and girls could compete in a mixed class at the pro open level?
Yes! I cannot wait for the day there’s a female in the pro open class. Maybe I’ll even be that female rider. I think it is so much more than just possible. At just 15 I raced Pro Women, so for the traditional female classes that’s as high as I can get. But I’m not ready for that to be the end, as I know many other girls as well, who are still wanting to progress in levels. So where else is there to go than to keep moving up with the guys! I don’t think there is anything stopping a girl from racing in the pro class. When helmets are on, we’re not racing against girls and guys, but are against racers and competitors.
Who has been in your corner and would you like to thank?
I could not have accomplished nearly as much as I did this season, and past seasons without my sponsors. I am so grateful for them all and am so proud to use their products, and have their support backing me up. I like to try and wear lots of my sponsors clothing as much as I can so everyone around and see how amazing they are as well! I’d like to give a giant thank you to Bailey Motorsports for the years of support, Ski-Doo, Motul, Fly Racing for always
keeping me looking great and warm, Dayco, Studboy, C&A Pro Skis, Rox, Off Road Vixens, Scott Goggles always keeping my vision clear, Backwoods Promotion, 139 designs for my wraps that I love!! St.Onge Recreation, and Atlas Braces. Thank you to everyone else who has stood by me through my racing career thus far as well. Big thank you to my Dad for everything he’s done for me, from the countless nights of working on the sleds, to the before races ‘pep talks’. Thank you to my mom for always encouraging me and giving lots of hugs when I’m getting down on myself, and thank you to my sisters for being my competition, but also my supporters who never would not give me a good luck handshake before a race. I would not be where I am now without those around me, so a huge thank you to them.
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