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corpowersports.com
1690 56th St Somerset, WI 54025
651-387-5880
Cor PowerSports PROGRAM PRODUCED AND PUBLISHED BY ON SNOW MAGAZINE
President & Publisher: Richard Kehoe
Copy Editor: Rick Bloye
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Production Manager: Tendra Crossman
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Director of Sales & Marketing: Andrew McEwan
Sales & Marketing: Eric Torresan Steve Belyntsev
Administrative Assistant: Sarah Day
Race Series Photographer: Emily Wicklund
Photographers: Emily Wicklund, Todd Williams, Gary Walton, Steve Hamilton, Richard Kehoe, Tendra Crossman
Contributing Writers: Emily Wicklund, Mark Boncher, Jeff Steenbakkers, Jason Kawczynski, Tyler Swarm, Darren Desautels, Maria Sandberg, Rob Alford, Jordan Hammack, Richard Kehoe, Mike Duffy, Andrew McEwan, Brent Geerlings,
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On Snow Magazine
HEAD OFFICE
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WELCOME LETTER
Time has come for Cor PowerSports to start our 13th season and 4th season as the pro national premier cross country race series.
Our first season taking over the national series was the COVID year, since then we have been working diligently to grow and promote snowmobile racing and the snowmobile industry as a whole.
Over these past 3 seasons we have grown exponentially and partnered with a lot of great groups, brought new technology to cross country racing to better track racers for safety during events as well as expand the exposure of the series and our racers.
Cor PowerSports is now the stewards of cross country snowmobile racing, as we grow we also remain focused on honoring those that have come before us. It is now our turn to carry the torch of being the promoter group for cross country racing and work with a large number of snowmobile clubs, communities, government agencies, and state politicians as we navigate through the logistics of what is needed each year for operating a very unique business as Cor PowerSports.
We want to thank our racers, fans, venue partners, and sponsors for their continued support over these past 12 seasons and are looking forward to having another exciting season with some amazing races that will create a lifetime of memories.
Sincerely,
Todd and Andrea Myers
SPONSORS
SUPPORTING THE SPORT >
To implement a first-class racing series like Cor PowerSports Race Series takes a lot of dedicated people all with a passion and a vision working towards the same end goal. A huge part of this dedicated family are the sponsors who generously support the sport. Through their support, we have a venue in which to participate, spectate, and work in one of the greatest forms of snowmobile racing in the world. Their loyalty and resources are the lifeblood of Cor PowerSports Racing, and for that reason we ask you show them the same level of support and to think of these companies and organizations first.
Arctic Cat
Passion is Power. It can scale mountains. Turn a hard day’s work into a job well done. And, it can take a Minnesota-based snowmobile company from humble beginnings to one of the most inspiring names in powersports. At Arctic Cat they live for the unforgettable and strive for the impossible. Because when our passion for building precision-engineered machines meets your passion for exploring the outdoors, there’s nothing beyond reach.
Polaris
Snowmobiling is anticipation. Tweaking gear. Planning rides. Sharing moments. There is no off-season. Once you get out there on a Polaris it gets into you. That’s why they’ve never stopped pioneering breakthroughs and enhancing the snowmobile experience, helmets on or off. It’s what Polaris riders live for.
FXR
FXR Clothing you'll find the full line of men's, women's and youth FXR gear! Riders are never disappointed to find exactly what they have been searching for with the broad line of styles FXR carries, whether you are riding on the trails or in the mountains the quality of product will withstand the conditions. Shop FXR Racing gear for your snowmobile jacket, bibs, gloves, boots, goggles, and more! Be sure to check out the latest in the FXR casual line to match your everyday wear to your riding lifestyle!
C&A Pro
Located in the heart of snowmobile country, just steps away from Minnesota’s fabled Luce Line State Trail, C&A Pro has been making world renowned snowmobile skis for nearly three decades. We make our skis right here in Minnesota, where winters are long and the snowmobiling tradition runs deep.
C&A Pro skis quickly attained legend status. To this day, no other aftermarket ski manufacturer is able to add up to all the titles and successes of C&A Pro. From holding more snocross championships, cross country championships, watercross championships, Guinness world records…no other ski has jumped higher or farther than C&A Pro.
Nelson Leasing
Dale Nelson began working as a teenager for a company named Auto Safety Service in 1951. By 1954, Dale purchased the business and renamed it Dale Nelson Auto Safety Service. The establishment was located on Third Street West in Willmar, MN in an 80 x 50 foot building. When he first bought the business, it was primarily an automobile repair garage, but as time went on, Dale began to specialize in heavy duty trucks.
Currently, Nelson International has 5 dealer locations with 8 subcontractors serving as the sole Navistar Dealer in North Dakota as well as serving a portion of western Minnesota. With over 60 years in business, Nelson International understands the importance of their role, which is to help their customer’s become as profitable as possible by providing an excellent product and superb customer service with as little downtime as possible. Between the dealer locations and the subcontractors, Nelson International provides the best truck dealer coverage in the area.
Studboy
Manufacturers of snowmobile carbide studs, backer plates, carbide wear bars, and accessories. “STUD BOY”® products provide the safety and performance that gets the power to the ground while maintaining confidence in snowmobile control. Traction control products puts ease in knowing your snowmobile will respond the way you need it to, and “STUD BOY”® stud & wearbar products will provide this confidence!
It is our passion to provide the safest, most dependable traction products in the industry. Here at “STUD BOY”®, we are trail riders and we are racers. We hear the demands, we react and we test. It is not only a hobby, it is an obsession!
Let us help you reach the comfort of safety and performance you deserve!
Get “traction with an attitude” with “STUD BOY”® traction products, and feel the difference in your snowmobile.
Carver Performance
Carver Performance is your shock and suspension experts. We are Fox Specialists, but also work on KYB, Walker Evans, Ohlins, ACT and GYTR Shocks. We carry new Fox shocks, as well as parts for all major shock brands. We can rebuild, repair, and customize any brand of shocks.
Ski Doo
2022 Ski-Doo snowmobiles push the boundaries of possibility and innovation further than ever before. Every feature is inspired by riders like you who reimagine the ride in ways that redefine the winter escape.
Woody's
Woody's is a second generation, familyowned business that was established in 1968.
Since then we have partnered internationally with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), trail clubs & groups, snowmobile organizations, race teams, and distributors in order to optimize our products and make them widely available. As a result, we are known today as the industry's premier producer of snowmobile traction products for safety and control.
Hunter Houle Memorial Foundation
The Hunter Houle Memorial Foundation is dedicated to helping those in need, the advancement of education, and engaging in other charitable purposes.
The Foundation arose out of Hunter Houle’s true love of racing and strong passion for helping others. Combining these passions, the Foundation strives to benefit the community and those in need.
TDS Trucking
TDS Trucking is a family owned and operated trucking company that specializes in Anhydrous Ammonia, LP Gas and Liquid fertilizer
Christian Transport
Christian Transport is a family owned company that was started over 41 years ago, specializing in liquid fertilizer and grain relocation
Jay's Power Center
Jay’s passion for and knowledge of the powersports industry led to increased business, loyal customers, and the need for a new larger showroom space and an expanded service area. In 2016, Jay’s Power Center held its Grand Opening in its current location on East Main Street in Reedsburg, Wisconsin.
With a large inventory of both new and used motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, scooters, and dirt bikes, we know we have the perfect vehicle for you. Plus they also offer a full service center for your new or used motorcycle, ATV, UTV, snowmobile, or other powersports vehicle!
On Snow Magazine
Launched in 1986, OSM grew into Canada’s most influential snowmobile magazine. OSM has become the premiere snowmobile publication throughout North America. With strong circulation in Canada and the USA, the best way to reach Snowmobilers is with OSM. This is THE Magazine Snowmobilers have read and trusted for over 2 decades, and has become the lifestyle voice for the sport.
THE VENUES >
DUNMIRE'S 100
JANUARY 6-7, 2024
Brainerd, Minnesota
The central lakes region has always been a favorite area for cross-country snowmobile racing. The past two season we have run the Nisswa 100 in the ditches but this year we present to you the Dunmire’s on the Lake 100 in Brainerd, Minnesota! This event will be ran on North Long Lake as a plowed lake race.
Nisswa 100 Pro Stock 2023 winner: Dan Revering
Nisswa 100 Semi Pro Stock 2023 winner: Jesse Hallstrom
OTTERTAIL 100
JANUARY 13-14, 2024
Brainerd, Minnesota
The central lakes region has always been a favorite area for cross-country snowmobile racing. The past two season we have run the Nisswa 100 in the ditches but this year we present to you the Dunmire’s on the Lake 100 in Brainerd, Minnesota! This event will be ran on North Long Lake as a plowed lake race.
Nisswa 100 Pro Stock 2023 winner: Dan Revering
Nisswa 100 Semi Pro Stock 2023 winner: Jesse Hallstrom
HEARTLAND 200
JANUARY 27-28, 2024
Park Rapids, Minnesota
Round three of the series will be the annual Heartland 200 with the coveted neon sign trophy up for grabs. The race course is one of the most diverse of the series with wooded trails, ditch, and ice sections all in the race. The race covers 110 miles of fully wooded trails and ditches making it a very technical course. There is a lake back up option at this event as well if snow conditions aren't up to par.
Pro Stock 2023 winner: Zach Herfindahl
Semi Pro Stock 2023 winner: Boe Bunke
GOODRIDGE-GRYGLA I-500
FEBRUARY 10-11, 2024
Goodridge/Grygla, Minnesota
One of the most prestigious snowmobile races in the nation is the cross country I-500. Covering 250 miles per day is no easy task especially in conditions that this event has had in previous years. The race is now based out of Goodridge/ Grygla, Minnesota and is a 125 mile race course that changes for each day of racing. Competitors make two laps on the course each day making an impressive 500 miles in just two days. The course is a combination of rough ditches, deep holes, rivers, woods, and fields. The 500 continues to thrive in huge part thanks to the support of former racers, club members, and enthusiasts from the Goodridge Grygla snowmobile clubs.
Pro Stock 2023 winner: Zach Herfindahl
Semi Pro Stock 2023 winner: Boe Bunke
LEECH LAKE 200
FEBRUARY 24-25, 2024
Walker, Minnesota
Cor Powersports is heading back to Walker, Minnesota for the second annual Leech Lake 200. Walker, Minnesota is no stranger to the cross country racing world but Cor Powersports hosted their inaugural event on Leech Lake in 2023 and we are happy to be back! The course will be an unplowed lake course 13-15 miles in length.
Pro Stock 2023 winner: Zach Herfindahl
Semi Pro Stock 2023 winner: Boe Bunke
NAYTAHWAUSH SNODEO 200
MARCH 2-3, 2024
Naytahwaush, Minnesota
The Snodeo 200 has been another annual event that racers and fans look forward to. The event has been raced for over 50 years! The race course will not be plowed, the club will be working on plowing the first mile of the race course so we can run a heads up start. This event is one you don’t want to miss!
Pro Stock 2023 winner: Aaron Christensen
Semi Pro 2023 winner: Evan Peppel
GOGEBIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE IRONWOOD XC SNOWMOBILE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
MARCH 16-17, 2024
Ironwood, Michigan
Coming back for 2024 is the season finale at Mt. Zion in Ironwood, Michigan! After a season full of ice and terrain, we cap off the year on the ski hill. Last year we were blessed with feet of fresh snow the week leading up to the race which made this race one for the books! We are looking forward to heading back to this area and putting on another good show!
Pro Stock 2023 winner: Zach Herfindahl
Semi Pro 2023 winner: Jesse Hallstrom
By: Emily Wicklund
arren, Minnesota native, Elliott Clark was a force to be reckoned with in the Junior 14-17 and Expert 600 Limited divisions in 2023. The fifteen-year-old earned six podiums between the two classes in 2023 and landed himself on the podium in 13 out of 14 races in 2023. In round one at Ottertail, Elliott claimed a pair of third place finishes. In Nisswa he swept the round taking a win in both classes. At the Heartland 200, he claimed a pair of runner-up finishes. Elliott claimed a win in the Junior 14-17 class at the I-500 and placed second in the Expert 600 Limited class. Clark swept the weekend at round five in Walker setting him up nicely for the championships. In Naytahwaush, Elliott scored his sole DNF in the Expert class and took third in the Junior division. At the season finale, Clark took second in Expert 600 Limited and first in Junior 14-17 which earned him both class championships.
Rewind to 2019, the beginning of Elliott Clarks cross country racing career, he competed in the Junior 10-13 class and placed third in season points. In 2020, Clark finished fourth in points in the same division. Clark made big gains in 2021 taking the Junior 10-13 class championship. He also earned his first career cross country win at round two in Okoboji, Iowa. In 2022, Clark moved up to the vastly competitive Junior 14-17 and Expert 600 Limited divisions. Elliott finished fourth place in both season championships before taking home both titles in 2023.
As far as 2024 goes, Clark is making the jump up to the Sport and Sport Improved classes alongside numerous of his Junior class competitors! This will be a fun class to watch this season as Cor Powersports has changed the format of this class. New this year, the Sport class will run qualifiers and finals just as the Semi Pro and Pro divisions do! This will give racers a better feel for the upper ranks of the sport at an earlier age!
OSM: How did you get started in racing?
Elliott: Watching my older cousin race.
OSM: What do you keep busy with during the off season?
Elliott: Working and playing golf.
OSM: What is your favorite part about racing cross country?
Elliott: Racing in the rough ditches and flying over crossings.
OSM: What is your favorite racing memory?
Elliott: Riding with friends before the races.
OSM: Who’s your role model in the racing world?
Elliott: Zach Herfindahl
OSM: What was your favorite race of 2023?
Elliott: Nisswa, MN
OSM: Ice or ditch?
Elliott: Ditch racing.
OSM: You landed yourself on the podium in all but one race in 2023 and won six races. What kept you so consistent in 2023?
Elliott: Being comfortable on the sled. My dad worked hard on it so it was comfortable for me to race.
OSM: What are your goals for 2024?
Elliott: Make podium every race and make fast times.
OSM: What classes are you racing in 2024?
Elliott: Sport Stock and Sport Improved Stock.
OSM: Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Elliott: My dad, mom, brother Rielly, Uncle Dustin, Unkle Haus, Grandma and Grandpa Hamrick, Grandma and Grandpa Clark, Grandpa Jerry and Brenda, Zutz Farms, Hamm’s Repair, CHS, Arctic Cat, Mike Kloety, Dekalb, Asgrow, Advantage AgAir, R&R Farms, Jetstop, Hector, Berbs, Fly Racing, Rox Speed FX, C & A Pro Skis, Woodys, Huberts Outdoor Power, Emily Pearl Photography, and Fast Graphix.
By: Emily Wicklund
Atthe ripe age of 16 years old, Keagen Houser, or Sparkles as his dad calls him, is making his name known in the cross country racing world. The Grand Forks, North Dakota native earned himself a ride on the Carver Performance Race Team for 2023 and did his job. Houser swept the Sport and Sport Improved titles in 2023 and earned Co-Rookie of the Year Award alongside Pro Women’s rider Unity Gausen. Houser exceeded his goals for 2023 and wants to keep the momentum rolling in 2024.
Most kids get involved in racing through family members who raced, but not Keagen. “I took a trip to the dentist when I was 5. My mom noticed the flier on the wall for the Pinehurst Snodeo. We borrowed my older cousins 120 & Grandma’s tahoe and we went racing. I ended up winning one of the two races that I entered and I was hooked on snowmobiles.” Keagen explained.
Keagen started racing cross country with USXC in 2018 in the Junior 10-13 class and had one fourth place finish his rookie year. In 2019 he was consistently in the top five with his first two podiums with USXC. He finished fourth in overall Junior 10-13 points in 2019. In 2020, the premier cross country series was now Cor Powersports. Keagen stepped up another notch with four podiums on the year earning himself a third overall in his last season of Junior 10-13. In 2021, Houser had to move up to the ever so
competitive Junior 14-17 and Expert 600 Limited classes. However, the 2021 season was shortened due to Covid-19 so there were only four rounds. Keagens season and career best was a second place finish in the Expert 600 Limited class at the opening round. Houser finished fourth overall in season points in the Expert 600 Limited class.
In 2022, Houser was one of the top dogs in the Junior 14-17 and Expert 600 Limited classes. Houser not only claimed his first career cross-country win, but claimed six of them! Houser came out swinging at the opening round in 2022 and earned his first two wins, one in each class. By the end of the season he claimed six total wins. We asked Houser what clicked for him in 2022, “Cory’0 Connor (my mechanic) & I did a lot of Venom Clutch testing in Pine Lake, and we got a top speed of 108 mph on a ½ throttle sled. That made a
massive difference and just boosted my confidence and started momentum that just kept rolling,” Keagen replied.
Between Houser and his good friend Aiden Johnson, the pair claimed every single win in both classes in 2022! The two competitors also split the titles in 2022. Keagen claimed the Expert 600 Limited 2022 title by 2 points over Aiden Johnson. In the Junior 14-17 class, Johnson clenched the title by 6 points over Houser. In 2023 Houser moved up to Sport and Johnson moved up to Semi Pro, splitting up the much anticipated Houser/Johnson battles in 2023. We asked Keagen if he is excited to race Aiden again in the near future, “Oh yeah! Aiden and I go way back to KC Pro West racing. Always a fun time racing against Aiden,” Keagen replied.
In 2023, Houser joined the Carver Performance Racing Team alongside Mike Carver (Masters racer) and Nick Swenson (Semi Pro racer). “I started having Mike Carver service my shocks in 2019. At Pine Lake in 2021, I started on the line with Mike. Mike asked my dad if he should let me go, and my dad said no “race him.” Mike and I battled up through the pack the whole race going back and forth. And after the race Mike & I had a chat at his trailer talking about how fun that was over cookies. Over the course of the season we grew closer. In White Cap they offered to take my sled and me racing. Mike & I swept the weekend in both classes. The next season I was officially part of the Carver Performance Racing Team,” Keagen explained.
Just as he did in 2022, Keagen came out swinging in 2023 as well, sweeping the opening round in the Sport classes in Ottertail. He scored a pair of DNFs at round two in Nisswa, but found his footing again in Park Rapids for round three sweeping the Sport classes again that weekend. The I -500 was round four which is always a grueling race and after a few offs, Houser scored another pair of DNFs. In Walker, he had another impressive comeback earning a pair of wins. In the Sport Stock class, he won by only eight seconds over Adam Brandt. In Naytahwaush, Houser claimed a couple
of podiums. In the season finale, Houser claimed the win in the heads up Sport final which was his first heads up start race since joining cross country. In the Sport Improved class he had some troubles and finished 10th. Houser also made his debut in the Semi Pro Stock class bumping up in the season finale to prepare for next season. Keagen shocked everyone when he came out as the top qualifier in the Semi Pro Stock class as a first timer! Houser had to go from winning his Sport Stock final right back to the starting line to start the Semi Pro Stock final. Houser found his way to third early and made the pass for second on lap two. Keagen held second for three more laps and was catching race leader Evan Peppel. On lap five of eight, Houser had a hard off while running second which took him out of the race. Despite the unfortunate ending to a great debut, Keagen has people amped up for his first full season in the Semi -Pro classes in 2024.
Keagen ended up claiming both Sport Stock and Sport Improved 2023 titles by 56 and 41 points, respectively, over his competition. He also claimed Co-Rookie of the Year alongside Unity Gausen. This award can be earned by anyone who is a rookie in the class that they ran that season. In 2023, Houser earned seven wins and nine podiums making his Sport class career a short dominant one.
We asked Keagen what he learned most from team owner and racer Mike Carver. “His suspension expertise makes a massive difference in every category. As a bonus, he also raced 42 yrs, so he has that experience and understands ‘racer talk’,” Houser explained. In 2024, Carver is hanging up the helmet but will still be at the track with his Carver Performance Racing Team.
Houser plans to move up to the Semi Pro ranks in 2024 and has big goals. “To Podium and win a couple races, and end the season in the top 3.” Houser said. With some big names staying in the Semi Pro classes in 2024, this is going to be Houser’s biggest challenge yet but adversity never stopped Houser in the past. Why would it now?
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TBy: Emily Wicklund
hief River Falls, Minnesota native, Gabby Hallstrom faced a lot of change in 2023. Gabby and her brother Jesse made the transition from long-time Arctic Cat racers to the Ski Doo Christian Brothers Racing team. Not only that but Gabby moved up from the Sport Womens class to the Pro Factory Womens division. With a new sled and new class, Gabby’s goal for 2023 was to podium in the Pro Factory Womens class. Not only did Gabby podium three times but she also earned her first Pro Factory Womens win, the Pro Factory Womens championship, and the most surprising thing to her, the Cor Powersports “Most Improved Rider of 2023” Award. Gabby didn’t just meet her goal but she surpassed it more than she could have imagined.
The Hallstrom name has a long history in the snowmobile industry with Gabby’s dad Joey working and racing for Arctic Cat for many years! Gabby started racing at just six-years-old. She started out on a 120 in the KC Pro West circuit and then moved up to USXC in the Junior 10-13 Girls class. In 2018, Gabby competed in the Junior 14-17 Girls class and earned her first career win in Thief River Falls. She earned her second win in Warroad of the same year. In 2018 she finished third overall in the Junior 14-17 Girls points championship. In 2019, Gabby earned two more wins in the Junior 14-17 Girls class in Thief River Falls and the I-500 and finished as the runner up in season points championship. In 2020, Gabby started the year off with a win at Pine Lake and finished third in points. In 2021, Cor Powersports took over the series and it was the shortened season due to the Covid-19. Gabby moved up to the Sport Womens class while also competing in the Junior 14-17 class. Hallstrom started off the year strong with a win in the Junior 17-17 Girls class in Cable,
Wisconsin. She then followed that up with her first Sport Womens win at round two in Okoboji, Iowa. At round three in Park Rapids, Gabby took another win in the Sport Womens class and a second place in the Junior 14-17 Girls class. In the final round of 2021 in Naytahwaush, Gabby won in Sport Womens and earned another second in Junior 14-17 Girls. With the season ending, Gabby earned the Sport Womens season championship and was runner up by only eight points in the Junior 14-17 Girls championship.
In 2022, Gabby went back to defend her Sports Women championship and earned four wins on the year; I-500, Nisswa, Upson, and Duluth. Gabby, Frankie Omang, and Annie Olson had great battles throughout the season. Gabby took two second place finishes in Pine Lake and Naytahwaush. In the end Gabby was able to earn herself back-to-back Sport Womens championships by eight points over Omang who earned second.
When the Hallstrom family started talking about the 2023 season, there was talk of change. “My brother Jesse was asked to join CBR [Christian Brothers Racing] last season as a Semi-Pro driver with Wes Selby as the Pro driver. We worked out a deal with CBR for me to move up from Sport Women’s and run the Pro Women’s class.” Hallstrom explained. Gabby knew it would be a big challenge to change to an entirely new manufacturer plus make the big jump up to the Pro Factory Womens ranks but she was ready. “I knew switching to a different brand was going to take some getting used to. I got to ride early in the season when we had some snow in November. I adapted pretty quickly to the Ski Doo chassis and the motor is awesome! I got more and more comfortable on the Ski Doo as the season progressed.” said Gabby.
At the Cor Powersports season opener in Ottertail, Minnesota, the Pro Factory Womens class had seven entries which was the most entires since USXC hosted Pine Lake in 2018 which also had seven.
Welcome to the Pro Factory class of 2023 Gabby! The class was stacked all year, especially early. Gabby started off the year with two fifth place finishes in some competitive events, Ottertail and Nisswa. In Park Rapids, Gabby scored a DNF but came back swinging at the I-500 earning a second place finish. In Walker at round five, she really started to find her footing. Not only did Gabby earn her first Pro Factory Womens win but it was by 40 seconds in a class of five. Her success didn’t end there, at round six in Naytahwaush, Gabby earned a strong second in a class of six. She also decided to join the boys in the Sport Stock class to get extra seat time and earned second place in a class of 11! What a weekend it was for Gabby. At the season finale in Ironwood, Gabby had a few offs and settled into a fourth place finish to end the year.
We asked Gabby what her favorite race of 2023 was, “It is hard to narrow it down to just one, I enjoyed them all. Walker was a special race, where I got my first pro win. But I would say the i-500 was
my favorite of the 2023 season. I love the challenges it brings, different terrain and the amount of time you are on your sled.” Gabby explained.
After seven rounds in 2023, Gabby was able to capture the Pro Factory Womens championship and the first ever Pro Factory Womens #1 plate. The celebration didn’t stop there. Gabby was also given the Cor Powersports “Most Improved Rider” award. “Being selected for ‘Most Improved Rider’ was the biggest surprise and one of the highlights of the year. It really added to the Pro Women’s Championship. Being consistent and driving smart is key in Cross Country.” said Gabby.
The womens side of cross country saw a rise in 2023! The Pro Factory Womens class had an average of 5.42 entries with the opening two rounds having seven entries. This is the highest number of entries since the 2015 season of USXC. That was back when Bute, Tangen (now Hetteen), and the Pladson sisters used to battle.
Racing snowmobiles is a challenging sport and being a female in the industry adds another layer of challenge to it. “Snowmobiles have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, being with my family every weekend, watching my dad race and others that I know very well. I have a strong passion for the sport and the industry that only grows. I have been racing since I was 6 years old, my younger self would be so proud of how far I have gotten and all that I accomplished so far.” Gabby expressed.
As for 2024, Gabby’s goals have only grown. “Since last year’s goal was to get in the top 3 in Pro Women’s class, now I have to work hard to defend my title. And also make a run at the GG I-500 title.” Gabby said.
Now that Gabby has a full season on the SkiDoo and in the Pro Factory Womens class under her belt, she will be one to watch in 2024!
By: Emily Wicklund
Another year, another pair of championships for Eagle River, Wisconsin native, Zach Herfindahl. Now a fourteen-time champion, Herfindahl claimed both the Pro Factory Stock and the Pro Open championships after a stellar year. He has now won eight Pro Factory Stock titles and six Pro Open titles. Let’s break down Herfindahls career by numbers.
Backtrack to 2010 and 2011, Zach raced just one race each winter. In 2012, Zach raced half the year in the Junior class and when he turned 16 in February, he moved up to Semi Pro and had some good finishes. Mike Kloety and Zach decided it would be in the best interest for Zach to move up to Pro in 2013. During the 2012/13 season, Herfindahl was just 16 years old making his Pro debut at the season opener in Pine Lake. “I raced the Pro open heat race saturday and burned my brakes out in two laps. Came back to the trailer and the mechanics that weekend for myself were Betsy and Ethan in a second Christian Bros rig. I finished like second in that heat and they were like that’s great and all but you will never survive a final if you burn brakes out every two laps. So later that day I went out for the final and got a decent start, tucked in behind Brian Dick and watched his brake light for 2 or 3 laps and his braking points. And honestly from that day on I have never really had trouble burning brakes up. Moral of the story being we had to be a sponge at that first race
learning and it paid off.” Zach explained. Herfindahl ended his Pro debut weekend with a third in Pro Open and a second in Pro Stock. Zach finished on the podium most of the year, earned four Pro class wins, and just missed the championship. Not only was Zach a rookie in the Pro class in 2013 but it was only his second full season racing!
In 2014, Herfindahl was consistently on the podium and earned a handful of wins. He also raced the season finale with a broken thumb and cast on his arm to clinch his first Pro Stock championship.
The 2015 season was the first year Herfindahl claimed both the Pro Open and the Pro Factory Stock championships after ending the year sweeping the Warroad 100.
In 2016, Herfindahl claimed his fourth Pro championship after staying consistent all season and sweeping a few rounds including Grafton, Thief River Falls, and Warroad.
The 2017 season was Herfindahls most consistent season to date, sweeping five rounds and taking both championships making him a six-time champ. A highlight of this season was claiming his first I-500 win.
In 2018, Herfindahl struggled with DNFs throughout the year but swept one round in Manvel, North Dakota. He finished third overall in Pro Stock and fourth in Pro Open in season points. Herfindahl found his footing again in 2019 claiming another pair of championships making him an eighttime Pro champ. He also claimed his second I-500 win.
In 2020 he had some highs and lows but was able to claim the Pro Stock championship over Aaron Christensen by eight points for his ninth championship.
The 2021 season was shortened due to covid-19 so there were only four rounds which left little room for error. Zach had two Pro Open wins which helped him
claim his 10th championship. In the Pro Stock class he finished fifth in season points.
Herfindahl had a solid 2022 season sweeping three rounds and earning a first or second at the last five rounds in both Pro Open and Pro Stock. He claimed two more championships in 2022 making him a 12 time champ.
Herfindahl came out of the gates swinging in 2023 winning the opening round in the Pro Open class and placing third in the Pro Stock class. He earned a total of 10 Pro division wins in 2023 including sweeping Park Rapids, I-500, and Ironwood. After 2023, he now has 72 Pro level cross-country wins to his name and 105 podiums.
In the Pro Stock class, Herfindahls average finish was 1.8 with three wins, one runner up finish, one third, and one fourth. In the Pro Open class his average finish was 1.5 with six wins in the class and one fifth place. As for season points, Herfindahl claimed the title in the Pro
Open class by 23 points over Aaron Christensen and by 49 points over Christensen and Tate in the Pro Stock class.
In 2023, Herfindahl also claimed his fifth I-500 cross country win tying Bryan Dyrdahl for most all time I-500 wins. Hefindahl entered his first I-500 in 2013 and it ended 15 minutes into the race with a DNF. In 2014, Herfindahl finished second behind his former teammate Brian Dick. “This was Brian’s second I-500 win (after a career of near-misses, he notched his first win in 2011). When someone mentioned something about him aiming for Bryan Dyrdahl’s record of five wins, Brian Dick replied, “It will be Zach who can go for that record.”, quote from Arctic Insider. In 2015 and 2016 the I-500 was canceled. In 2017, Herfindahl claimed his first I-500 title which he still looks back on as one of his biggest racing accomplishments. In 2018, Herfindahl went out with a mechanical and Christensen claimed the title. In 2019 and 2020, Herfindahl earned I-500 wins two and three edging
out Christensen and Tate respectively. There was not an I-500 in 2021 due to Covid-19. In 2022, Zach earned his fourth title beating Dan Revering by only 40 seconds. This was Herfindahls smallest margin of victory of all his wins. Then in 2023, Herfindahl did just as Dick predicted 10 years earlier, he tied the record for most all time wins with five. Herfindahl and Bryan Dyrdahl now sit at a tie for most career I-500 wins.
In 2023, Zach’s margin of victory was only 43 seconds over Aaron Christensen. Herfindahl now has a record of five wins in eight starts in the I-500.
Hefindahl has accomplished more in his 11year Pro racing career than most have in a lifetime of snowmobile racing. The most impressive part of it all, he is still only 27-years-old.
Zach Herfindahl - 2023 Pro Open and Pro Stock Champion, Rider of the Year, Sportsman of the Year
OSM: What are your takeaways from the 2023 season?
Zach: Consistency, we showed up each week and put in good results throughout the year. The goal is to win every weekend but at the end of the season if you are consistent and minimize breakdowns you will be sitting good in the championship. The boys had our sleds dialed in each weekend and the results reflected that.
OSM: What is your biggest racing achievement thus far in your career?
Zach: The I-500 wins sit pretty high on my list, with so much history and being considered one of the biggest snowmobile races it has been rewarding to win so many of them. On top of those I-500 wins would be the longevity and consistency of our success. I have been lucky enough to be really competitive for many years with the same team behind me and continue to build race wins for Arctic Cat which is pretty cool to look back on.
OSM: What was your favorite race from 2023?
Zach: My favorite race this season was Park Rapids, the town and volunteers rally so hard to put on a great event and it truly is a classic XC race with a huge racecourse and different terrains to tackle. Hats off to the team that
promotes that event and works with Cor to make such a great venue.
OSM: What race was your biggest challenge from 2023?
Zach: As a team Walker, MN was our toughest weekend. The track was extremely gnarly and if you lost focus for even a split second you were on your head faster than a person can understand. On top of the track being wicked we broke on the Mod resulting in a DNF and Sunday blew up in the heat race, got the motor stripped down and rebuilt between races and came back out to win the stock final. It was a weekend of late nights in the trailer and high stress during the day but the team rallied together and made the best out of it.
OSM: What race are you looking forward to most in 2024?
Zach: I’m looking forward to chasing another I-500 win but this year on board a Arctic Cat RXC Catalyst. This will be a huge test for the Catalyst and though it has already been successful on the race track it will be a good proving ground to showcase what the sled is capable of.
OSM: How did you feel when you won not only two championships and rider of
the year but the sportsman of the year award as well in 2023?
Zach: It’s amazing and I can’t thank everyone enough for recognizing our team hard work and dedication to the sport. We love helping out the younger riders and growing snowmobile racing as a whole, not just XC. It’s rewarding to see families enjoying the sport like my family does and I hope it continues to trend in the right direction.
By: Emily Wicklund
the Heartland 200 in Park Rapids, Minnesota has been a favorite stop on the cross country series for decades. With its diverse terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, it is one of the most challenging races each year. The course usually is made-up of ditch, wooded state trails, and even some small sections of ice which makes the mental game essential. If you take your mind off the race for even a second, you could set yourself off the trail. The option to host the event on Fishhook lake is also key to keeping this event on the schedule each and every year regardless of the weather conditions. If the area has limited snow in the ditches, the race is moved to an ice race. Both Cor PowerSports and the Park Rapids area volunteers try to keep this race in the wooded terrain as this is what separates this race from all others. Another unique feature that the Heartland 200 offers is the infamous neon sign that is awarded to the Pro Stock winner of the event. In 2023, Park Rapids earned the Cor PowerSports award for “Venue of the Year,, which is voted on by the public.
It is no surprise that Park Rapids is a favorite for many as the community does a great job rallying together to host this event. “It’s the most fun race. It’s not very often you can go as fast as you want on a freshly groomed trail system without having to worry about other riders coming at you or a dnr with a radar gun ready to chase.,,, said Pro division racer David Brown.
Not only is the fast paced race course a hit for racers but families of the racers enjoy the area during the race and after! The community puts on top notch radio coverage which helps families and fans keep up with how their favorite racers are doing!
“The legion is our favorite place for pull tabs and downtown shopping has very unique stores! We appreciate the radio station having locals broadcasts where the racers have come through at certain
checkpoints throughout the race. "Major applause for all their help", said Hannah Diesen, former Pro Womens racer.
The volunteers in the Park Rapids have always been excellent and worked well with the staff of Cor PowerSports. Racer feedback from this event always trails back to the amazing volunteers that the Park Rapids area have.
“The heritage and history of the Heartland 200 is awesome, great community support. I raced this event back in the late 70’s and So’s, now my kids get to experience it.”, said Joey Hallstrom.
“We come all the way from out east to run the Cor Powersports cross country schedule and love racing in Park Rapids as there is a lot to do in town. Great restaurants and lodging.” said Austin Kodey Racing.
In 2023, temperatures read -23 degrees when the green flag dropped on Saturday. Zach Herfindahl won the event in Pro Stock and Pro Open. He has told staff numerous times that this is one of his favorite stops on the schedule. In the Semi-Pro ranks, Boe Bunke earned the win. McKenna Cloose won the Pro Woman’s class with Keagan Houser winning the Sport and Sport Improved divisions.
In 2022, David Brown earned his first career Pro division win in Park Rapids after claiming the Pro Stock and Pro Open classes. Cody Wolter won the Semi Pro and Semi-Pro Improved classes with Cole Boyd winning the two Sport divisions. McKenna Cloose won her first Heartland 200 in the Pro Womens class. In 2021, the event was moved to Fishhook lake and ran as an ice race. Justin Tate took the win in Pro Stock and Zach Herfindahl won Pro Open. Abe Olson was the winner of Semi-Pro Improved with Evan Peppel winning Semi Pro Stock In the Sport class, Luke Van Lyssel took the win and Adam Longtin won Sport Improved. In the Pro Womens class Savannah Landrus was victorious.
Some other notable races from Park Rapids were 2018 and 2014. In 2018, Ben Langaas won his first Pro division win after claiming the Pro Open race on Fishhook Lake. In 2014, Zach Herfindahl was racing his second year in the Pro ranks and was leading the points race. On Saturday, Zach broke his thumb while racing but continued and raced on Sunday with a broken thumb. He went on to win the Pro Stock Championship that year with a cast on his arm.
The race was formerly known as the Heartland 106 but has since grown to its title now as the Heartland 200.
Cor PowerSports love keeping the Park Rapids area as a staple in the crosscountry calendar and plan to do so for years to come!
