CSRA 2024

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STUFFERS

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 and Marketing: Eric Torresan Steve Belyntsev

Administrative Assistant: Sarah Day

Photographers: Virgil Knapp, Shelby Mohan, Backcountry Motorsports Media Dwayne Young, Clean Media

Contributing Writers: Virgil Knapp, Ken Avann, Mark Boncher, Richard Kehoe, Tendra Kehoe, Andrew McEwan, Brent Geerlings

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in trail helmets

AVAILABLE IN DEALERSHIPS THIS WINTER

WELCOME TO CSRA SNOWCROSS RACING

This winter represents our 30th year of professional snowcross racing.

The CSRA race series was established in 1993, with the first race taking place on December 12, at Mount St-Louis Ski Resort north of Barrie Ontario.

Since then, the CSRA has promoted hundreds of race events throughout Canada and the USA, with thousands of racers participating over the (30) year span.

Our 2024 race series will take place in Ontario’s key Powersports markets starting with our CSRA Season Opener in Timmins, Ontario.

After a (5) year absence, CSRA will return to the Georgian Downs / Gateway Casino facility in Innisfil Ontario. This world class facility is a fan favorite as it features a fully enclosed heated grandstand. The Royal Distributing Cup event will include Pro racing under the lights on Friday evening, as well as Pro and Regional racing classes all day Saturday and Sunday.

CSRA leads the way in kids programming and continues to develop new racing classes for kids. This winter we have introduced a new Beginners Novice 200cc class for kids

(6-12) years of age. This new race class is for first time racers and will help us to introduce new kids to our sport. The kids will compete with box stock 200cc mini sleds that are sold at local snowmobile dealerships.

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, Pennzoil Lubricants, FXR Race Apparel, Royal Distributing, Snap-On Tools, On Snow Magazine, Tom Smith Chevrolet / GMC Trucks and Truenorth Motorsports.

Special thanks to our sponsors that have supported the CSRA for (30) Years!!

These sponsors include On Snow Magazine, Stud Boy Traction, Tekrider, Snap-on, Woody’s Traction Products, Royal Distributing, Polaris, Yamaha and BRP Ski-doo.

All our sponsors do their part to keep our race series strong, vibrant, and exciting.

Please remember to support our sponsors when possible and share your snow cross experience with your family and friends.

To our passionate fans, we hope you enjoy the races. I want to thank you all for (30) Years of amazing support!!

Ken Avann CSRA President

CSRA PROFILE

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. Snowcross is a family sport featuring (18) classes of competition for kids as young as (4) years of age, there are race classes for girls, boys, teens, and adult race classes for local beginners and five categories for Pro competitors.

The CSRA also includes racing classes for UTV Off Road Vehicles.

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.

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 each race season.

Amongst all snowmobiler’s, racers, spectators and recreational vehicle users, the common thread that links them all 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!

TRY SNOWCROSS RACING

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 a kid’s stock 120cc or 200cc sled to compete, all you need to do is 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.

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.

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. Older kids can also race Transition classes that feature full size race sleds 0-600cc. these sleds are equipped with detune kits to reduce the machines performance by approximately 50%. Transition class sleds must be at least one year old and can usually be purchased at a discount from race teams at the end of each race season.

Junior Race Classes: Age 13-17 years:

At each CSRA race there are Junior racing classes for guys and girls 14-17 years of age.

Juniors compete with full size 600cc stock race sleds. 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. Most Trail Sport racers compete with used 600cc race sleds that are a minimum of one year old.

Interested in additional information on getting started? Visit to www.snowcross.com then click on Racer Info, and read CSRA Newsletter #1 and Newsletter #2 for all the info you will need to get started.

Motorsports Suspension Specialists

THE FLAGS AND WHAT THEY MEAN!

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.

CLASSES

2024 Snowcross Racing 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 adult 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.

CHAMPS

UTV SIDE-X-SIDE

RACING INFO 2023

CSRA will include (2) UTV Racing classes at select events.

Production 0-1000cc: Maximum width is OEM specification for make model and year

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

• 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

• Fuel Options: Esso 91, Canadian Tire 91, Shell 91, Sunoco Surge or Sunoco Optima

Snowmobile Rates and P www.MoonlightInn.ca or call 1 information.

• 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,

• Suspension geometry including width, must remain OEM for the make model and

• 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.

Large fully paved & secure parking lot accommodates many large trailers. station, Restaurant and Tim Horton’s

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.

• 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.

ü Royal Distributing close by off the trail.

• The UTV must be equipped with an OEM or commercially available exhaust

ü Special Snowmobile Rates and Park ‘n’ Ride Packages.

ü Visit www.MoonlightInn.ca or call 1-800-424-0321 for accommodation information.

to availability between: December guest room and breakfast for two people for two nights.

• Tires must be commercially available. Maximum diameter is 32” inches

*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.

• 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

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.

$169JUST * PER PERSON PER NIGHT

* COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATIONS (WITH COSY HOTEL BEDDING AND PILLOWS) * FULL HOT BREAKFAST * USE OF ELK LAKE LODGE AMENITIES * BAGGED LUNCH AVAILABLE ($) * PREMIUM GAS ONSITE * OFSC ‘A’ TRAIL ONSITE ACCESS *Rates subject to 13% HST. Based on Single Occupancy. Call for Double Rates.

2024 CANADIAN SNOWCROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS

JANUARY 13-14

TIMMINS MECHANICAL SOLUTIOMS PRO SNOWCROSS TIMMINS, ON.

Presented by: Guiho Arctic Cat & Mikey’s BRP Ski-doo

CSRA Website: www.snowcross.com

CSRA Sanction: National & Regional Points event.

Race Classes: All CSRA Snowmobile classes race Saturday & Sunday.

Track Design: ½ Mile Snowcross made with natural snow.

Track Location: City Snow Storage Facility on Spruce Street

Host Hotels: Cedar Meadows Resort (705)-268-5800 Best Western Premier (705)-531-7001

JANUARY 27-28

FXR KAWARTHA CUP LINDSAY, ON.

Presented by Polaris & Royal Distributing Website: www.lindsayex.com

CSRASanction: National & Regional points event.

Race Classes: All sled classes race Saturday & Sunday. UTVs race Saturday.

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 3-4

KAWARTHA LAKES REGIONAL SNOWCROSS LINDSAY, ON.

Presented by: Polaris & Royal Distributing Website: www.lindsayex.com

CSRASanction: Regional points event. (No Pros).

Race Classes: Regional sled classes race Saturday & Sunday. UTVs race Saturday.

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 9-10-11

ROYAL DISTRIBUTING CUP SNOWCROSS INNISFIL, ON.

Presented by: Pennzoil & St.Onge Recreation Ski-doo

Location: Georgian Downs / Gateway Casino Facility Website: www.georgiandowns.com

CSRA Sanction: National & Regional Points event and UTVs.

Race Classes: All Pro classes race Friday evening.

Pros and Regional classes race Saturday & Sunday. 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)-722-0555 www.choicehotels.com

MARCH 2-3

SUDBURY PRO SNOWCROSS SUDBURY, ON.

Presented by: Royal Distributing & Algonquin Equipment

CSRA website: www.snowcross.com

CSRASanction: National & Regional points event.

Race Classes: All CSRA classes including UTVs, and Sleds 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

Quality Inn (705)-675-1273

Hilton Garden Inn (705)-586-3001

MARCH

23-24

CHICOPEE RESORT PRO SNOWCROSS KITCHENER, ON.

Presented by: Team Vincent Motorsports, Ski-doo & 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: Four Points by Sheraton (519) 653-2690

MARCH 29-30-31

ULTIMAX SNOWCROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS BARRIE, ON.

Presented by: St-Onge Recreation & Truenorth Motorsports Website: www.snowcross.com

CSRA Sanction: CSRA National & Regional Points event.

Race Classes: Pros race Friday evening.

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 Resort - Craighurst, Ont.

Facilities: Indoor Restaurants, Spa, Pool and onsite accommodations.

Host Hotel: Horseshoe Valley Resort (705)-835-2790 www.horseshoeresort.com

nathan Mailloux

By Virgil Knapp

photos By BacKcountry Motorsports Media and Msl productions

Nathan Mailloux hailing from Ste. Sophie Quebec, got off to what many would consider a dream start in his bid for the 2023 CSRA Snowcross Pro Lites Championship, winning both races at the inaugural event held in Lindsay, ON. What most people wouldn’t know (and made those victories even sweeter), is that after being sidelined with an injury in 2020, his entire future was uncertain and in-fact he didn’t even know if he’d ever be racing a full schedule even by 2023.

On Snow Magazine - Nathan you came out of the gate hot in Lindsay, winning both races in the first Pro Lites event of the year. What was the biggest factor for you that weekend that led to not only a sweep, but an early points lead in the season long title hunt?

Nathan- In 2022, me and my dad decided to go to Lindsay only for a one-off race, and it was the first time that we were back in CSRA since my collarbone fracture in 2020 at Innisfil, On. We didn’t know what to expect going to that race. After winning the Pro Lite race on Saturday, we decided to maybe do another one. We decided to go to Sudbury where I scored a second. It was at that point when we started thinking of doing the full CSRA championship in 2023. So, we worked hard in the summer and practiced at the Lebel compound, and we came to Lindsay more than ready in 2023. That weekend my mind set was just to do my best and prove to myself that I can do it, and after the sweep I knew I could do it.

Did starting off the year like that have a big impact on you winning the championship?

Obviously it does with points, but does it take some of the pressure off you mentally knowing you’re starting with a cushion over second place.

Of course, it had a big impact. It gave me the confidence to know that because I could do it. I still had a lot of pressure and a lot of stress because of the way the points structure works. One bad qualification and everything can change quickly. My long term goals were to be consistent and to ride my own race.

In Valcourt, QC you struggled with your starts, what was behind that? Technical or just bad luck?

Honestly, we struggled with our starts all year long. We were just not able to find the right setup. We were often at the back of the pack, trying to come through and make our way to the front. Sometimes it's not easy or as easy as it looks. We have made a commitment to learn and work on better starts going into the next season.

In an Instagram post from March 9th you talked about Sudbury, ON being the most technical set-up you’ve ever ridden. What made that track so difficult? I was not talking about the set-up, more about that event as a whole. That weekend was the first in thirteen years that my dad wasn’t there. I was on my own; so everything was difficult. I received some help but it’s not the same as having my dad there. The track was extremely difficult to pass on. In both of my races it was one of my biggest challenges to be able to take the lead and win those races.

The competition is always tougher in the Pro Open class as most of the guys have been there for a few years. They know what to do and have more experience. In my rookie year, my goal will be to be in the top three. I’m working hard for that and I'm really excited to accomplish this goal.

How did you get into racing Snowcross?

In 2010, there was a Snowcross race fifteen minutes from my house and I went there with my dad. I was 5 years young and at the end of the day I said to my Dad: “I want to do this“. We started racing the following season and I won the 120cc championship in Quebec.

How do you like to spend your offseason? Do you get completely away from riding anything with a motor or are you on a motocross bike like many of your competitors?

Do you find the harder set-up rewards your style of riding? What adjustments do you make to your sled once you see how tough the track was in practice?

I was just trying to be more aggressive and that’s how I was able to make some passes. Otherwise, it would have be more difficult. The adjustments on the sled always change. Every round we have to do something to improve the sled. In practice, we start with a base set-up and see how it goes, and then we start making changes between motos until we find the best set-up.

What is your plan for this coming season. Will you be defending your Pro-Lite title or moving up to the premiere Pro Open class? If you are going to big dance, how much tougher is the competition in the bigger class?

My plan for next season is to move to the Pro class. After four years in Pro Lite, it's time to make the jump. I'm working hard right now and I'm going to be at my best for the first round.

This past summer was my first season on a bike. I decided to start riding but only by doing practice, no racing. This kept me in the rhythm of riding during the off-season. Other than that, to stay in shape, I'm riding my street bike, go-karting, lifting weights. But I did take some time for me and enjoyed the summer.

Please feel free to give a shout out to anyone who has helped you along your racing journey and any sponsors that were along for the ride during your title chase.

A big thanks to my dad for being there all those years and helping me to get to where I am now. Thank you to all our sponsors that have supported me for many years now: FXR, Ski-Doo, Ryno Power, Get Fast, Kutvek, BG Performance, Amsoil, Rox, CA Pro Ski, Stud Boy, Mobius, Atlas, Attaches Ethier, Backcountry Motorsports Media, Propane Bouvrette, Contant, Hydro Perl. And thanks also to CSRA for a great Snowcross season.

interVieW JaKe Weir pro open chaMp

By Virgil Knapp

Owning the prestigious title of ‘youngest to ever win the CSRA’s National Pro class (at just 18 years old) would be an immense amount of pressure on the shoulders of most young men. Thankfully Bracebridge, Ontario’s Jake Weir prefers to live more in the present moment. Never dwelling on records or historical achievements. That’s not to say he’s not aware of his success or appreciative of it. He tends to look ahead rather then in the past. For 2024, Weir is looking to secure a fourth title in the Pro Open class.

On Snow Magazine – Jake, you continue to add to your trophy collection with a third title in the CSRA Pro Open National class. Winning is an accomplishment, but being consistent enough to claim multiple championships is what separates good racers from the all-time greats. What do you attribute to this level success at such an early age?

Jake Weir- It took a lot of hard work to get those titles… I started racing when I was 4 years old and practiced; I practiced a lot. Starting in December every year we would get the snow makers out and do a once-over on

them, then when the temps would go down, we’d make our own snow which included a practice track in the back. We were fortunate to have access to the machinery and space to build the track. Almost every night during the winter we’d be out there practicing, it took a lot of hard work and dedication.

In your long-term goals do you ever think about winning enough titles to set an untouchable record by the end of your career?

I would love to get more titles under my belt. I’m not too sure how much longer I will be racing but I will keep going for as long as I can.

Back in the late 90's Ricky Carmichael achieved something extremely rare and difficult to do in racing, completing a perfect season in the outdoor motocross nationals. Do you think that's something you could see being done in Snowcross?

A perfect season in Snowcross would be something so cool to see or even do and It would be extremely challenging to accomplish. Most Snowcross tracks are very

hard to pass on, meaning you’d have to be perfect every race weekend.

Speaking of motocross your passion is well known; will you be competing in any races this summer?

Yes, I will be doing a few races this summer, I’m not quite as good in moto as on a sled but it’s only for fun and to keep my head in race mode.

Last time we spoke in 2021 you mentioned you had a brother and he’d racing pro in a few years, I noticed someone by the name of Trent Weir that won the 600 Sport class in 2023, any relation?

Yes, that would be him, he wrapped up is second sport championship this past season, with that being said he will be racing in the pro class this up coming season, Should be an interesting season for sure.

You previously spoke about working the family business once racing is in the rearview mirror, what type of business is it? We are a construction company, doing

roadwork. We change culverts, do ditching, rock blasting. We can pretty much do anything when it comes to roadwork.

I grew up with all the heavy equipment around me, it’s not only familiar but genuinely interests me.

Did you ever manage to complete that elusive front flip on your jet ski?

I haven’t been able to front flip my jet ski yet, I have been trying new tricks on the jet ski like 540’s to back flip or to do 3 or 4 back flips in a row.

What's the biggest difference between an amateur and pro Snowcross racer?

I think it’s the amount of time you have racing and practicing on tracks. When I was coming up in the ranking I got better when I practiced by working on technique and line choices.

How particular are you with sled set-up?

We changed brands last season, so it was a little challenging at the start with setting up the suspension and making the sled

comfortable for my riding style, but once we got things figured out, the sled was awesome.

You’re going to be featured on the cover of the CSRA Race Program. When you were a little kid riding 120cc's did you ever imagine winning titles and appearing on the cover of magazines?

When I was racing 120’s it was my dream to just race in the Pro class let alone win three championships. Being the youngest champion in Canada was more then a dream come true and being headlined on magazines is more than a dream in my eyes. This is what I worked towards since I was that little kid on 120’s.

2023 you took a pretty big gamble and switched manufacturers from a familiar Arctic Cat to factory Polaris. Clearly the adjustment went well, would you say switching OEM's was a big factor in your championship run?

Deciding to make the change from Arctic Cat to Polaris was the best decision we made. Not only did we find the support from the Polaris race department far superior to that of

other manufacturers, the equipment was no doubt the largest contributing factor to my success.

Feel free to thank anyone who has had your back and supported you throughout. I must give a big thank you to my mom and dad. Without them this would never be possible, I would not be where I am today without my mechanic James Farrington. I would like to thank our main sponsors Royal Distributing and FXR; you can’t ask for better sponsors. Brock Parker from Royal Distributing, Polaris, RJ Motorsports, Byers Equipment, Rox Speed FX, Stud Boy Traction, Caliber Products, Atlas Brace, Matrix Concepts Canada and C&A Pro Skis. I’d also like to thank Phill Masters, my brother Trent Weir and Clint Miller for all his motivational speeches.

interVieW

Ken aVann

By Virgil Knapp

Last year we caught up with Ken Avann who’s unofficially known as the busiest man in Snowcross, taking on duties as CSRA founder/series promoter, track builder and in 2022 actively competing and winning the UTV 1000cc Turbo class. To no one’s surprise Ken managed to accomplish a new feat in 2023 by defending his turbo class title while also adding the production class to his growing resume. If you happen to have read last year’s interview with this jack-of-all-trades, you’ll know what a wealth of information he’s acquired over a multi-decade career in powersports racing. We caught up with him once again to see where he sees his racing going in the future, what are the differences between racing with and without a roll cage and 5-point harness and what changes could

we see to the structure of classes for future CSRA events.

CSRA-Ken, you managed to double down on last year’s success in the UTV champ class with a win in not only the production, but Turbo class as well. What was the key factors in allowing you to dominate the 4-wheel classes?

KEN: Good question., I didn’t really dominate the races; I won the Turbo class championship by just one-point. We have some talented racers and fast machines in the UTV Turbo class, so every race is tough, it’s close racing!!

My Polaris RZRs are fast and work amazingly in the snow, the new Turbo-R in box stock

form is indestructible no matter how hard I drive it, and the single seater RS1 that I race in the production class is one of the best handling machines on the track.

I have some great people, friends and family that help to work on the race machines.

Special thanks to Lisa, Mike, Ryan, Jake and Johnny.

Last time we touched on your extensive background in racing starting with motocross in the mid 70’s; All these years, and thousands of laps later do you still find the competitive juices flow just as hard when you’re out there battling for the lead?

Yes, absolutely. I think any former racer or athlete would feel the same way.

photos courtesy of Ken aVann

I am very confident that I can win when I race, of course you can’t always win, every racer makes mistakes that you learn from. You have good and bad days, and sometimes there are mechanical issues that are out of your control.

Racing in the snow with 200+ HP UTVs is exhilarating!! You’re always sliding around and searching for traction, it’s a new learning experience for me and the other racers. After the finish line, every driver is wound up and has a big smile on his face. UTV racing is a blast, anyone, any age can be competitive.

You’re in a unique position of being a racer and series promoter / owner. Do you find that gives you more credibility with your fellow competitors and other racers in the CSRA? Does ‘wearing both hats’ give you an advantage on an operational side of things since you are directly involved with the sport you run?

Yes, I think I have credibility with the racers. I have a lot of experience racing in snow and on dirt and I often communicate ideas with them; we have meetings before each race where we discuss racing formats and new ideas for track improvements.

UTV racing on snow is relatively new so there is lots to learn, I appreciate all the input from the group. When we design and build the racecourses, I try to incorporate suggestions from the other racers, as well as my own ideas.

When I decided to include UTV racing at our snow events, I wanted to jump in and race with the guys so I could feel the dynamics of the machine and see how a UTV works in different terrains and snow conditions.

This knowledge helps me to design and create better racetracks specifically for UTVs. I never pre drive the racecourses in advance of the races as it wouldn’t be fair to the other racers I compete against; we all practice together before the first race.

I didn’t have the chance to get out to any of the Nationals this year, how many individual races did you win and were you heading into the season with expectations of going backto-back?

With two race classes, I competed in a total of (8) UTV races last winter and won (6).

I wasn’t expecting to win back-to-back Turbo Championships but was hoping I could. The UTV classes continues to grow each year, the Turbo UTV class is now one of CSRAs largest race classes, so the competition is tougher each year.

This year Truenorth Motorsports and Tom Smith Chevrolet are providing the 2024 UTV Turbo Champion with a free one-year ride in a beautiful new Chevy HD 2500 Truck so the guys will be racing hard to win that prize.

Previously we spoke on ways to improve Snowcross, possibly reducing the number of classes and having more participants in each was at the top of mind, is this something you are planning to implement for 2024? Personally, I would like to reduce the number of classes; we don’t need (24) racing classes each race day.

Our kids’ classes are jam packed with new racers so it’s difficult to eliminate kid’s classes because of age, sled size and ability differences.

I would like to have more racers and better action-packed racing in the Pro classes for our race fans, I will wait to see how many racers we have at the start of the race season before making any decisions.

Anyone who has raced knows what a toll it takes on your body. Does driving a UTV hard on a racetrack beat you up at all or is fatigue not as much of an issue when being contained in the protection of the roll cage? That’s a great question.

It’s great to have the protection of a 5-point race harness and a full roll cage.

Over the past four years I have rolled and have been upside down a few times, so lots of bruises and sore muscles, any type of motorsport racing is physical.

A guy my age could never be competitive at the Pro level in a sport such as motocross or Snowcross, these sports are for young athletes and are hands down the most physical demanding sports in the world, only soccer is tougher.

Other motorsports such as four-wheel car, truck, and UTV racing is not as physical as

your sitting in a seat and you most often have four wheels on the ground balancing the vehicle for you. I would say (4) wheel racing of any type is more mentally challenging than it is physical. There is lots of driver input going on steering, throttle, brakes, trying to find lines with better traction, hitting the jumps with perfect throttle control so the machine is balanced in the air etc. If you screw up someone will pass you or you will break the machine.

It seems like most of the faster car, truck and UTV racers have years of racing experience, the older you are, the more experience you have, ..

It’s fun to school the young guys occasionally.

Has your success in the last couple of seasons on the track planted a seed to dabble in any other forms of 4-wheel racing (cars, off-road trucks etc)?

No, unfortunately... I have been involved in motorsports racing for (50) years now, I will likely retire from promoting races and racing this year and become an advisor and a spectator. I would like to spend more leisure time with my family and friends.

Feel free to plug any sponsors or people who have supported you.

In addition to Polaris, I have some great sponsors that support my UTV racing team including, Royal Distributing, FXR Apparel, Pennzoil Lubricants, Ultimax Belts, Vision Wheels, Action Trailers, Truenorth Motorsports and Tom Smith Chevrolet / GMC trucks...

Most importantly, I have great staff, family, and friends that I can rely on to run the CSRA races and work on my race machines. They all do their part to improve my racing team allowing me to be competitive.

daKota KarKoulas

By Virgil Knapp

Each year we evaluate various racers who’ve had success in the previous year to determine who will be featured in the CSRA program for the new race season. We try our best to change it up and not use the same faces over and over but when someone continuously keeps achieving new heights, the rules get thrown out the window! Enter Dakota Karkoulas.. In our previous issue Dakota was selected thanks to titles in both the Pro and AM women’s class. This year not only did she re-claim the Pro women’s title but also competed in the Sport class (for the first time) which is predominately contested by the boys. We caught up with Karkoulas over the tail end of summer to get the scoop of the 2023 season and her plans for the upcoming season.

CSRA-First off congrats on taking the pro women's title! Tell us how your championship season went.

Dakota-

Looking back on the season I would say it was like a roller coaster that had tons of highs, but of course some lows as well. I advanced in classes and tried the sport class this year! It was so fun and cool to push myself out of my comfort place and race with a class that was higher up.

This is your second championship in a row. What made the difference to yield these kinds of consistent results?

I think what has made the real difference in the results I obtain is my mind, and the amount of practice I was able to do. Of course, being on a the track and trying to

make my lap times faster helped me find what works best and helped me get faster as a whole; however the attitude that I have before and after a race, I’ve found really affects my results.

Which round was your favorite?

Horseshoe was my favorite round! The pressure was off for Pro Women so I really just got to run that class for fun!

Last time we spoke you had been working on your jumping. Were you able to reach an even higher level (no pun intended) with regards to technique this past in 2023?

Yes! I feel the Sport class really helped me improve my ability to launch! The tracks were always more lipped up during the Sport class

races and I really had the mindset that if I was going to be in that class, I had to do the jumps like everyone else. It was just the last little push I needed to get my confidence up. I also had great people at the practice track encouraging me and telling me what and how in order to do and land the jump.

After winning multiple championships in any sport, complacently is always a concern. How will you keep you motivated in 2024 so you can win another one?

Honestly, I just want to have fun and ride my best. My goal is to just keep doing what I love and hopefully that will be enough to stay motivated.

Right now it's summer in Canada. What is the coolest thing you've done in your spare time so far (or do you have planned) and how do you like to spend the off-season?

I play rep soccer during the summer season so that really helps me stay in shape and get ready for the snow season. This summer I went on a trip to Miami and went swimming with dolphins which was amazing.

If you could change one thing about track design from a racers perspective, what would that be? (e.g. more jumps, more rhythm sections, alternate lines etc.)

Bigger finish line jumps for sure. When you see that checkered flag, there is such a strong desire to air it out. It’s frustrating when the jump isn’t a monster.

The worst kept secret in Snowcross is that you come from a household full of fellow racers. Now that you’ve gone back to back, are your sisters ready to concede the title of "the fastest Karkoulas"?!

Oh they were ready to concede that title a long time ago! It has always been a competition between us and I am proud to say I have won the tittle fair and square!

Was there a moment this year where you endured some serious adversity at the track? There were a few races where my sled would hesitate at the line and we couldn’t figure out why. For me personally, starts are the most important thing when racing so it was so

frustrating and hard to deal with. Getting my starts figured out was a game changer last season and it really helped me get the results I needed for the second championship.

Your dad is a huge supporter of your success, feel free to thank him and anyone else who gave you the support needed this year.

My Dad has always been my biggest supporter. He has been there for the ups, the downs, and even the lower downs. He’s always stuck by my side. Seeing him run around like a mad man trying to fix and do stuff to my sled in between back to back races, and knowing he is always out in the shop until late hours of the night or early hours in the morning, I can not thank him enough. Without him I would not be nearly close to where I am now. I also want to thank everyone who has supported me and been by my side watching me race over the years. There is not enough “thank yous” in the world that could be given out to do justice.