RMR snocross circuit available for purchase at conclusion of 2009-10 season

DERRY, N.H. (Mar. 9, 2010) – After a successful eight-year run that saw regional snowmobile racing attain new heights, officials at Rock Maple Racing (RMR) have announced a decision to sell the circuit at the end of this season.

RMR was founded by Don and Nancy Finck in the early 1990s. In May of 2002, New Hampshire businessmen Chuck and Mark Minasalli purchased RMR and their passion for snocross was soon clear. Through hard work and a significant investment, the Minasalli brothers lifted Rock Maple into the 21st century.

Since day one of the Minasalli era, Tara Saxton, Chuck’s stepdaughter, has been involved with day-to-day operations at RMR and has been a fixture at the track. Yet in recent years, she’s also taken on new responsibilities in KTM Properties, another of Minasalli’s business holdings. In the current business climate, her focus needs to be on growing KTM to ensure the family heritage remains successful.

The decision to sell Rock Maple has been difficult, yet the current president knows how life’s priorities often change.

“The last eight seasons have brought both challenges and wonderful friendships,” Saxton said. “This wasn’t an easy decision to accept, but our family carried the sport forward for eight years and now it’s time to turn over the reigns.”

The winter of 2009-10 was Rock Maple’s 18th consecutive season of snocross here in the northeast. During the eight-year Minasalli era, the sport grew tremendously until the economy went soft and things leveled out. By taking the circuit to new venues, the family exposed snocross to new markets and expanded the fan base.

Everyone associated with Rock Maple today, from Chuck and Mark Minasalli to Tara Saxton and the entire staff, all share the same hope that Rock Maple Racing will live on. As our nation’s economy begins to rebuild, all powersports entities will thrive once again thanks to a basic need to recreate.

Americans love snowmobiles and racing, that’s why Don and Nancy started it all nearly 20 years ago in the first place.

“I don’t think anybody who enjoys snowmobiling or snocross racing wants to see Rock Maple disappear off the map,” added Saxton. “My family hopes that somebody with a passion for racing, good business sense and a love for promotion will take over the helm. My Dad and Uncle loved the sport so much after racing a while that they bought the circuit. They took the sport to a higher level, now we hope to see it continue and prosper well into the future.”

Anyone interested in making a serious inquiry about purchasing Rock Maple Racing can contact the office at 603-437-2400. Saxton and the Minasalli family would like to thank all race teams, sponsors and staff members for supporting the series. Without all of you, there would be no Rock Maple. Any touring series is driven by talented racers, and there was never any shortage during the Minasalli era.

To follow the 2009-10 points battles as they wind down, go to www.rockmaple.com.