Morin sweeps Pro finals at XTown for Rock Maple Racing snocross series
Brunelle, Todd split Semi-Pro classes
MIRABEL, Quebec (Jan. 18, 2010) — Any time you host a snowmobile race in the province of Quebec, the natives make a little extra effort to win in front of the home crowd.
And when it’s a points race in front of a huge audience just outside Montreal, that effort goes up a notch.
Although Mathieu Morin has gone on to achieve a great deal outside of his hometown of Val-D’Or, his desire to win at home has never been stronger. Morin swept the Pro finals over the weekend, as Rock Maple Racing (RMR) completed Round 3 (Pro and Semi-Pro teams) on the 2009-10 snocross schedule Sunday afternoon at XTown.
Last weekend’s race drew the top snocross riders in the eastern U.S. and Canada to the popular motocross venue. Sunday’s action was capped by a $2,250-to-win “Dash for Cash” for the Pro riders, won by Dave Allard of St. Felecien. With the top riders from SCM, CSRA and RMR, fans enjoyed plenty of aggressive, side-by-side racing both days.
The track at Mirabel was much larger than what RMR teams are used to, with lap times of over one minute. The big jumps and challenging downhill section required finesse and focus for racers to succeed.
For Rock Maple teams, points were awarded on Saturday for Stock classes while Open classes earned points on Sunday. Morin (Ingles Performance/Ski-doo) went wire-to-wire in Saturday’s Pro Stock final, with Bobby LePage (Hulten Speed Sports/Polaris) second and defending champion Danny Poirier third. While LePage worked his way forward after a slow start, Morin simply checked out. After Poirier’s domination last year, Morin is replacing frowns with smiles on the faces of Ski-doo racing directors.
Corin Todd (D&Z Racing/Ski-doo) continued his 2010 hot streak north of the border. Todd, of Otego, NY, held off a hard-charging Lucas Brunelle for top honors in Semi-Pro Stock. Ash Woskob finished a solid third, with Lincoln Lemieux and SCM regular Pierre Fillion completing the top five.
Sunday’s finals brought more of the same for Morin, as he completed the sweep in Pro Open. After nailing the holeshot, Morin blasted into another time zone as LePage tried to run him down. The Minnesota native ran out of time and settled for second, while Allard claimed third. With two native sons on the podium, the fans cheered so loud you could have heard them in Sherbrooke.
In the Semi-Pro Open final, Brunelle, who lives just 40 minutes from the track and had practiced there prior to the race, dominated with a flag-to-flag victory in front of the Quebec faithful. Lemieux put on a whale of show in pursuit but ran out of time, while RMR veteran Michael George came home third. The Semi-Pro riders from Rock Maple looked impressive against the SCM regulars, grabbing the hardware on their visit to Canada.
Several other RMR regulars made the trip to Mirabel last weekend to stay sharp and hone their skills. On Saturday, Leo and Hunter Patenaude both earned a win in Junior competition. And on Sunday, Leo Patenaude won the Sport Stock 600 final.
Other RMR regulars who raced in Mirabel include Chris Ingles, who put in a career-best performance in the Sport division; Brennan Berardo, Jason Stone, Renaud Alexandre, Garret Mees, Robert Graeber, Cody Flach, Joe Lemieux, Steffanie Lemieux, Montana Jess, Melanie Acker, Wade Acker, Paige Calderwood, Daryl Nutting, Danny Graves, Jarett Catlin, Andrew Collins and Tim Randall. While they weren’t racing for points, every rider in the support divisions gave it their all at Mirabel.
RMR would like to extend a since thanks to Marcel Fontaine of SCM and the staff at XTown for hosting such a world-class event. Next up for teams here in the states is the debut of snocross at The Lodge at Belmont, Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 23-24. Located on the site of a former dog racing facility, The Lodge at Belmont will offer amenities for fans not seen at most winter motorsports events.
For full results in all classes from Mirabel, please go to www.scmracing.com. For more information about Rock Maple Racing, go to www.rockmaple.com.
Debut at The Lodge at Belmont next stop for Rock Maple Racing snocross series
DERRY, N.H. (Jan. 15, 2010) – Any time a sanctioning body and its race teams visit a new venue, there’s always a little extra buzz in the pit area as the opportunity draws near.
On Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 23-24, southern New Hampshire will once again be the motorsports hotspot, as Rock Maple Racing (RMR) brings its high-flying snocross excitement to The Lodge at Belmont. Snowmobiling and racing are king in New Hampshire, and everyone within the RMR fraternity is excited about putting on a big show in Belmont.
Spectator gates open at 8 a.m. each day, and racing will get under way promptly at 9 a.m. Admission is $15 per day for adults, or $25 for a weekend pass. Children age 10 and under will be admitted free with a paying adult. Pit passes valid through the entire weekend are available for an extra $10.
Located just six miles north of New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) on Route 106, The Lodge at Belmont is a former dog racing facility with an enclosed spectator area that will make it easier for race fans to enjoy the action.
This event is presented by New Hampshire native Craig Harmon of Deerfield. Harmon realized this venue is perfect for an event of this type, and his vision and efforts are appreciated.
Rock Maple’s debut in Belmont kicks off a “snocross tri-fecta” in the beautiful Granite State. On Feb. 12-14, the inaugural ISOC HK Powersports New England Nationals will bring the world’s top riders to Rockingham Park in Salem. New Hampshire fans are lucky enough to have NASCAR stars visit twice a year, now the stars of snocross are coming to their own backyards. And on Feb. 20-21, fans can enjoy the inaugural Sno Bowl at NHMS in Loudon.
Leading the charge into Belmont are Pro riders Mathieu Morin and Bobby Lepage. Both are professional athletes with national experience, and both ride for top-notch teams. Morin, of Val-D’Or, Quebec, pilots the Ingles Performance Ski-doos for Team Ingles, while LePage, of Duluth, MN, handles the missile known as the Hulten Speed Sports/JoJo Energy Drink Polaris.
Chasing this dynamic duo are a host of talented riders from all over the northeast, led by defending champion Danny Poirier, of St. Theodore, Quebec. Outside of Morin and Lepage, Poirier (a teammate to Lepage) is easily the fastest and most consistent rider in the pits.
Others Pro riders to watch include multi-time champion Jason Boron, of Leverett, Mass.; Jason Stone, of Central Square, NY; Chris Chico, of Chester, VT; Jason Rudd, of Rodman, NY, rookie sensation Brennan Berardo, of Essex, VT; and Renaud Alexander, of Val-D’Or, Quebec.
Rock Maple Racing offers over two dozen classes within five separate divisions; Pro, Semi-Pro, Sport, Women and Junior. Among the top riders to watch in Semi-Pro are Corin Todd, Garrett Mees, Lincoln Lemieux, Michael George, Lucas Brunelle, Brad Davis and Chris Ackerman. These young athletes already have years of experience, and put on quite a show of their own. The depth of talent within Semi-Pro this season is truly remarkable.
Dog racing first began in Belmont back in 1975. Over the years, ownership of the facility changed and it became known as The Lodge at Belmont in 2006. Current General Manager Rick Newman is to be commended for reaching out to generate non-game revenue at the facility.
For more information on Rock Maple Racing, go to www.rockmaple.com.
Morin, LePage split Pro finals in Malone for Rock Maple Racing snocross series
MALONE, N.Y. (Jan. 11, 2010) — In almost every form of motorsports, when a talented rider, driver or team gets on a roll, they can be difficult to stop.
Just ask anybody in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series garage, as they try to figure out how to stop four-time champion Jimmie Johnson from dominating their sport. Momentum plays a huge role in week-to-week results, and snocross racing is no different.
Veteran riders Mathieu Morin and Bobby ‘The Rage’ LePage carried the momentum from last month’s season opener into Malone, splitting the Pro finals as Rock Maple Racing (RMR) completed Round 2 of its 2009-10 season Sunday at the Franklin County Fairgrounds.
Morin (Ingles Performance/Ski-doo), of Val-D’ Or, Quebec, chased down early leader Danny Poirier and checked out to win Pro Stock. Poirier crossed the line four seconds later as the runner-up, while LePage settled for third. LePage (Hulten Speed Sports/Polaris) used lapped traffic to his advantage in Pro Open to take top honors. Morin settled for second in this one, giving Ski-doo and Polaris a true split in the manufacturers battle for supremacy. Only three riders completed all 20 laps in the Open final, while seven completed all 20 laps in Pro Stock.
Perhaps the best show all weekend in the Pro division was the inspiring performance Poirier gave in the Open final. The defending champion got upside down in a major off-sled venture early on, then steadily powered all the way up to third at the finish. Poirier redefines determination when it comes to battling back from adversity.
Defending Pro Am champion Joe Lemieux continued his hot streak in Malone, winning the final over fellow Vermonter Rene Desrochers and Jason Soucy of Sabattus, Maine. Jennifer Pare prevailed in a hotly-contested Pro Women final, with RMR veterans Melanie Acker and Steffanie Lemieux filling out the podium.
In Semi-Pro action Sunday, Garrett Mees and Corin Todd were the guys to beat. Mees, of Setauket, NY, piloted his All-Island Plumbing Ski-doo to victory in the Open final in dominant style. Lincoln Lemieux grabbed the holeshot, but he and Todd got together in the moguls and crashed. Mees carefully snuck through the snow dust and proceeded to check out on the field. Cody Flach made an outstanding return to RMR, coming from dead last to finish second. Ash Woskob stepped up big-time Sunday, as the motocross veteran from Pennsylvania claimed third ahead of Lucas Brunelle.
Todd powered his way around Mees with two laps remaining in Semi-Pro Stock and hung on for top honors. The young athlete from Otego, NY, was the pre-season favorite to win the Semi-Pro title in 2010, and he’s proving why every time the green flag is waved.
In Junior division action at Malone, Montana Jess and Edward Bandel each won multiple finals. Jess, of Westminster, Mass., rode his Ski-doo to victory in Jr. 10-13 380 and 600c action each day, while Bandel won Saturday’s 600 liquid final and two more races on Sunday. Max Burrier and Mason Pierce also earned wins in Jr. 8-10 action at Malone.
Other final round winners over the weekend in Malone include Daryl Nutting (Plus 25 Stock); Rene Desrochers (Plus 35 Masters); Joe Bishop (Sport 500); and rising star Jake Scott (Sport Super Stock Sat.& Sun., and Sport 600).
Rock Maple Racing would like to thank Steve Bailey and everyone at the Malone Chamber of Commerce for hosting last weekend’s event. Thanks to extra effort in providing snow, the track was one of the best seen in many seasons.
Next up is a trip north of the border for RMR’s Pro and Semi-Pro teams, as they travel to Mirabel, Quebec, for a joint race with Marcel Fontaine’s SCM group. This will be a points race for these teams while Sport, Junior and Women riders have the weekend off.
To see full results in all classes from Malone or for more information, please go to www.rockmaple.com.
Annual visit to Malone, NY next stop for Rock Maple Racing snocross series
DERRY, NH (Jan. 1, 2010) — With all of those family gatherings and holiday celebrations behind us, snowmobile racers and enthusiasts can dive back into winter heaven as temperatures drop and the words “potential for heavy snow” return to the forecast.
Race teams across the northeast are preparing for one of their favorite annual trips, as Rock Maple Racing (RMR) gets set for the sixth annual Northeast Snocross Challenge on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 9-10, at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Malone, New York.
Spectator gates open at 8 a.m. each day, with racing getting under way promptly at 9 a.m. Admission is $12 for adults on Saturday, $15 on Sunday or $20 for an advance-sale two-day pass. Children age 10 and under will be admitted free with a paying adult. Pit passes valid through the entire weekend are available for an extra $10.
This event is presented by the Malone Chamber of Commerce. To purchase tickets in advance, go to www.visitmalone.com. Local sponsors include BRP and Camoplast tracks.
Leading the charge into Malone are Pro riders Bobby ‘The Rage’ LePage and Mathieu Morin. LePage, of Duluth, MN, made a clear statement in his debut with Rock Maple last month as he dominated the season-opening Pro Stock final. Morin, of Val D’ Or, Quebec, took the Pro Open final by storm en route to victory. Both riders have national experience and are legitimate threats to earn the Pro championships in 2010.
Other Pro riders to watch in Malone include defending champion Danny Poirier, another Quebec native with loads of talent; multi-time champion Jason Boron; Vermont veteran Chris Chico; New York natives Jason and Matt Rudd; talented rookies Brennan Berardo and Jake Melville; and a host of others looking to dethrone the big guns in front of a big crowd.
Riders to watch in the talent-laden Semi-Pro division include Otego, NY, native Corin Todd, hot off a victory in the opener in Warrensburg; Lincoln Lemieux, who led several laps of the Open final at Hickory and missed a win by less than a half second; Trevor Bouchard, of Derry, NH; hard-charger Lucas Brunelle of Boucherville, QC, and Brad Davis, of Cambridge, Vermont. There has never been a shortage of talent in Semi-Pro, and the class of 2010 offers the most depth seen in many years.
Last year in Malone, Poirier claimed the Pro Open final over Dave Allard and Jason Boron, while Matt Boron won Pro Stock with his brother second and John O’Malley third. In Semi-Pro, Todd held off David Joanis and Melville to claim the Stock 600 final, while Joanis took top honors in Open with eventual champion Aaron Pfeifer and Davis filling out the podium.
Malone is affectionately known as ‘The Star of the North,’ and also ‘Northern Gateway to the Adirondacks.’ Situated in one of the most beautiful areas on the planet, Malone offers tons of recreational opportunities on a year-round basis. Snowmobile trails in this area are legendary, groomed to perfection and surrounded by scenic views. In the summer and fall, sportsmen know the region for its excellent trout fishing and Whitetail deer hunting.
Rock Maple Racing is proud to be an eastern affiliate of the International Series of Champions (ISOC), the national sanctioning body for snocross. RMR is proud to host the inaugural New England Nationals on Feb. 12-14, 2010 at Rockingham Park in Salem, NH. For more information, go to www.rockmaple.com.
Season opener at Hickory Ski Center set to go for Rock Maple Racing snocross series
DERRY, NH (Dec. 4, 2009) – With cold air in place and even some natural snow on the ground in parts of northern New England, snowmobile race teams throughout the region are anxious to load up their trailers and hit the road.
After months of securing rides, physical training and mechanical preparation, the chance to compete has come, as Rock Maple Racing (RMR) gets set to kick off its 2009-10 snocross schedule Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12-13, at the beautiful Hickory Ski Center in Warrensburg, New York
Spectator gates will open at 8 a.m., while racing will get under way promptly at 9 a.m. Admission is $14 per day for adults or $20 for a weekend pass, $8 per day for children ages 10-18, while children age 10 and under will be admitted free with a paying adult. Pit passes valid through the entire weekend are available for an extra $10.
The Hickory Ski Center’s new owners are preparing to reopen the facility after four years of dormancy. Warrensburg is known as “the gateway to the Adirondacks,” and is easy to reach via US Rte. 9 off Exit 23 on Interstate 87.
Since this is a new host site for RMR, here is an overview of the weekend for first-time fans. Saturday’s activities will consist of qualifying races for all classes within RMR’s five major divisions (Pro, Semi-Pro, Sport, Women and Junior). These events offer points towards the coveted season championships, putting pressure on the riders as they earn their way into Sunday’s finals.
Sunday morning features the Last Chance Qualifiers (or LCQs, in snocross speak), the last opportunity to make it into the final round. After the traditional Parade of Flags and pre-race ceremonies, Finals for all classes will begin at approximately 1 p.m.
Leading the charge into Warrensburg is defending Pro champion Danny Poirier, of St. Theodore, Quebec. Poirier (Hulten Speed Sports/Polaris) won every Pro Open final he entered last season, and all but one in Pro Stock. The two-time title holder (won Pro 600 in 2004) has a new teammate in Ray and Lisa Hulten’s trailer, as talented Minnesota native Bobby LePage joins the squad. Renaud Alexandre will complete the Pro trio based in St. Johnsville, New York.
Other Pro division riders to watch at Hickory include Mathieu Morin, who joins the powerhouse Ingles Performance/Ski-doo organization for 2009-10; multi-time champion Jason Boron (D&Z Racing/Ski-doo); Vermont veteran Chris Chico (Amsoil/Arctic Cat); Jason and Matt Rudd (Ruddman Racing/Ski-doo); Brennan Berardo (DooTalk.com/Ski-doo) and Jake Melville (Ski-doo).
In the ultra-competitive Semi-Pro division, riders to watch include pre-season favorite Corin Todd, of Otego, New York. Todd is part of the D&Z Racing/Ski-doo squad and loves to shine in his home state. Other riders in a long list of legitimate podium threats include Trevor Bouchard (Team Bouchard/Arctic Cat); Robert Graeber, Brad Davis (Team Southside/Polaris), Garrett Mees, Lucas Brunelle, Lincoln Lemieux and Michael George.
Across all five divisions, there are talented riders returning to action for 2009-10. Rock Maple Racing is the eastern affiliate of the International Series of Champions (ISOC), and is proud to be hosting the inaugural New England Nationals at Rockingham Park in Salem, NH,
on Feb. 13-14, 2010. For more information, please go to www.rockmaple.com.
Poirier returns to defend Pro title
Semi-Pro division wide open for 2009-10 RMR season
DERRY, NH (Nov. 13, 2009) — If there’s going to be a new face atop the northeastern regional snocross ranks in 2010, that rider will need to get past one smooth, determined athlete.
After one of the most dominant seasons in series history, 2009 Pro division champion Danny Poirier will return to action, as teams around the region get ready for the 2009-10 Rock Maple Racing (RMR) season.
Poirier, of St. Theodore, Quebec, won all but two Pro finals last season, an amazing feat in such a competitive series. When the new season revs up just one month from now, Poirier will return with a new yet well known teammate in the Hulten Speed Sports/Polaris trailer. Bobby “The Rage” LePage will join the RMR ranks this season, and he’s not the only big name headed to New England for 2009-10.
Quebec native Mathieu Morin, who won the last RMR Pro final of 2009, will join the Ingles Performance/Ski-doo squad and should be among the top contenders. Both Morin and LePage are highly-skilled athletes with national experience, adding a great deal of excitement for race fans here in the northeast.
As Poirier looks to defend his 2009 title, a host of veterans and newcomers will be after his crown. Multi-time champion Jason Boron will be back aboard the D & Z Racing Ski-doos this season. While his brother Matt has retired from snocross, Jason isn’t quite ready to hang it up. He’s one of the most consistent, rock-solid athletes to ever climb on a sled, and will no doubt be running up front again in 2009-10.
Other riders to watch this season within the Pro division include Norwegian veteran Stale (pronounced Sto-lay) Eggen, who joins Bruce Gaspardi’s Team Southside organization; Jason Stone, part of the powerhouse Ingles Performance squad; Chris Chico, back for his second season on the mighty Amsoil/Arctic Cat Sno Pro 600; and Renaud Alexandre, back with Hulten Speed Sports.
Team Southside is also proud to announce the return of Alaska native Robert Graeber to RMR competition. Graeber turned a lot of heads when he joined RMR as a Semi-Pro rider two years ago. He’s recovering nicely from a serious accident in March of 2008, and everybody is thrilled to see this determined, talented young man with a big heart return this season.
While Graeber will compete in the Semi-Pro division for 2009-10, two other former Semi-Pro sensations are making the move up to Pro. Vermont-based veterans Brennan Berardo (Essex) and Jake Melville (Pownal) will be part of the hottest rookie class in recent memory, which will only enhance the competition. Think RMR’s Pro division will be exciting this year? Just wait until they throw the green flag Dec. 12-13 at the Hickory Ski Center.
Rock Maple’s Semi-Pro division is where future stars hone their skills, and they provide a ton of excitement as they rise to regional stardom. While defending champion Aaron Pfeifer won’t be back, there are plenty of athletes gunning to take his place. Among the top contenders is Corin Todd (D&Z Racing/Ski-doo), who many feel is the favorite to secure a title.
Yet talented young guns like Trevor Bouchard (now on Arctic Cat), Brad Davis, Garrett Mees, Lucas Brunelle, Lincoln Lemieux and Michael George have other ideas. A newcomer to the Semi-Pro ranks this year is motocross veteran Ash Woskob, of Tyrone, Pennsylvania. Woskob (D&Z Racing/.Ski-doo) is a multi-time MX champion and finished sixth in his RMR snocross debut last spring at Windham.
One of the sport’s rising stars is making the move up from Sport to Semi-Pro for 2009-10. Joey Stock, of Bearsville, NY, won the Sport 600 title in 2009 and finished only one point shy of Joey Mosher in Sport Super Stock. Watching this young man take his program to the next level will also be entertaining this winter.
Jake Dasilva and Andrew Bailey are two more former Sport division stars making the move to Semi-Pro. These two will run part time on both the RMR and International Series of Champions (ISOC) circuits for 2009-10. When ISOC rolls into historic Rockingham Park for the inaugural New England Nationals Feb. 13-14, Dasilva and Bailey will be going all-out for wins.
While RMR’s headline Pro and hotly-contested Semi-Pro divisions are expected to have banner seasons in 2009-10, the Sport, Women and Junior divisions are full of talented riders, as well. Add those eager young racers (ages 6 through 10) on the 120cc machines competing on their own little track, and you’ve got the recipe for another fantastic winter of snocross fun.
Some of Rock Maple’s teams will get a jump on the new season this month, as they travel to Minnesota to compete in the 18th annual Amsoil Duluth Nationals on Nov. 27-29. Look for a report on how these teams make out shortly after the event. Good luck to all as a new season of high-flying snocross competition get under way.
To follow all of the action this season or to learn more, go to www.rockmaple.com. Rock Maple Racing is the proud eastern affiliate of ISOC, the national sanctioning body for snocross.
Team Bouchard Racing returns to RMR snocross series for 2009-10
Trevor Bouchard to seek Semi-Pro titles on Arctic Cat sleds
DERRY, NH (Oct. 16, 2009) — One of New England’s most talented rising stars in snowmobile racing is overflowing with enthusiasm as the 2009-10 season draws near. Trevor Bouchard, of Derry, New Hampshire, will go after the Semi-Pro division championship on the Rock Maple Racing (RMR) snocross series. After riding Ski-doo sleds the past six years, Bouchard will pilot the newly-refined Arctic Cat Sno Pro 600 race sled for 2009-10.
Bouchard, 20, started his snocross career back in 2001 in the Junior Novice class. He worked his way up through the ranks, earning all four Sport division championships in 2006. For the past two seasons, he has been a part of the powerhouse D&Z operation, owned by Dana White, of
Campton, New Hampshire. While he greatly appreciated that incredible opportunity, he is also anxious to go racing with his family again.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back out on the tour with my Dad again,” Bouchard said. “He put a lot of effort into my career when we first started, and is ready to give it another shot. Sharing the challenge of learning a new sled with him will be great, and we hope to put Arctic Cat back where it belongs on the Rock Maple podium.”
Officials at Arctic Cat know having a presence in snocross racing is crucial to connecting with consumers. Led by factory-backed Pro rider Tucker Hibbert (Monster Energy/Team Arctic No. 68), Cat supports race teams on both the national and regional levels. They view the sport as not only the perfect arena in which to develop technology for future consumer sleds, but to maintain excitement in snowmobiling overall.
“We’re very excited about having Trevor Bouchard pilot the new Sno Pro 600 this season on the Rock Maple circuit,” said Mike Kloety, Race Program Manager at Arctic Cat. “We know he has the skills to run up front, and we also know that Rock Maple is quite popular in the northeast. We’d
love to win races in Semi-Pro with Team Bouchard, and hope Trevor turns some heads as he goes after the class championships.”
Rock Maple Racing will kick off its 2009-10 campaign on Dec. 12-13 at the beautiful Hickory Ski Center in Warrensburg, New York. This is a new venue for RMR, yet Bouchard has always been quick to adapt to any new layout.
“We plan to do some testing during November so I can get a good feel for the new sleds,” adds Bouchard. “I’m not a really fussy rider when it comes to setups. As long as I can get off the line well and the sled runs smooth, I’m happy. As we learn more about them, I’m sure we’ll be fine-tuning the new Sno Pro sleds to gain speed. With all this cold weather and early snow in the mountains, I’m anxious to hit the snow and prepare for
racing.”
To join the list of valued sponsors or to follow Trevor’s progress throughout the season, visit the team online at www.trevorbouchardracing.com. Team Bouchard Racing would like to thank Dan Callahan for his assistance and the following sponsors for their support;
Arctic Cat, Stud Boy Traction Products, 139designs.com and Harvey Tool.
DERRY, N.H. (Sept. 9, 2009) — As what turned out to be a rather soggy, much cooler than normal summer draws to a close, powersports enthusiasts around the northeast are beginning to shift their focus to snowmobiles.
While grass drag competition officially kicks off another year of racing, it’s snocross that captures everybody’s attention once the first frost and freeze advisories are issued. Those snocross racers and fans can now prepare for another exciting season, as Rock Maple Racing (RMR) has announced its 2009-10 event schedule.
There are eight events confirmed on the new schedule spread throughout New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. Along with several returning host sites that have become racer and fan favorites, RMR will also debut at two new venues in 2009-10.
The new season kicks off on Dec. 12-13 at the historic Hickory Ski Center in Warrensburg, New York. Located just outside beautiful Lake George, this new venue will provide an ideal site for snocross in this region. Hickory was founded by the Winbauer and Bates families, opening for the first time in 1946. With 18 trails, lots of snow and a friendly staff, the Hickory Ski Center is a wonderful addition to the RMR host family.
Round 2 on the 2009-10 campaign takes racers back to upstate New York, as they return to the Franklin County Fairgrounds on Jan. 9-10, 2010. Fans in the greater Malone area have supported RMR since its inaugural race in 2005, while racers look forward to a challenging track and enjoy performing in front of a large crowd.
For Pro and Semi-Pro teams, Round 3 takes them to a new site north of the border. On Jan. 16-17, RMR will join the Quebec-based SCM circuit in Mirabel for two days of tough competition. Quebec has produced some great riders in recent years (Simon Belzile and Dave Allard, among others), and this combination event should provide plenty of side-by-side battles.
While the site location for Jan. 23-24 is yet to be announced, all other race dates have been finalized. To kick off the month of February, RMR will join the International Series of Champions (ISOC) in Farmington, NY, at the Finger Lakes Gaming Center. This will be a points race for all teams.
Just one week later, RMR is excited to host New England’s first-ever National snocross event. On Feb. 13-14, the Amsoil Championship Snocross Series (ACSS) rolls into beautiful Rockingham Park in Salem, NH, for the New England Nationals. Rock Maple Racing sanctioned snocross events at ‘The Rock’ in years past, and everybody agrees — a national event should do very well there.
With the famed Grand Prix de Valcourt suspending operations in 2010, ISOC was looking for another site on its eastern swing. ISOC officials know that snocross is popular here in New England, and the group has wanted a race within its boundaries for some time.
“All of us at ISOC are very excited about bringing the ACSS to Rockingham Park,” said Director of Marketing/Communications Andy Groebner. “With its enclosed grandstand, ample room for vendors and fans plus proximity to large populations, we feel it will serve as the perfect site for an ISOC National. New England is full of dedicated snowmobilers and motorsports fans. We hope they’ll make plans now to attend this event and witness the world’s top riders battle for championship points and trophies.”
On Feb. 27-28, RMR will return to Ossipee, NH, for another round of competition at the old Mount Whittier ski hill. Fans in the greater Ossipee region are avid snowmobile enthusiasts, turning out in big numbers by car and on their sleds. This event has become a favorite among teams and officials, thanks to a festive atmosphere and excellent track configuration.
Another fun-filled season starts to wind down on Mar. 6-7, as RMR travels to Vermont’s scenic Northeast Kingdom. The Orleans County Fairgrounds in Barton is another favorite among teams, offering ample room to choose good lines and perform in front of a big crowd. They love their snowmobiles and racing in general across northern Vermont, reflected by the strong turnout RMR has enjoyed in recent visits to Barton.
And on March 27-28, RMR will close out its 18th consecutive season of racing at the beautiful Peek ‘N Peak Ski Resort in Findley Lake, New York. Known for its fan amenities and exciting track, Peek ‘N Peak is an ideal site to conclude another season of snocross. Fans in this part of New York love this kind of high-flying action, and RMR is proud to deliver the goods.
“We feel like we’ve got a great mix of familiar places and new venues for our race teams,” says RMR president Tara Saxton. “There is quite a buzz building over New England’s first ISOC National event at Rockingham Park. We enjoyed big crowds and great racing when we went there a few years ago, and this event should pack the place. Our stand-along schedule is strong, as well, with new venues and return visits to great sites like Malone, Barton and Ossipee. We look forward to another exciting season of snocross throughout the northeast.”
With a fine mix of familiar venues, new host sites and two combination events with ISOC, northeastern snocross teams have reasons for excitement this fall. A competition preview with details on riders to watch in Pro and Semi-Pro will be released in the coming weeks.
For more information or to learn more about Rock Maple Racing, please visit us on the Web at www.rockmaple.com.
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