NEWS-REVIEW
SOUVENIR ISSUE
VILAS COUNTY
Section
EAGLE RIVER, WI 54521 • (715) 479-4421 • www.vcnewsreview.com
VOL. 127, NO. 45
A
$1.25
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23, 2013
50th Derby one for books Heated suites jam-packed for anniversary of event ___________
BY ANTHONY DREW NEWS-REVIEW ASST. EDITOR
___________
New additions and special attractions for the 50th running of the AMSOIL World Championship Snowmobile Derby brought thousands of fans to the track Thursday through Sunday. In fact, the crowd was the biggest it’s been in recent memory, said track owner Chuck Decker. “It was bigger than I’ve seen it in the last decade,” he said. “Saturday was big and Friday night was packed. We sold out of every single indoor seat there was. The buildings were overfilled. The corporate suites are supposed to seat 60, and most of them had 100 or 120 people in them.”
Professional and amateur racers from across the United States and Canada gathered to compete for a record purse of more than $150,000 in cash and prizes and the prestige of winning at Eagle River. The grand prize for the title winner alone was set at $60,000. Decker said the cold may have contributed to a few people going home early Sunday, but added that the racing was extremely competitive. “The drivers put on a great race, as usual,” he said. “It was one of the closest finishes To DERBY, Pg. 2A
Malcolm Chartier of Marine City, Mich., displayed the SnowGoer Cup following his victory at the 50th AMSOIL World Cham-
pionshp Snowmobile Derby. Joining him in the winner’s circle was Derby Queen Michelle Schaetz. —STAFF PHOTOS
Chartier holds off Wahl to win historic Derby title ___________
and I’m a World Champion. It’s a great feeling.”
BY GARY RIDDERBUSCH NEWS-REVIEW EDITOR
___________
High-flying Sno-Cross racers competed for world championship titles during the 50th anniversary AMSOIL Derby.
With thousands of spectators watching from the Derby banks and motorhomes, flagman Jim Sergent Jr. waved the green flag to
For the second straight year, just a few feet separated first and second place at the finish line of the AMSOIL World Championship Snowmobile Derby. This time, Malcolm Chartier held off the hard charging Jordan Wahl in turns three and four and went on to win his first championship on the 50th anniversary of the greatest race in snowmobiling. Chartier, 24, of Marine City, Mich., overcame the mandatory mid-race pit stop and three red flags to win the race on his Ski-Doo along with the $60,000 prize. Chartier gave some of the credit to his crew back at the trailer. “The guys worked so hard,” he said. “It feels great, with my family all around me. It’s a dream come true. I’ve been dreaming about this ever since I’ve been a 12-year-old kid . . . coming here and doing this is awesome.” Chartier said the 30-lap oval race was a classic battle of professional drivers and provided plenty of excitement for the thousands of fans on the banks.
Malcolm Chartier displayed his winning form in turns three and four on the famous ice oval.
“It was a great time. It was a blast,” said Chartier. “Jordan lost his brakes with four laps to go. He ran a great race. I pulled away from him a little bit and he caught right back up to me.” Wahl, 18, of Greenbush, Minn., said he started to lose his brakes after a third red flag stopped racing in lap 22. He said that made it difficult to keep a line and gave Chartier an advantage. “After I lost the brakes, I would get up in the snow. It was tough to stay out of snow with no brakes,” said Wahl. In the final lap, Wahl
start the 50th running of the AMSOIL World Championshp snowmobile race in Eagle River Sunday afternoon. With cold tempera-
bumped Chartier in turn three, but the Michigan racer maintained control and beat Wahl to turn four and down the home stretch. “I really didn’t mean to bump Chartier. I lost all the brakes and slid up into the snow. I couldn’t slow down,” said Wahl, who was driving a Polaris. “I really don’t want to race like that.” Chartier said the bump from Wahl was not intentional and had nothing but praise for the young driver. “He came into me, but that’s racing. It’s no big deal,” said Chartier. “He’s a good sport and he’s a fast competitor. But I won today
Split title race It was the third year the title race was run under a split format where racers were required to stop for a five-minute pit stop after 10 laps. Chartier led the race after 10 laps and collected an additional $5,000 from Jimmy John’s. Matt Schulz, 28, of Wausau was in the second position and Wahl was third. Prior to the break, Chartier had built a commanding lead over Schulz, Wahl and the rest of the 12-sled field, leading by as much as a half straightaway. Racers were allowed to make adjustments to their machines and add fluids on the front straight under the watchful eyes of the fans. Schulz, who ended up finishing third on his Polaris, said there are some advantages with the split race. “It makes it a little harder, but then again it gives a guy a little break and tightens the field back up,” said Schulz. “Everything works out the way it does.” Schulz led for 29 of 30 laps last year before losing To TITLE RACE, Pg. 3A
tures, several thousand more people took advantage of indoor seating in the suites and hot seats.
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WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23, 2013
VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS
WEATHER CORNER
DERBY
Note: Precipitation amounts are recorded at 8 a.m. for the previous 24 hours.
LAST SEVEN DAYS
Hi Lo Prec. Wed., Jan. 16...........24 5 .2"S Thurs., Jan. 17........17 –4 .5"S Fri., Jan. 18.............25 –2 1"S Sat., Jan. 19.............35 6 .7"S Sun., Jan. 20..............7 –4 1"S Mon., Jan. 21 ...........–5 –17 None Tues., Jan. 22.............0 –20 None
ONE YEAR AGO
Hi Mon., Jan. 16.............31 Tues., Jan. 17 ............15 Wed., Jan. 18 ............18 Thurs, Jan. 19 .............0 Fri., Jan. 20..................8 Sat., Jan. 21 ..............24 Sun., Jan. 22 .............27
Lo 16 14 –8 –11 –22 –20 –17
Prec. None .8"S .8"S 1.4"S None None None
LAST YEAR
The average daily high at this time last year for the next seven days was 28, while the average overnight low was 8. There was snow on four days with a total accuulation of 5.8 inches.
COMPARISON
Days precipitation recorded since Jan. 1, 2013, 11 days; 2012, 9 days. Average high of past 30 days, 2013, 23; 2012, 27. Average low of past 30 days, 2013, 5; 2012, 2.
SNOW CONDITIONS
With 4 inches of snow on ’’11-’12 ’12-’13 the ground and an ice 31 42 base, trails are in fair Snowy days Inches to date 40.04 15.4 condition. Trail groomers Ground cover 18" 4" were out in the Eagle River area early this week, but more snow is needed.
STREAMS AND LAKES
With 10 to 15 inches of ice, anglers are driving vehicles on most lakes. Conditions are excellent for ice fishing, with little snow and slush on the lakes.
Derby: 29 of 32 former champions return Derby fans were treated to an exhibition by the 120th Field Artillery of the Wisconsin National Guard, as they fired a howitzer
OUTLOOK
Wednesday will be mostly cloudy and cold, with a high of 5 and a low of –10. Thursday clouds should be increasing, with a high of 10 and a low of –4. Friday there is a chance of light snow showers with a small accumulation, with a high of 19 and a low of 6. Saturday should be mostly sunny, with a high of 18 and a low of –1. Sunday is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a high of 25 and a low of 14.
(PORTIONS OF THE WEATHER CORNER ARE THROUGH THE COURTESY OF KEVIN BREWSTER, EAGLE RIVER and NEWSWATCH 12 METEOROLOGIST.)
Past champion Mike Trapp of Woodruff took in the Friday Night Thunder festivities. He won the race in 1971 and ’72.
Dozens of former Derby queens attended festivities during the weekend, including 1972 Derby Queen Sue Alward.
prior to the running of the 50th AMSOIL World Championship snowmobile race Sunday afternoon. —STAFF PHOTOS
FROM PAGE 1A
ever, in the history of the Derby.” Poor conditions in the skies were to blame for the lack of an F-16 flyby Sunday. “The conditions weren’t good at the time the jets would have had to take off,” said Decker. “It was just a weatherrelated thing.” Although a driver during Vintage weekend ended up with stitches, there were no serious injuries over the course of Derby weekend. Overall, Decker said the 50th Derby went without a hitch. “Everybody had a great time,” he said. “All our goals were met and I think the fans were blown away by the new additions out here.” More than racing Twenty-nine of the 32 past champions of the Snowmobile Derby showed up for a meetand-greet with racing fans during the four-day event. Numerous Derby Queens of the past also could be seen walking the grounds. Reigning over the festivities was 2013 Derby Queen Michelle Schaetz of Phelps. Also included in the event were a Celebrity Charity Ride Friday morning, the popular Friday Night Thunder under the lights with fireworks, a special reception Saturday night recognizing the Top 10 qualifiers, and the victory party Sunday night. Gov. Scott Walker was in attendance Friday night, while Eagle River Mayor Jeff Hyslop and State Senator Tom Tiffany were on hand to present proclamations Sunday. After four days of racing, Malcolm Chartier, 24, of Fair Haven, Mich. won the world title race Sunday afternoon on a Ski-Doo, beating a 12-sled field in the 30-lap feature race. Chartier won a world championship trophy, $10,000 cash from AMSOIL and
Gov. Scott Walker, center, presented a proclamation to Chuck Decker, left, and Dick Decker
$50,000 from Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches. He won an additional $5,000 from Jimmy John’s after being declared midway champion. Second went to Jordan Wahl of Greenbush, Minn., and third went to Matt Schulz of Wausau on a Ski-Doo. The championship race again used its new format, splitting the race into two parts for the second year. Racers took 10 laps, breaking for five minutes, before completing the final 20 laps. “The fans like it; the drivers are adjusting well to it and, with the money Jimmy John’s puts in, it makes it good for the drivers,” said Decker. Mixed schedule Decker said fans got their fill of both Oval and Sno-Cross racing during the weekend
Thousands of people attended the 50th anniversary of the AMSOIL World Championship Snowmobile Derby. This was the
during Friday Night Thunder, recognizing their ownership of the Derby Track and race.
because the Sno-Cross course is built inside the ice oval, offering a mixed schedule. The ice track was in great condition for Sunday’s big race, according to Decker. “The track conditions were really good,” he said. “The best they’ve had for a long, long time. I mean, these guys never raced on rough tracks like we did in the old days. We get new groomers and the track just gets better every year.” A new JumboTron near the oval kept fans up to date on the races, including the daily schedule, race results and a live broadcast of the race action. “It was really a big hit,” said Decker. “We were able to give live reports from the racers on the track and from the fans on the banks.” Decker said the weekend
lived up to his expectations. “It went as good as I thought it would go,” he said. “We had big expectations. Sometimes you’re disappointed, but there was no disappointment here. It was a great event.” Volunteers vital Always a key ingredient at the Derby are the volunteers, according to Decker, ranging from people manning the admission stands, hot seats, food booths and paddock areas to those registering racers and parking vehicles. “We have a couple hundred local volunteers from nonprofit groups that get a donation after the Derby,” said Decker. “We give donations each year to organizations that help us at the Derby. We certainly couldn't do it without them.”
scene Sunday afternoon as spectactors packed on the oval banks to watch the World Championship race.
VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23, 2013
3A
DERBY
Title race: three red flags keep championship field close
FROM PAGE 1A
the lead to Nick VanStrydonk of Tomahawk in the final corner. “Last year, we were running real good and we came up 5 feet short or whatever it was,” said Schulz. “I don’t even want to think about it. It’s been a long 365 days looking back. So third place is good. You can’t win them all. We’ll take a third-place finish.” After 10 laps, Schulz was in second place heading into the mid-race pit stop. “I was in second, but had a bad restart there and Jordan got around me,” said Schulz. “The last couple of laps though I thought I was catching them a little, as hard as they were battling. I thought maybe the two would tangle and I would be right in the right spot. They were probably only two sled lengths ahead of me.” Three red flags Sunday’s feature race had three red flags, the first occurring during the first lap. Dustin Wahl of Greenbush collided with Travis MacDonald of Gonor, Manitoba, Canada, in turns one and two, bringing out a red flag. Neither racer was injured. Following the mandatory pit stop after 10 laps, there
were two more red flags brought out by flagman Jim Sergent Jr. of Eagle River. The second red flag came out when Matt Ritchie of Minocqua fell off his sled in turns three and four just two laps into the final 20 laps. The third red flag was flown when Ryan Kniskern’s sled quit in turn four with 27 laps in the books. Ritchie and Kniskern, of Marinette, did not finish the race. Chartier said he had to maintain his concentration during the red flags, which brought the field closer together. He said he didn’t remember a key race with so many delays. “You know, not off the top of my head, I can’t think of that many restarts,” said Chartier. “But you know, it’s just exciting. You just have to stay mentally strong and keep looking forward, knowing that your going to win the World Championship if you stay strong.” Following the top three across the finish line were Dustin Wahl of Greenbush, Minn. in fourth, Gary Moyle of Houghton, Mich., in fifth, Cardell Potter of Camp Douglas in sixth and Brandon Johnson of Greenbush in seventh. Last year’s winner, Van Strydonk, placed eighth, and four-time champion P.J. Wanderscheid, of Sauk Centre, Minn., who was racing with a
The Champions 50-YEAR WORLD-TITLE RECORD
’64 STAN HAYES, Crandon, Wis............................................. ’65 GEORGE GENSLER, Three Lakes, Wis........................... ’66 STEVE AVE, Duluth, Minn. ............................................... ’67 DUANE FRANDSEN, Pembine, Wis. ................................ ’68 STEVE AVE, Duluth, Minn. ............................................... ’69 ROGER JANSSEN, Crookston, Minn. .............................. ’70 YVON DUHAMEL, Valcourt, Quebec ................................ ’71 MIKE TRAPP, Woodruff, Wis. ............................................ ’72 MIKE TRAPP, Woodruff, Wis. ............................................ ’73 BOB EASTMAN, Roseau, Minn........................................ ’74 GUILLES VILLENEUVE, Quebec ..................................... ’75 JIM BERNAT, Roseau, Minn.............................................. ’76 ED SCHUBITZKE, Duluth, Minn. ...................................... ’77 STEVE THORSEN, Fergus Falls, Minn............................. ’78 STEVE THORSEN, Fergus Falls, Minn............................. ’79 BOB ELSNER, New London, Wis. .................................... ’80 JACQUES VILLENEUVE, Quebec.................................... ’81 BRAD HULINGS, Thief River, Minn. ................................. ’82 JACQUES VILLENEUVE, Quebec.................................... ’83 BRAD HULINGS, Grand Rapids, Mich. ............................ ’84 JIM DIMMERMAN, White Bear Lk., Minn. ........................... ’85 MICHEL GINGRAS, St. Gregoire, Quebec .......................... ’86 JACQUES VILLENEUVE, Quebec.................................... ’87 CHUCK DECKER, Eagle River, Wis. ................................ ’88 BOBBY DONAHUE, Wis. Rapids, Wis. ............................. ’89 BRUCE VESSAIR, Ontario ............................................... ’90 DAVE WAHL, Greenbush, Minn. ....................................... ’91 GREG GOODWIN, Zion, Ill. .............................................. ’92 GARY VESSAIR, Honey Harbour, Ontario........................... ’93 AL FENHAUS, Wausau, Wis. ............................................ ’94 DALE LORITZ, Green Bay, Wis......................................... ’95 DALE LORITZ, Green Bay, Wis......................................... ’96 DAVE WAHL, Greenbush, Minn. ....................................... ’97 DAVE WAHL, Greenbush, Minn. ....................................... ’98 TERRY WAHL, Greenbush, Minn...................................... ’99 MIKE HOULE, Wyoming, Minn. ........................................ ’00 MIKE HOULE, Wyoming, Minn. ........................................ ’01 JEREMY JOHNSTON, Arcola, Sask................................. ’02 P.J. WANDERSCHEID, Sauk Centre, Minn............................. ’03 P.J. WANDERSCHEID, Sauk Centre, Minn. .......................... ’04 LARRY DAY, Lyman, Maine............................................... ’05 GARY MOYLE, Houghton, Mich........................................ ’06 P.J. WANDERSCHEID, Sauk Centre, Minn. .......................... ’07 GARY MOYLE, Houghton, Mich........................................ ’08 BRIAN BEWCYK, Winnipeg, Manitoba............................. ’09 BRIAN BEWCYK, Winnipeg, Manitoba............................. ’10 MATT SCHULZ, Wausau, Wis........................................... ’11 P.J. WANDERSCHEID, Sauk Centre, Minn.. ....................... ’12 NICK VAN STRYDONK, Tomahawk, Wis.. ........................ ’13 MALCOLM CHARTIER, Marine City, Mich. ......................
Polaris Evinrude Ski-Doo Ski-Doo Ski-Doo Arctic Cat Ski-Doo Yamaha Yamaha Polaris Alouette Polaris Yamaha Polaris Polaris Arctic Cat Ski-Doo Scorpion Ski-Doo Ski-Doo Phantom Ski-Doo Ski-Doo Ski-Doo Ski-Doo Ski-Doo Wahl Ski-Doo Ski-Doo Ski-Doo Ski-Doo Ski-Doo Wahl Ski-Doo Ski-Doo Ski-Doo Ski-Doo Ski-Doo Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Ski-Doo Ski-Doo Polaris Arctic Cat Polaris Ski-Doo
Champion Malcolm Chartier posed with queens and sponsors, along with two checks totalling $60,000, for winning the 50th annu-
broken ankle, finished ninth. MacDonald, after the opening lap mishap, finished 10th. Chartier won the pole position for the title race by winning the TLR Cup Sweet Sixteen pole position race during Friday Night Thunder. Chartier won $1,000 for the TLR Cup win and was able to sit out of Saturday afternoon’s qualifications for the World Championship class. On Sunday, Chartier was in the winner’s circle in his fifth attempt at winning the World Championship. He only trailed in the race once, for a short time in turns one and two when Jordan Wahl took a short-lived lead following the mandatory pit stop. “I wasn’t really surprised, I could hear him on me. I just went too high and I got in the snow,” said Chartier. “He took it on the inside I was just glad I could get it back from him. He came in real tight and then he went high and it was an opportunity for me. “It was a great race,” said Chartier. “We were both having fun and we will be racing together for many more races. So, I look forward to next year.” Chartier thanked his crew, including former World Champion Mike Houle, along with his parents and sponsors. His father joined him in victory circle, where they shared a hug and a few tears. “I started coming here to Eagle River when I was 10, sitting up their on the hill and dreaming of doing this,” said Chartier. “I started racing when I was 12 and now I’m a World Champion.” Road to title The road to the title race of the AMSOIL World Championship is not an easy one. Former champion Moyle had the fastest time in time trials Thursday evening with a time of 17.758 seconds for two laps. But Moyle failed to qualify during elimination heats Saturday afternoon and had to make the final World Championship field through the
al AMSOIL World Championship Snowmobile Derby. AMSOIL and Jimmy John’s were the main sponsors of the title race.
Matt Ritchie of Minocqua qualified for the title race after finishing second in the last-chance
last chance qualifying race on Sunday afternoon. The top two advanced to the title race in a back row position. Joining Moyle in the back row was Ritchie. Race enthusiasts knew Chartier would be in the hunt following Saturday’s time trials, as he turned in the second fastest time at 17.959 seconds. His win in the TLR Cup Friday night placed him as the favorite, though he had never been in the winner’s circle. He finished seventh last year. Chartier said there is more work to be done. “I have to go home and train a little harder, because I got tired,” said Chartier. “I’ll be honest with you. I got tired and he (Wahl) gained on me. I was definitely feeling it with three to four laps to go. I was just holding on tight. I was hitting the throttle with my knee and I stayed out front. I’m just glad that I could pull it off.” Chartier will receive $50,000 from Jimmy John’s and $10,000 from AMSOIL,
qualifier Sunday afternoon. However, he did not finish the championship race. —STAFF PHOTOS
2013 AMSOIL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SNOWMOBILE DERBY Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013 Eagle River, Wisconsin
PRO CHAMP — 30-LAP FEATURE RACE Place 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th
Bib # 33 747 38 74 66 58 22 13 28 8 616 355
Driver City/State Malcolm Chartier, Marine City, Mich. Jordan Wahl, Greenbush, Minn. Matt Schulz, Wausau, Wis. Dustin Wahl, Greenbush, Minn. Gary Moyle, Houghton, Mich. Cardell Potter, Camp Douglas, Wis. Brandon Johnson, Greenbush, Minn. Nicholas Van Strydonk, Tomahawk, Wis. P.J. Wanderscheid, Sauk Centre, Minn. Travis MacDonald, Gonor, Manitoba Ryan Kniskern, Marinette, Wis. Matt Ritchie, Minocqua, Wis.
for winning the title race, $5,000 from Jimmy John’s for leading at mid-race, and $1,000 for taking the TLR Cup race on Friday night. Van Strydonk was second in the TLR Cup event, but couldn’t regain that speed in Sunday’s main event.
Machine Ski-Doo Polaris Ski-Doo Polaris Arctic Cat Wahl/Polaris Polaris Polaris Arctic Cat Ski-Doo Ski-Doo Polaris
Derby Photos By:
Kurt Krueger, Gary Ridderbusch, Anthony Drew and Chris Blicharz VILAS COUNTY
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Dustin Wahl (No. 74) and Travis McDonald (No. 8) got tangled up in turns one and two in the first
lap, bringing out the red flag. There were two additional red flags during the race.
Malcom Chartier and his father shared the exciting moment in the winner’s circle Sunday following the title race.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes, form 3579, to Vilas County News-Review, P.O. Box 1929, Eagle River, WI 54521, phone (715) 479-4421, fax (715) 479-6242.
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WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23, 2013
VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS
DERBY
Thousands of spectators attended the biggest World Championship Snowmobile Derby in the past decade, witnessing intense racing excitement on the ice Oval throughout the course of the event.
Dual winners in the finals Sunday included Blaine Stephenson of Hutchinson, Minn.; Mark Durkey of Clintonville; Brian Healey of Winnipeg, Manitoba; and Miranda Miller of Hudson. —STAFF PHOTOS
Stephenson, Durkey, Healey win at Oval Miranda Miller wins Pro Sprint final, Junior II Sprint ___________
Hutchinson, Minn., Arctic Cat; second, Brian Healey, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Polaris; third, Bruce Rosentreter, Brandon, Manitoba, Massey.
BY ANTHONY DREW NEWS-REVIEW ASST. EDITOR
___________
Blaine Stephenson of Hutchinson, Minn., Mark Durkey of Clintonville and Brian Healey of Winnipeg, Manitoba, were all doublewinners in this year’s ice Oval sprints at the World Championship Snowmobile Derby over the weekend. Stephenson, riding an Arctic Cat, took first place in the Formula 500 class and second in the Limited 500. Durkey took first in the Sportsman 600 class and second in the Combo Sportsman & F-500 class riding an Arctic Cat. Healey won the Combo Sportsman & F-500 and took second in the Limited 500. Taking third in the Formula 500 behind Stephenson and Healey was Bruce Rosentreter of Brandon, Manitoba, riding a Massey. Malarie Bergene of Sheboygan took second in the Sportsman 600 on an Arctic Cat behind Durkey. David Kohn of DePere took third on a Ski-Doo. Mike Van Dolder of Ennismore, Ontario, finished third behind Healey and Durkey in the Combo Sportsman & F500 class riding a Ski-Doo.
Another double-winner this year was Miranda Miller of Hudson, who won first place in the Pro Sprint final Sunday. She also took first in the Junior II Sprint. Tim Hibbard of Lempster, N.H., won the relatively new Outlaw 600 class, which seems to be growing in popularity. The class was a big hit last year in its debut season and will likely continue to grace the Derby track in years to come. Derby Track manager Todd Achterberg said the revolutionary idea places the driver on a left-side cockpit driving position, surrounded by a full roll-cage. It is driven much like a Sprint car with a steering wheel, foot-pedal controls and a five-point harness. In the spirit of cultivating future Derby racers, four separate classes of Junior ice Oval races were run, including Junior Stock, Junior F-500, Junior I Sprint and Junior II Sprint. Winners also were declared in ice Oval races during Friday Night Thunder. See separate story for results. The champions in each
Sportsman 600 First, Mark Durkey, Clintonville, Arctic Cat; second, Malarie Bergene, Sheboygan, Arctic Cat; third, David Kohn, DePere, SkiDoo. Combo Sportsman & F-500 First, Brian Healey, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Polaris; second, Mark Durkey, Clintonville, Arctic Cat; third, Mike Van Dolder, Ennismore, Ontario, Ski-Doo. Semi Pro Champ First, Sabrinia Blanchet, Drummondville, Quebec, Ski-Doo; second, Colt Dellandrea, Kincardine, Ontario, Arctic Cat; third, Michael Lehman, Arbor Vitae, Ski-Doo.
Nick Van Strydonk of Tomahawk, the 2012 world champion of the Derby, granted an inter-
class received cash payouts, 50th anniversary checkered flags, Coldwave jackets and Eagle trophies proclaiming the racer as the world champion in his or her respective class. The following are the results by class from the ice
view after taking first place in the Factory 600 Champ final competition Sunday.
Oval, with finish, racer, hometown and snowmobile make: Junior Stock 11-13 First, Sara Miller; second, Jacob Ricci; third, Tyler Metz. Junior F-500 14-15 First, Skylar Klima, Prior Lake, Minn., Polaris; second,
Danielle Behn, Waupaca, Polaris; third, Preston Lee, Coleraine, Minn., Polaris. Junior II Sprint First, Miranda Miller, Hudson; second, Tyler Metz, Poplar. Formula 500 First, Blaine Stephenson,
Limited 500 First, Cody Knutson, Wisconsin Rapids, Ski-Doo; second, Blaine Stephenson, Hutchinson, Minn., Arctic Cat; third, Tyler Schmidt, Merrill, Arctic Cat. Factory 600 Champ First, Nicholas Van Strydonk, Tomahawk, Polaris; second, Mike Van Dolder, Ennismore, Ontario, Ski-Doo; third, Malcolm Chartier, Marine City, Mich., Ski-Doo. Pro Sprint First, Miranda Miller, Hudson; second, Andy Bachmann.
Friday Night Thunder still a fan favorite ___________
BY GARY RIDDERBUSCH NEWS-REVIEW EDITOR
___________
After nearly two decades, the Parts Unlimited Friday Night Thunder program continues to be one of the most popular spectator attractions during the AMSOIL World Championship Snowmobile Derby, officials said. And with the added excitement of the 50th anniversary Derby, track owner Chuck Decker said Friday night’s program did not disappoint the thousands of spectators who gathered around the ice oval, both indoors and outdoors. “It still reigns as one of the highlights of the weekend for many Derby fans," said Decker. “The banks were as full as they have been the past 10 years and the suites and hot seats were sold out.” The opening ceremony featured a visit from Gov. Scott Walker, who recognized the Decker family and the 50th anniversary of the Derby. He presented Chuck Decker and his father, Dick Decker, a proclamation from the state of Wisconsin. “Snowmobiling is an important part of the state’s winter tourist industry,” said Walker. “For 50 years, Eagle River has been hosting this snowmobile Derby and I am happy to be here to celebrate this anniversary,” said Walker. The colorful opening ceremony also featured a video on the trackside JumboTron recognizing past champions and queens, a brilliant fireworks display and introductions of
the top professional Oval and Sno-Cross racers. Decker said the highlight of the night was the TLR Cup Sweet Sixteen pole position race as the top 10 Pro Champ racers battled for 16 laps under the lights. Malcolm Chartier of Marine City, Mich., won the race on a Ski-Doo, winning the $1,000 for the TLP Cup victory and qualifying him for Sunday’s big event and the pole position. Jordan Wahl of Greenbush, Minn., placed second in the event on a Polaris and Matt Schulz of Wausau was third on a Ski-Doo. “By winning on Friday night, Malcolm was able to sit out of Saturday afternoon’s qualifying,” said Decker. The big Friday night win was a prelude to Sunday’s feature race, as Chartier went on to win the World Championship. Another highlight of the night show was the return of the Outlaw 600 class for race fans. The revolutionary new idea in Outlaw 600 race machines, introduced at the Derby last year during Friday Night Thunder, places the driver on a left-side cockpit driving position, surrounded by a full-roll cage and driven much like a Sprint car with a steering wheel, foot-pedal controls and a five-point harness. Nick Dolezal of Eagle River won the Outlaw 600 race Friday night, beating second-
Friday Night Thunder still prevails as one of the major attractions for fans of Snowmobile Derby action. Thousands watched
place finisher Aaron Fellows. Joe Schneider of St. Germain also climbed into an Outlaw sled and finished third in the 13-sled final. In Friday Night Thunder Sno-Cross racing, Ross Martin of Burlington won the Carlisle Pro Open race on a Polaris. Second went to Tim Trembley of Aurora, Minn., on an AMSOIL sled and third went to Peter Narsa of Moskosel, Sweden, on a SkiDoo. Martin went on to win
the Pro Open on Sunday. The Carlisle Pro Lite class Friday night went to Andy Lieders of Colby on a Polaris. Second went to Jake Scott of Mosinee on a Polaris and third went to Zak Mason of Gaylord, Mich., on a Polaris. Following are the results of the individual races run during Friday Night Thunder. Formula 500 First, Shane Peterson, Lan-
a special opening ceremony followed by hours of exciting racing action on the world-famous ice Oval. caster, Minn., John Deere; second, Brian Healey, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Polaris; third, Alan Dahlke, Antigo, Polaris. Semi Pro Champ First, Jacob Beres, New Berlin, WEB; second Lance Relf, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Wahl; third, Christer Dahl, Arbor Vitae, Yamaha. Junior I Sprint First, Sabrinia Blanchet, Drummondville, Quebec, SkiDoo; second, Tyler Metz, Poplar, Ski-Doo.
Outlaw 600 First, Nick Dolezal, Eagle River; second, Aaron Fellows, Wentworth, N.H.; third, Joe Schneider, St. Germain. Carlisle Class Pro Open First, Ross Martin, Burlington, Polaris; Tim Trembley, Aurora, Minn., Ski-Doo; Peter Narsa, Moskosel, Sweden, Ski-Doo. Carlisle Pro Lite First, Andy Lieders, Colby, Polaris; second, Jake Scott, Mosinee, Polaris; third, Zak Mason, Gaylord, Mich., Polaris.
VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23, 2013
5A
DERBY
Ross Martin wins two Sno-Cross Open titles Scott, Lieders win Pro Lite events for stock sleds
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BY GARY RIDDERBUSCH NEWS-REVIEW EDITOR
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Ross Martin of Burlington won the Sno-Cross World Championship at the AMSOIL Eagle River Derby Track Sunday, beating the field of 12 other racers including last year’s champion Tim Trembley of Aurora, Minn. Martin, riding a Polaris, admitted it wasn’t an easy 15lap final in the Pro Open class Sunday afternoon on the quarter-mile Sno-Cross track inside the ice oval. With the starting line moved to the south end of the track, racers had to maneuver through a tight first corner, but once Martin grabbed the lead it was his race to lose. Martin also had to overcome a combination of the powdery snow on the course jumps and moguls, and snow dust on a cold day that hindered the racers’ visibility much of the race. Trembley finished second on a Polaris and Johan Lidman of Elk River, Minn., was third on a Polaris. Robbie Malinoski of Aurora, one of the favorites heading into Sunday’s feature race, got caught up in traffic in the first corner and crashed his sled into the bales on turn two of the oval — ending his day. Martin was a double winner in the Pro Open as he also won the Carlisle Friday Night Thunder race. Jake Scott of Mosinee won the Pro Lite Class Sunday on a Polaris. Second place went to Andy Lieders of Colby on a Polaris and third went to Corey Watkinson of Port Carling, Ontario, on a Ski-doo. Lieders won the Carlisle Pro Lite race on Friday night, while second went to Scott and third to Zak Mason of Gaylord, Mich. The Pro Plus 30 class was won by Danny Poirier of Malone, N.Y., on a Polaris. Andrew Hegemann of Merrill was second on an Arctic Cat and Jeff Vollenweider of Kewanuee was third on a Skidoo. In the Pro Am Super Stock Women’s class, Jennifer Pare of Eagle, Ind., was first on a Polaris. She also placed first last year. She was followed by Samantha Tarnowski of Roscommon, Mich., on a Skidoo and Merranda Schmid of Fond du Lac was third on an Arctic Cat. The top junior racer was Nicholas Lorenz of Kenosha. He won the Junior 16-17 and Junior 14-15 classes on a Polaris. Winners also were awarded trophies and checkered flags in seven other junior and novice classes. Brayden Kernz of Mani-
towoc also was a double winner in Juniors, taking the Junior Transition 8-12 and the Junior Transition 8-12 Limited classes. The following are the results of the Derby Sno-Cross events, listed by class, finish, racer, hometown and snowmobile make: Pro Open First, Ross Martin, Burlington, Polaris; second, Tim Trembley, Aurora, Minn., AMSOIL SkiDoo; third, Johan Lidman, Elk River, Minn., Polaris. Pro Lite Class First, Jake Scott, Mosinee, Polaris; second, Andy Lieders, Colby, Polaris; third, Corey Watkinson, Port Carling, Ontario, Ski-Doo. Pro Am Plus 30 First, Danny Poirier, Malone, N.Y., Polaris; second, Andrew Hegemann, Merrill, Arctic Cat; third, Jeff Vollenweider, Kewaunee, Ski-Doo. Pro Am Women First, Jennifer Pare, Eagle, Idaho, Polaris; second, Samantha Tarnowski, Roscommon, Mich., Ski-Doo; third, Merranda Schmid, Fond du Lac, Arctic Cat. Plus 30 First Shaun O’Connell, Hartland, Polaris; second, Andrew Hegemann, Merrill, Arctic Cat; third, John Zanon, Norway, Mich., Arctic Cat. Plus 40 First, Cory Croschere, Marquette, Mich., Ski-Doo; second, Scott Adams, Isanti, Minn., Polaris; John Zanon, Norway, Mich., Arctic Cat. Sport Super Stock First, Luke Wollenberg, Kaukauna, Polaris; second, Ryan Springer, Elk River, Minn., Polaris; third, Alex Plaisted, Elk River, Minn., Polaris.
Sno-Cross racing is popular with Derby fans as they go airborne on the front straight. Here, Devin Katzman (No. 829) of Franksville Wilbert, Hubertus, Ski-Doo. Junior Transition 8-12 Limited First, Brayden Kernz, Manitowoc, Ski-Doo; second, Parker Trinko, Shawano, Ski-Doo. Junior Transition 8-12 Combined (Max 300CC) First, Taylor Cole, Medina, Minn., Ski-Doo; second, Isaac Schlauderaff, Barnesville, Minn., Ski-Doo.
Novice Super Stock First, Lance Rutledge, Rhinelander; second, Brandon Derks, Ramsey, Minn., Arctic Cat; third, Mark Olejnichak, Chippewa Falls, Polaris.
120 Stock 8-12 First, Afton Sterry, Pepin, Polaris; second, Drew Freeland, St. Paul, Minn., Polaris; third, Ian Miller, Rhinelander, Polaris.
Junior Combined First, Austen Madison, Jefferson, Ski-Doo; second, Dan Sutton, McHenry, Ill., Ski-Doo; third, Adam Peterson, Medford, Polaris.
120 Stock 4-5 First, Cameron Cole, Medina, Minn., Polaris; second, Peyton Poker, Baraboo, Polaris; third, Michael McDonald.
Junior 16-17 First, Nicolas Lorenz, Kenosha, Polaris; second, Austen Madison, Jefferson, Ski-Doo; third, Sean O’Brien, Eagle River, Polaris.
120 Stock 4-12 First, Afton Sterry, Pepin, Polaris; second, Lawson Sterry, Pepin, Polaris; third, Autumn Schlauderaff, Barnesville, Minn., Polaris.
Junior 14-15 First, Nicolas Lorenz, Kenosha, Polaris; second, Devin Katzman, Franksville, Polaris; third, Dalton Makovsky, Prentice, Polaris.
120 Stock 6-7 First, Lawson Sterry, Pepin, Polaris; second, Autumn Schlauderaff, Barnesville, Minn., Polaris; third, Neil Dees, Hurley, Polaris.
Junior Transition 8-12 (Max 300CC) First, Brayden Kerz, Manitowoc, Ski-Doo; second, Blair Tischaefer, Omro, Ski-Doo; third, Ben
120 Champ 6-12 First, Isaac Schlauderaff, Barnesville, Minn., Polaris; second, Afton Sterry, Pepin, Polaris; third, Tyler Poker, Baraboo, Polaris.
Andy Lieders of Colby won the Sno-Cross Pro Lite class during Friday Night Thunder and was second Sunday afternoon.
and Dalton Makovsky (No. 464) of Prentice battle in the Junior 1415 class. —STAFF PHOTOS
Ross Martin of Burlington won the Sno-Cross Pro Open race during Friday Night Thunder and
Hard-charging professional Sno-Cross racers pounded through the moguls on the one-quarter mile track developed inside the ice
again Sunday afternoon, when he was presented the Snowtech Sno Cross Cup.
oval. In the background are the corporate suites on the north end of the AMSOIL Derby Track.