USCC Program 2012

UNITED STATES CROSS-COUNTRY SNOWMOBILE RACING SERIES

2012

CROSS COUNTRY

TOUR PROGRAM

WHAT'S

INSIDE: RACER INTERVIEWS RIDER PROFILES FEATURE STORIES RACE SLED SPOTLIGHT

RYAN 2011 CHAMP

SIMONS

USCCRACING.COM

HELIX

RACE J AC K ET

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WHAT'S INSIDE 6 8 10 10 12 16 20 24 26 28

CLICKED COURSE MARKER SEVEN CLANS CASINO NATIONAL GUARD THE VENUES THE SLEDS PROFILE: BUNKE RACING PROFILE: RYAN SIMONS PAT MACH THE RIDERS

MEET THE USCC For 2012, the USCC will hold races in five states across the Snow Belt from North Dakota to Maine. It takes a lot of people to put together a cross-country race and many of them are never seen or appreciated. Here are some of the people who make sure each USCC event is a success: Jesse Strege Rick Beasley Justin Mitzel Steve Ray Derek Anderson Chad Bjornaby Draper Lundquist Phil Zimple Brady Grant Dan McDonald Scott Schuster Rodney Riskey Lorraine Riskey Mary Mach Lisa Mach Lonnie Thompson Harold Mach Chad Colby Don Jorstad Marty McDonald Lee Gudajtes Roger Gorder

Race Director Course setter Course setter Course setter Staging Staging Staging Staging Staging Tech Director Tech Tech Registration Registration Registration/Scoring Timing Timing Marketing Director Track Announcer Sponsorship Director I-500 course coordinator I-500 course coordinator

USCC East Erik Frigon Bob Byron Steve Gorham Mason Hamilton Craig House Gordon Smith Jeff Rose Pat Gorham Vic Barr Brian Shea

USCC East Coordinator Race Director Timing/Registration Timing/Registration Staging/Tech Staging/Tech Flagman Course worker Course Worker Course Worker

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www.usccracing.com P.O. Box 273 Minto ND 58261 Phone: 701 248 2029 Fax: 701 248 2029

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CLICKED

USCC Tech guy Draper Lundquist keeps an eye on Ski-Doo rider Scott Pivec during the I-500 jetting session.

Each snowmobile has its own personality. Some suffer from severe insecurity issues and cling to their favorite blanket.

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While most Pro riders are in the trailer playing X Box 360 during the maintenance session, Brian Dick is out wrenching on his sled.

Gearing up for battle in the Christian Brothers Racing trailer.

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If you’re lucky you get to leave with one of the big trophies.

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USCC official Scott Schuster looks on as Joey Potucek’s 1979 El Tigre gets run through tech.

Tyler Johnsrud hitting a road approach is contrasted by gently falling snow at the Red Lake 75.

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Ryan Huston hits a kicker coming off the lake at the Walker 100. He saved it.

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You should let go…Now!

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It’s hard not to be cocky when you’re riding a John Deere Liquifire with duct tape numbers.

Bobby Menne and Lucas Kemper watch the class before them run at the Warroad 100.

Nathan Peters uses some snow to put the fire out after his sled suffered a blown out pipe.

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Garth Kaufman and Corey Davidson talk about what just happened in the Pro 600 race at the Walker 100.

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MARKER

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nited States Cross-Country Snowmobile Racing Association continues to boast higher entry numbers every season. More and more riders are answering to the call of the ditches, woods, frozen rivers and lakes that make up USCC cross-country courses. There’s a reason USCC is the only snowmobile racing circuit that continues to grow and that’s because it’s fun, it’s grassroots and it’s a familyoriented atmosphere. Most importantly, you don’t need a lot of money to go cross-country racing. All you need is a good 500cc or 600cc trail sled and a little bit of riding ability and you’re ready to go racing. Sure you might go faster with a dedicated race sled, but that isn’t

necessarily what it’s about. USCC is about having fun, being with friends and friendly competition. It’s about escaping for a weekend to share the fun of snowmobile racing with a bunch of other people who have the same passion for cross-country as well as snowmobiles and the sport of snowmobiling.

The USCC race day schedule is structured so one family can come and race all day on the same sled. And the majority of race weekends are one day which helps keep costs down for the racers and makes it an easy-to-plan-for event.

Don’t have a sled? Well, maybe a buddy has one you can share. Or maybe you have a sled and want to bring a friend along and let him or her experience firsthand why cross-country is so much fun.

Snowmobile racing is about the experience and what you take away from it. Though it was perhaps the most successful year ever for the USCC, last season was a dark one because we lost our founder and President, Pat Mach.

Pat started the USCC because he loved cross-country racing. It called to him.

Throughout his childhood, while he was in college playing baseball as a major league pitching prospect and afterwards when he was embarking on a career and starting a family, the one thing that remained

constant for Pat was his desire to go racing.

By 2002 everyone had walked away from cross-country in favor of more glamorous race venues, but Pat knew there would always be people who wanted to race cross-country. So he started the USCC. Now, some nine years later, USCC is by far the largest cross-country circuit in the world and is on its way to becoming the largest snowmobile racing circuit in the world. The USCC has brought together so many in the name of racing and has no doubt been the glue that has created new bonds between countless people. He might tell you that he started the USCC because he liked cross-country racing, but the real reason was because of the bond racers have with each other and the experiences they share.

This race program gives the USCC a chance to share of a little bit of what we do with you, the snowmobile racing fan. We’re proud of what the USCC has accomplished and we’re looking forward to continuing the original vision that Pat had for the USCC. We invite you to follow along as a fan or a racer and share in the experience.

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A LASTING RELATIONSHIP The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians is part of the Algonquian family of aboriginal North Americans. Red Lake operates three casinos all under the Seven Clans Casinos brand and they are located in the heart of USCC racing territory in the communities of Thief River Falls, Warroad, and Red Lake.

The casino in Thief River Falls plays host to the USCC Red Lake I-500, perhaps the most prestigious race in snowmobiling as well as the Red Lake 100. The casino’s involvement in not one but two races on the USCC schedule is testament to the dedication to the local community both the casino and the Red Lake Band of Chippewa take pride in. From hosting pre and post race activities to a significant contribution to race payouts, Seven Clans is always ready to lend a hand.

The USCC and Seven Clans have had a long-lasting relationship. Seven Clans became the host for the Red Lake I-500 in 2004 and have been gracious hosts to the race since. Ray Brenny is Chief Operating Officer for the Seven Clans casino in Thief River Falls and is one of the people who work behind the scenes each year to make sure the race is a success.

USCC: How did the relationship with USCC and seven clans get started?

Ray Brenny: We started running the I-500 from Thief River Falls over to the Red Lake Indian Reservation and it’s been pretty successful. It’s been growing and each year we set a new high mark for racers and people who come out to watch.

USCC: What do you like about working with the USCC? Brenny: The USCC is always easy to work with and they have the best intentions in mind for both sides. On race weekends we fill up the hotel, casino and water park. USCC race weekends are always big weekends for us.

USCC: Why sponsor a race like the Red Lake I-500?

Brenny: When we originally sat down with Pat Mach to talk about sponsoring a race we looked at what they had to offer and just said, “Let’s go with the biggest and best,” and that’s the I-500.

USCC: What are the benefits of being involved with the USCC? Brenny: This is snowmobile country and sponsoring the USCC is great way to get in front of people so they recognize whom we are and that we support snowmobiling.

With Arctic Cat and Polaris both in this area it’s a hotbed for the sport and it makes Seven Clans and USCC a good match.

The 7 Clans Casino plays a significant role in the I-500 payout as last year’s winner Brian Dick can attest.

SUPPORTS CROSS-COUNTRY

T

he United States Cross-Country Snowmobile Racing Association is proud to have the National Guard as its title sponsor for the 2010-2011 racing the season. The USCC and the National Guard are working together to bring racers and fans the USCC National Guard Cross-Country Snowmobile Racing Championship. With the title sponsorship, the USCC joins other prestigious National Guard-sponsored race disciplines such as NASCAR Sprint Cup, Indy Racing League and AMA Superbike. This season USCC will

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also have a National Guard racing class open to any Guard member who wishes to come out and try cross-country racing.

The National Guard serves both state and federal governments. The difference between the Guard and other branches is that while Guard units are combat-trained and can be deployed overseas, they are just as likely to serve in their home communities—training just one weekend per month, and one two-week period each year.

During local emergencies, Guard units assist those endangered by storms, floods, fires and other disasters. Guard companies deployed overseas may see combat, but are often found building schools and hospitals, training local peacekeepers or teaching local farmers more efficient techniques and better uses of their land. The oldest of the United States’ Armed Forces, the National Guard has stood ready to protect the country for nearly 374 years and operates in all 50 states, three territories (Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands) and the District of Columbia.

“We are fortunate and proud to have the United States National Guard as our title sponsor for the season,” said USCC President Pat Mach. “We take a lot of pride in being involved with the local communities where we race. And like us, the Guard understands the importance of building and supporting those local communities too. It’s a great fit for both of us and one we hope will continue and grow for many seasons to come.”

For more information on National Guard visit www.nationalguard.com; for more information on National Guard racing visit www.nationalguard.com/events/guard-racing.

VENUES

The USCC and USCC East schedules are a combination of traditional races and venues and new ones the USCC has firmly placed on the cross-country map. Race locations are placed in the heart of some of the hotbeds of snowmobile racing and include all the features that make up classic cross-country racing – ditches, fields, woods, and frozen rivers and lakes. They also range from remote areas to populated urban areas. Wherever USCC races one thing’s for sure, the course will be fun and challenging for beginners as well as even the most seasoned cross-country snowmobile racer.

MIDWEST TOUR

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GRAFTON 100 • DECEMBER 17, 2011 Grafton, North Dakota Grafton is located about 46 miles north of Grand Forks, North Dakota. Founded in 1881, Grafton is home to more than 4,500 people. But, more importantly, it features terrain that closely mimics that in the area where the I-500 is held and that’s why this race is liked so much by the racers. When USCC polls its riders on what courses they like most Grafton always scores high on the list. With winding river sections, ditches and whooped-out tree lines, it is always a challenge to ride.

Where? Forty-six miles north of Grand Forks on Highway 17 just off Hwy 81.

Course features: Technical woods and river, fast ditch and field Lodging: AmericInn: 701-352-2788; Select Inn 701-352-0888; Motel Leonard 701-352-1730 Staging: Just north of town where Highway 81 crosses the Park River

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MINTO 100 • JANUARY 1, 2012 Minto, North Dakota Minto is located about 31 miles north of Grand Forks, North Dakota. It is the official headquarters for the United States Cross-Country Snowmobile Racing Association.

Founded in 1881, Minto last hosted a USCC race in 2007. USCC officials know this area well and the course will be a challenging mix of treeline, field, ditch, woods as well as the Forest River, a winding, arm-pumping ice run that will challenge the skills of even the most seasoned rider.

Where? Thirty-one miles north of Grand forks on Highway 81.

Course features: Technical woods and river, fast ditch and field Lodging: AmericInn: 701-352-2788; Select Inn 701-352-0888; Motel Leonard 701-352-1730 Staging: Harvey Avenue and 150th Avenue

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RED LAKE I-500 • JANUARY 13-15, 2012 Thief River Falls, Minnesota Thief River Falls is home to manufacturer Arctic Cat, Inc. Rich in snowmobiling history, it’s also home to Seven Clans Casino, one of the major sponsors of the Red Lake I-500. Run in and around Thief River Falls since 2004, the race is a major attraction in an area where snowmobiling is literally a way of life for so many of its inhabitants. With miles of ditches, river, woods and fields, the terrain allows for a challenging, exciting course that always satisfies spectators and racers.

Where? Fifty-one miles East Northeast of Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Course features: You’ll find just about everything in the I-500, but ditch and river dominate.

There is also technical woods running and high-speed minimum maintenance roads.

Lodging: Seven Clans Casino 218-681-4062; C’mon Inn, 218-681-3000; America’s Best Value Inn & Suites, 218-681-6205; Americ Inn, 800-396-5007; Best Western, 218-681-7555.

Staging: Behind Seven Clans Casino on County Road 3, just off Highway 59.

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> THE VENUES

RED LAKE 100 JAN 21, 2012 Red Lake, Minnesota In its third year, the Red Lake 100 already has a reputation for being one of the most challenging races on the USCC schedule.

Racers must negotiate woods, woods roads and ditch lines in some of the most remote areas in Minnesota. The Seven Clans Casino Red Lake plays host to the event.

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Where? Thirty-four miles north of Bemidji, Minnesota, on Highway 89 Course features: Technical woods, woods roads, ditch Lodging: Seven Clans Casino Red Lake, 888-679-2501 Staging: West of the casino along Hwy 89.

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> THE VENUES

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QUADNA MOUNTAIN PARK 100 FEBRUARY 26, 2012 Hill City, Minnesota One of the most storied venues in snowmobile racing history, Quadna played host to the very first North American snocross race in 1981. In the years since Quadna became known as one of the toughest venues for snocross and has played host to snocross National events as well as cross-country events. Today it is a test site as well as a racing venue. USCC racers will face many challenges at Quadna including woods, hills, lake and unplowed roads.

Where? Eighty-three miles West of Duluth, Minnesota, on Highway 169.

Course features: Technical woods, hills, lake and unplowed roads.

Lodging: Whitetail Inn, 218-697-2470; AmericInn Grand Rapids, 218-326-8999; Super 8 Grand Rapids, 218-327-1108 Staging: Quadna Mountain Park

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WARROAD 100 • MARCH 10, 2012 Warroad, Minnesota The Warroad 100 offers a challenging mix of ice and terrain racing. Riders must negotiate twisting, arm-pumping lake sections, whoopedout shoreline and some woods and field sections making for a setup nightmare for mechanics. This race features a bit of cross-country racing history as the Warroad 500 was held here from 1998-2001.

Where? One hundred forty-one miles Northeast of Grand Forks, North Dakota Course features: Technical woods, lake Lodging: Seven Clans Casino, 218-386-3381; Super 8, 218-386-3723; Patch Motel, 218-386-2723; Can-Am Motel, 218-386-3807 Staging: City beach area West of Seven Clans Casino

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EASTERN TOUR

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RED LAKE I-500 • JANUARY 13-15, 2012 Thief River Falls, Minnesota • SEE DESCRIPTION PAGE 12

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LAKE PARLIN 100 JANUARY 28, 2012

MADAWASKA 100 FEB 18, 2012

Parlin Pond, Maine

Madawaska, Maine

The Lake Parlin 100 is a challenging mixture of all types of terrain.

From frozen ponds to trails and mountainsides, it is sure to be a good test of man and machine. The area is known for its wintertime activities and the people there are looking forward to hosting their first USCC event. They are already prepping the course, which should be around five miles in length.

Located in Northern-most Maine, Madawaska promises to be another great race for USCC East. Plenty of snow, beautiful terrain including lakes, forest and fields and a diverse crop of riders should make for another memorable event for this venue in 2012. Last year was an excellent event and, with one season under its belt, this year will prove even better.

Where? Located 80 miles north of Waterville, Maine and 10 miles South of Jackman, Maine on Route 201.

Course features: Frozen lake, woods, roads and mountains.

Lodging: Lake Parlin Lodge and Cabins, 207-668-9060 or check out the web page at www.lakeparlinlodge.com.

Other accommodations will also be found in the town of Jackman.

Staging: Staging will be in front of the Lake Parlin Lodge and registration will be at the same location.

Where? Forty-six miles from Caribou at the very northern tip of Maine.

Course features: Woods and trail.

Lodging: Martin’s Motel, 207-728-3395; Gateway Motel, 207728-3318. There is more lodging available in Caribou.

Staging: TBA

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NEW YORK 100 MARCH 3, 2012

MAINE 100 MARCH 17, 2011

Inlet, New York

Greenville, Maine

The town of Inlet, NY will be host to the New York 100. Last year’s event saw a few things that led to a hard day of racing for all involved, namely rain! It was a huge departure from an area that is known for its big snow and cold weather. Race details are still in the works, but this year should show more diversity in terrain and a lot of great racing. Keep an eye on the USCC website for details.

The town of Inlet, NY will be host to the New York 100. Last Located on the south shore of Moosehead Lake, Greenville, Maine, is a picturesque winter wonderland. It’s also a great place to hold a cross-country snowmobile race and last year’s event proved a memorable one. With plenty of challenging terrain on hand, it has all the elements to make the 2012 Maine 100 race another great event. Last year the course was changed up a bit from the year prior to make it even more challenging for the riders. This year’s event should continue that trend with an even more challenging course layout.

Where? Located 10 miles North of Old Forge.

Course features: Frozen lake, woods and trails.

Lodging: Check out www.inletny.com for a list of lodging.

Staging: TBA

Where? Seventy-one miles Northwest of Bangor, Maine.

Course features: Woods, lake Lodging: Greenville Inn, 888-695-6000; Lodge at Moosehead Lake, 207-695-4400; Kineo View Motor Lodge, 207-695-4470; Leisure Life Family Resort, 207-695-3737; Moose Mountain Inn, 207-695-3321 Staging: The City Wharf

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THE SLEDS Just about any sled can be raced in cross-country as long as it falls within basic rules, mainly a 600cc engine or smaller. However, most racers choose to ride the dedicated race sleds built by the manufacturers because they offer more durability, more power and better performance. Read on as we profile the sleds you’ll see USCC racers ride into battle this winter.

POLARIS IQ600R B

ack for 2012 is the tried and true Polaris IQ600R race sled. Now in its seventh season, the IQ race chassis has been refined, tweaked, polished and re-worked until it just can’t get any better.

It flat-out works. It uses the trusted Liberty 600 race engine has dual Mikuni Rack TM 40 carburetors, NiCaSil-lined cylinders and Polaris VES (Variable Exhaust

System). The IFS front suspension uses Walker Evans Aluminum IFP 16-position compression-adjustable shocks with piggyback reservoirs and has 10.3-inches

of travel. The IQ Rear Suspension has a Walker Evans Coilover Shock as the front track shock and the rear track shock is a Walker Evans Aluminum IFP 16-position compression adjustable large-body shock.

The rear suspension has 13.9-inches of travel. The primary clutch is the Polaris P-85, secondary is a TEAM Industries unit. The brakes use a Cyclone master cylinder and lever and the trusted liquidcooled Phantom dual-piston caliper.

Unlike other brands, Polaris doesn’t build a cross-country version of its race sled or provide conversion kits, so racers generally source a bigger tank and convert the sled on their own with a different track and revised shock valving, different gearing and clutching.

ARCTIC CAT SNO PRO 600 T he Arctic Cat Sno Pro 600 is almost totally new for 2012. We say almost because it uses the same basic engine as last year’s sled, but pretty much everything else is new.

The 2012 racer features the same new engineering that defines the ProCross consumer chassis with a tapered tunnel, Arctic Race Suspension with 30-degree A-arm mounting, tall one-piece, forged spindles with ball joints, Arctic Drive System, Torque Control Link and more.

But Arctic Cat engineers also made sure the sled would hold up to the brutal

16

demands of cross-country racing and made sure to address any weak points the consumer version of the chassis and suspension may have had. The sled has a new driveshaft-mounted brake with a radial master cylinder and has a variable steering system re-worked for use in the new chassis. To reduce weight, twinsheet plastic construction of items like the fuel tank and air box shaves a few pounds. In the rear, a Slide-Action rear skid with torque-sensing link and Fox shocks soak up the bumps while up front the 30-degree a-arms and Fox FLOAT

Evol X shocks handle the terrain. The 600R race engine uses 40mm Mikuni TM carbs, adjustable timing, V-Force reeds, Exhaust Pipe sensor and Hot Start button and has a reworked pipe and silencer for the new chassis. Arctic Cat makes a cross-country edition available to its racers that comes nearly ready to race.

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THE SLEDS

MX ZX 600RS S

ki-Doo returns with big changes to its MX ZX 600RS for 2012. The engine features a new crankcase design, patent pending crankshaft design and new cylinders. The company says the new engine pumps out 6-horsepower more than the previous engine. It will also have better throttle response and a broad powerband from 8300-8800 RPM which will make for better feel and easier clutching. A new fuel pump design and fuel line routing feeds the beast. Up front the sled features new, taller spindles that will improve steering and ski pressure. A new upper a-arm improves caster angle

T

he sled you see Yamaha race this winter is the same sled you can walk in and buy at any Yamaha dealer.

Of course, it will be slightly modified to handle the rigors of cross-country racing.

The 2012 Yamaha Nytro RTX will feature a race-spec front suspension and 128-inch rear track, but other than that it will remain

18

for straighter tracking through bumps. The rear suspension sees a name change from PCX to the more productionlike rMotion Racing. New engine mounts are stiffer to help keep the clutches aligned better and new specs and venting for the secondary clutch will allow it to float a little better and stay cooler to improve belt life. A new spec belt is more durable and the driveshaftmounted brake has better venting. SkiDoo makes a cross-country version of the sled available to help its racers convert the sled.

NYTRO RTX

stock. The Nytro is powered by a threecylinder, 1049cc Genesis 130FI 4-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection and four valves per cylinder. Up front it has Fox

FLOAT Evol X shocks and out back the Dual Shock Pro 46 skid is set up with special Fox racing shocks. Yamaha racers will benefit from the production nature of the sled in that they will have to make minimal changes to the sled to get it ready to race. One of the Nytro’s big advantages is its excellent fuel mileage. Since it uses less gas it has to carry less fuel and fuel stops are shorter.

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BUNKE

GROOMS THE WAY IN CROSS-COUNTRY

Launched last season by veteran cross-country rider Gabe Bunke and new team partner Bob Menne, the team is coming at racing sponsorship from a new direction. Like crosscountry itself, Bunke Racing is relying on grassroots marketing ideas and exposure to make the team work from a financial standpoint. The team is also fostering growth by being the hub for the Polaris brand at USCC races.

Read on as we sit down and talk with Bunke about why he started the team, what makes it tick and what the goals are for the team in 2012.

BUNKE RACING IS RE-THINKING THE WHOLE SNOWMOBILE RACING TEAM CONCEPT. You’ve started a team. Why? Gabe Bunke: There are a couple of reasons. One is it’s a way for me try and get more people into the sport on Polaris snowmobiles. And it’s a way for us as racers to work together and learn from each other and try to advance our own personal abilities and knowledge. That was my original intent behind starting my own team. From a marketing standpoint I’ve found it’s easier to sell yourself as a team than an individual. It creates more visibility and better PR for them to sponsor a team vs. an individual.

What can you offer a sponsor?

Bunke: There are a lot of things we’re trying to make work. Everybody just thinks we put a sticker on a snowmobile and the trailer and go out and race. That’s 20

what sponsors think. We’re trying to get past that and do more like representing the team at shows such as Haydays. In the Spring we do the Fargo show when the manufacturers come to town for their Sneak Peek, we help Polaris show customers the sleds. The Internet is a big thing too, we’re trying to get more involved there doing YouTube and Facebook promos and just trying to promote their products. I’m not that savvy about the online things, but we have people inside the team who handle that stuff.

What advantages does a crosscountry team have vs. another genre of the sport?

Bunke: What I would like to see is more people getting involved in the team aspect

of cross-country just for all the benefits that I’ve talked about already. I don’t want to see it grow into big corporate teams like you see in snocross. I don’t think that’s good for the sport. It’s a good show, but it’s not good for the sport. It’s too expensive and it drives out the little guys.

If we had two or three semis from each manufacturer, superteams like they have in snocross, pretty soon we would need regional cross-country races because none of the little guys would show up anymore.

You’re more of a hands-on team owner, you ride in the races but you also have a managerial role. Does that make things difficult?

Bunke: Yeah, I’ve found that’s the case.

I’m new at this and we’re learning as we

go, but I want to stay on top of things and I have a vision on how I want things to run. I don’t want anything negative to happen because it’s my name that’s on the team. When you’re racing on your own all you have to worry about is yourself. Now with multiple enduro sleds, multiple cross-country sleds, multiple riders, the coordination part is hard. The communication part is where I struggle.

I see what I want to do but it’s hard for me to get everyone going in the right

direction. And we don’t always all share the same view on things either, but that’s the way it goes I guess.

Regarding being a team owner vs. a racer, do you see one as more fulfilling than the other?

Bunke: Right now the more fulfilling part of the team thing is being successful as a group and not so much as an individual.

But I’m still in good enough shape to race and there are a lot of things that I haven’t

accomplished yet. Some of them are goals I’ve had for a really long time. I guess it’s not the end of the world if you don’t get there, but I still have a drive to accomplish them.

You’ve finished second in a handful of I-500s, if you stepped away would it be the same if one of your riders won it instead of you?

Bunke: Maybe. Like Bobby Menne IV, he’s capable of winning; we wouldn’t be letting him run Pro if we didn’t think so. I think it would be great. Thinking about it right now, I would probably be satisfied, but then again maybe not.

Would you rather work with younger riders on your team to build toward the future?

Bunke: Yeah, but I’m so much tied to just younger riders. If I can find some experienced riders who are looking to cross over form snocross I’d be willing to work with anyone. The people I’d like to work with are people that aren’t involved with the sport yet and that I see have a ton of potential. Bobby sparked my interest because of how he rode when he was on Arctic Cat. I saw potential that no one was taking advantage of, and they were kind of sitting the weeds with a lot of talent but not a lot of backing. The whole thing was unexplored territory for me, but we went forward with it and it worked out good.

21

BUNKE RACING Can a cross-country rider be developed? Or do you need a gift to ride?

Bunke: Absolutely. Pretty much anybody with enough drive and athleticism can compete in the Semi-Pro class. But the Pro class has gotten so competitive and so fast that I think you need what I like to call a “fast twitch.” Your reaction and your hand/eye coordination have to be a little bit faster than average. You have to be able to understand and move with the snowmobile. I don’t think it’s a gift, I just think some people have it and some people don’t. You can cross over from other forms of racing if you have the fast twitch. Without the fast twitch you could probably be Top 10 rider, but it’s going to be tough to win.

There have been studies done on racing drivers that show their level of anxiety is lower while they are competing and they process things faster, so basically things move slower for them.

Bunke: That’s how I’ve explained it to people. Fans will come up to me after the Soo or after we’re done at a cross-country race and they’re just blown away at how fast we go. Basically I’ve told a lot of people that it’s almost like everything just starts to slow down. You get into a groove and everything

just falls into place, you feel the snowmobile doing what it’s doing as it’s doing it. When you’re on it and fast you’re a step ahead of everything. It’s not every weekend that it happens, but when you get into that groove you can really fly and everything’s clicking.

That’s when you win races.

What would you like to see change in snowmobile racing?

Bunke: Factory support is a big one.

We’re starting to see a little more of that, so I guess I can’t complain too much.

Cross-country has been really dependent of factory support to be successful and when the factories pulled out and went different directions that’s when cross-country seemed to have died. I think we can capitalize on some of the new technology we have. Chad Colby with the USCC has done a really nice job with the radio stuff and the Internet

race broadcasts and I think we need to expand on that. We can get a lot more people involved if we have live video feeds and things like that and our support will continue to grow. Right now snocross is so big because of TV, but I think the Internet is going to surpass it within 10 years. I hear so many young people saying they don’t even own a TV anymore because they can watch all their shows and read all the news online.

What are you looking forward to in 2012?

Bunke: I haven’t thought too far ahead, I’m just trying to figure out how I’m going to make the season work right now. As far as goals, it’s the same every year – we have to win races and win championships and we have to be good representatives for our sponsors. That’s what Polaris and everyone else expects of us.

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THE TRANSITIONAL

CHAMPION

SIMONS

Two-thousand and eight marked a transitional year for Arctic Cat. It was the first year of the Arctic Cat Sno Pro 600 race sled and the first year the manufacturers built 600cc instead of 440cc race sleds. It was also the first year Ryan Simons raced USCC cross-country. At the time a dedicated snocross rider, Simons had virtually no experience in cross-country. But he learned fast, and now, just four short seasons later, the 29-year-old is the reigning USCC Pro 600 and Pro Open points champion. The Christian Brothers Racing rider fits the mold of the typical cross-country rider. By day he works for his own company, Ryan Simons Trucking, mainly moving oil out of the Canadian oil sands near his home in Camrose, Alberta. But when the snow starts to fly, Simons busts out his riding gear and makes the trip south to race the Pro classes on the USCC circuit. We sat down with Simons to find out what it’s like to jump into the Pro class with no experience, what the learning curve is like and what it’s like to be points champion.

USCC Race Program: How did you get into racing the USCC? Ryan Simons: Back in 2008 we had some weekends off from the snocross series and we hung out with D.J. Ekre a lot, he was always at the shop because we were working with him. D.J. had been racing cross-country for a few years and kept saying we should come out and give it a shot. We were bored one weekend so we said, “Hey, let’s try it.”

USCC: What were you expecting?

Simons: We didn’t know what to expect at all. I went out and rode a bunch with Ekre and he told me what to do. I had no idea 24

what to do or how fast to go. Anytime I was out riding with the cross-country guys during the week or at any of those first races I tried to get behind someone like Ekre or Bunke or anyone I thought I could learn from. I just used those guys as a baseline and went from there.

USCC: You had never raced on ice or the river before?

Simons: Yeah, there again I had no idea what to do. I rode lots of rivers as a kid, but never raced on it. I didn’t know what the pace was or anything like that. The same thing there, I went out with Ekre and ran the river a bunch with him to see

what kind of pace I needed to run. I made a lot of dumb mistakes along the way, that’s for sure.

USCC: What’s been the biggest part of the learning curve?

Simons: I think the biggest thing was learning how fast to go, what pace to run.

As much as you want to, you can’t go full speed all the time or you’ll get yourself into trouble.

USCC: You came from snocross to cross-country; did you think you would progress faster or slower in cross-country?

Simons: In snocross you’re 100-percent all the time where in cross-country you’re just cruising trying to go at a pace where you can last the whole race and not wreck your equipment. In snocross it’s such a short race you’re not worrying about breaking the sled because the sleds are so good they just don’t break these days.

I think, like I said before, the pace is the biggest thing because in cross-country you can break something if you don’t find that pace where you’re comfortable. Also, I think most of the snocross guys if they came over they’d do really well.

USCC: Besides the pace, what has been the key in figuring out crosscountry?

Simons: A lot of it is being around good people and having a good team behind me. I guess that combined with so many years of racing and experience on a snowmobile. I’ve been on a sled since I was four, so I think a lot of it comes naturally.

“Whatever, I don’t care.” But as it got closer and I was still in the lead it was really cool and really fun. It’s nice to be able to lock something like that up and get it done.

USCC: The first day of the Red Lake I-500 the visibility was so bad with flat light and you and Brian Dick were running nose to tail down the ditch, hitting the road approaches almost wide open. What was that like?

Simons: The I-500 was really fun. I wish I wouldn’t have gone out first like I did, but besides that it went really well for me.

Once Brian got to me I had something to judge off and I could actually see the approaches. Riding with Brian – he’s a super-good rider and super-smart, so that was a good time. It just goes along with what I said before about riding behind

someone – you never stop learning in cross-country.

USCC: OK, which would you rather do, snocross or cross-country?

Simons: I always say snocross is my number one focus, but as I get older I’m starting to lean more toward crosscountry. Snocross is so demanding it’s hard to stay competitive with all the young guys. I’d definitely like to stay involved in cross-country and even do some of the longer distance races.

USCC: What are your goals for 2012?

Simons: Probably the same thing I did last year, go out and get some wins and win some championships. I’m looking forward to having fun, too. I’m good friends with all the top guys and we have a lot of fun racing against each other. It’s a good time.

USCC: You definitely seemed more consistent last season.

Simons: To go faster than I went in 2011 isn’t hard. Anyone can go faster, but then you’re risking the crashes and mistakes.

I’m sure any of the top guys would tell you they could go a lot faster than what they’re going. That’s how I ended up with the points championship last year, I didn’t have many crashes.

USCC: What was it like to win the championships?

Simons: The best I ever did in snocross was second in both Pro classes, so it was cool to win the USCC Pro 600 and Pro Open championships. It was cool to win especially because I’m so new at the sport. I was pumped. Halfway through the year I was in the lead and I was like,

25

MACH B

ack in the mid-1990s Pat Mach was just another guy among the crowds of racers trying to make the 33-rider finals at the International Series Of Champions cross-country snowmobile races. Racing against names like Fyle, Struthers, Pake and Hibbert, Mach was happy whenever he was lucky enough to make the final. He raced the Pro classes for about a decade starting in 1991 and, while he never achieved anything very noteworthy, he was there soaking it all in, learning what constitutes a good race circuit by default.

And, admittedly, fielding his own gripes to the people who ran the circuit. Little did he know these were lessons he would use to create the third resurgence in crosscountry snowmobile racing.

When Mach graduated from high school he went on to attend college at the University of North Dakota. He played baseball and pitched the school’s first no-hitter. He was a standout athlete, eventually throwing another no-hitter and attracting the eye of some major league scouts. He graduated with a marketing degree, found a job, married his wife Lisa, and promptly went out and bought a new Arctic Cat sled off the race program so he

26

could fulfill his boyhood dream of going snowmobile racing.

It was the start of a racing career that would last 11 years, from 1991 to 2002.

Mach once said of those years: “I was always into snowmobiling but I couldn’t really afford it growing up. I got out of college and after playing baseball all through college I guess I missed competition. In the back of my mind I was always thinking about snowmobile racing, so when I got out of college I started racing. I probably couldn’t afford it at the time, but I was out there anyway. I could always ride as fast as my buddies and I thought I was in good shape from being a college athlete, but once I got out there I was amazed at how physically demanding it was to race cross-country.”

By 2002 cross-country was dead… everyone was racing snocross. Not a fan of the big air sport, and admitting he wasn’t very good at it, Mach embarked on the long road to bring cross-country back.

He put his marketing degree to work and sent out a survey to all the racers he knew to gauge the interest of a cross-country racing circuit. The overwhelming response from the people who received the survey was yes, they wanted to go cross-country racing. With a passion for the sport, a legion of riders behind him, and legendary races such as the I-500 up for grabs, Mach was forced with a decision.

His wife Lisa best tells Mach’s decision: “We were at my mom and dad’s house and Pat had his paper and pen and was working all day on something. I knew he had his mind set on something because

Pat is the type of person who needs to stay busy, his mind is always working.

He had two proposals for me. On one piece of paper he had a snowmobile race series. He told me how it would be a cross-country series and consist of races in North Dakota and Minnesota. On the other piece of paper was a proposal for a golf course. His plan was for a ninehole course across the street from our house that he would design. He asked me which one I was in favor of and I thought, ‘Hmmm going out in the cold all winter or staying at home and enjoying the summer at a golf course?” I told him I wanted the golf course, so of course he said he was going to try the race series.”

Mach started the USCC during the summer of 2002. That first season numbers were low, and most drivers meetings could be conducted inside the USCC enclosed race trailer (Mach’s old racing rig). It’s worth noting that the fledgling USCC circuit revived the prestigious I-500 in the form of the Skydancer 500. The renewed I-500 gave the circuit some immediate legitimacy amongst snowmobilers.

From the start, Mach made sure that the top focus of the USCC was the riders, and payouts were issued immediately after the race. Even his crew got checks before they left to go home. Making sure everyone got paid was something on which Mach prided himself and the USCC. He once said: “That was definitely a goal for me with the USCC. I was shocked to hear people weren’t getting paid by some of the race

circuits. I place a lot of the blame for that on the race departments for allowing that to happen. They knew it was going on and they continued to support those circuits.

The racer should be taken care of first, because without them we’re not going to be around.”

It worked. Since that first season the USCC has grown in membership and overall race entries every year. Another factor Mach attributed to the slow, steady growth of the USCC was the generation gap in cross-country. There are a whole bunch of kids who grew up not knowing what cross-country is, and as more of them discover it the more the USCC grows.

The USCC started as an idea scribbled out on a sheet of scrap paper. It resulted in the third resurgence of cross-country snowmobile racing. Today, the USCC is the largest cross-country snowmobile racing circuit in the world.

Sadly, USCC’s founder and President, Pat Mach, passed away last February. If he were here today he would probably attribute the success of the USCC not to himself, but to the USCC crew, the racers, and the USCC’s loyal sponsors.

But the people around Mach know better. It was Mach’s single-minded focus and drive to develop the USCC the right way that made it successful. It was

his education as a kid - sneaking a radio into class and listening to his boyhood heroes including Brian Nelson, Archie Simonson and Guy Useldinger, race the I-500. It was also his education as a racer - just another rider out looking for glory during the 1990s second resurgence of cross-country. In short the USCC was in many ways a reflection of Pat, his passion, and his life; a race circuit grounded in simple principles, putting the racers first, and was and remains pure to its grassroots core.

For Pat Mach, the reason was simple, as his wife Lisa said, “He just loved snowmobiles.”

27

RIDERS Cross-country racers are a special breed. They shun the intense drama of bar-to-bar racing in favor of navigating miles of uncharted territory in a solo run against the clock. They must read terrain and pick lines constantly, and there is no second chance to get it right. A mistake can lead to a long walk back to the nearest road or a long wait for the course sweepers to come and lend a tow strap. The best cross-country racer has excellent vision, a quick mind and superb riding skills. He is a master of sled setup and a competent mechanic.

In many ways, the cross-country racer is the ultimate snowmobiler. Here are some of the top riders on the USCC circuit.

TYLER AKLESTAD

28

AARON CHRISTENSEN BRIAN DICK

No. 23 Home: Thief River Falls, Minnesota Age: 33 Sled: Arctic Cat 2011 Red Lake I-500 Winner The reigning USCC Red Lake I-500 champion, Brian Dick has been a top USCC Pro rider since 2003. He nearly won the Red Lake I-500 in 2006 when he was in second place on Day 3 and chasing down the leader who was on an ailing sled before his own sled broke down. Dick’s 2011 season ended at the Walker race with a shoulder injury. Dick works as an engineer at Arctic Cat during the week.

He’s a threat to win on any given weekend.

No. 9 Home: Wasilla, Alaska Age: 25 Sled: Ski-Doo A veteran Iron Dog racer from Alaska, Aklestad is new to the shorter sprint-type cross-country races on the USCC circuit.

However, he’s not new to cross-country and much of a cross-country racer’s success comes from experience. Aklestad won a Pro Open race on the USCC circuit last year (Grand Forks) but fought injury for most of the season. Look for a healthy Aklestad to be a top contender on the circuit this year.

No. 10 Home: Metiskow, Alberta Age: 30 Sled: Polaris A former Pro snocross racer, Aaron Christensen has raced the Pro National circuit and appeared at the Winter X Games in the snocross competition. A huge talent, Christensen is a force in the Pro class and often sets the pace. He is a threat to win on any given weekend.

GABE BUNKE

LOGAN CHRISTIAN

COREY DAVIDSON

No. 74 Home: Moorhead, Minnesota Age: 35 Sled: Polaris Known as the USCC’s Iron Man because he has not missed a race since the circuit began in 2002-2003, Gabe Bunke is also one of the top Pros in cross-country racing. Though he admits he’s fonder of the longer races, Bunke is a threat to win on any given weekend.

The epitome of the blue collar racer, Bunke balances family, a small business and racing and somehow makes it work. He finished second in the Red Lake I-500 more than once. It’s a race he has never won but has been oh-so-close many times.

No. 43 Home: Fertile, Minnesota Age: 20 Sled: Arctic Cat Coming off his first season racing USCC as a Pro, Logan Christian suffered a knee injury while racing motocross during the off-season. It wasn’t his first knee injury so Christian is familiar with rehabbing and is always in top shape, so don’t expect him to lose any speed coming into the season.

His 2011 results didn’t put him in with the top riders so he will be looking to move up on the time charts in 2012.

No. 3 Home: Holt, Minnesota Age: 41 Sled: Polaris A veteran cross-country racer, Corey Davidson has won the I-500 three times (1997, 2003, 2005). He combines his smooth, consistent riding style with meticulous machine setup as a recipe for success. He hates to lose and, though he has slowed slightly with age, he’s still a threat to win the big races. In fact, he won the Pro 600 class at Grafton (non-points event) and Grand Forks last season, so he’s definitely not done yet.

ON SNOW MAGAZINE (OSM) IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLISHER OF THE USCC PROGRAM

CORY DAVIS No. 160 Home: Soldotna, Alaska Age: 23 Sled: Arctic Cat Son of famed seven-time Iron Dog champion Scott Davis, Cory Davis grew up riding the backcountry of Alaska and developed a superb ability to read and react to the terrain he’s riding. One of the best all-around snowmobilers on the planet, Davis races snocross, crosscountry, competes in freestyle competitions and has appeared at the Winter X Games and in numerous extreme snowmobiling films. Experience, natural talent and a drive to win has made him one of the fastest Pros on the USCC circuit. He is a threat to win any time he shows up.

D.J. EKRE No. 52 Home: Shevlin, Minnesota Age: 31 Sled: Arctic Cat A favorite to win the Pro points titles last season, a bad showing at the I-500 because of icing problems with his sled sealed his points fate. Ekre is one of the fastest riders on the circuit and never takes a weekend off. Fast, tough and smart, he almost never makes a mistake. To win the points he will have to put in a top showing at the I-500, a race where he has been snakebit more often than not and has never won.

ROSS ERDMAN

No. 311 Home: Rochester, Minnesota Age: 30 Sled: Yamaha A converted snocross racer, Ross Erdman won the Red Lake I-500 in 2007 on a Ski-Doo. In 2010 he was on his way to a podium finish more than once but he was plagued by bad luck and injuries. Last season he was picked to be Yamaha’s lead rider before they pulled the plug on their cross-country program due to budget cuts.

This season he is back on Yamaha and will be looking to pick up where he left off with the brand as a frontrunner in the Pro class. A fearless rider, his ability should make for some top finishes this season.

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RIDERS RYAN FAUST

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RYAN HUSTON

GARTH KAUFMAN

No. 537 Home: Rubicon, Wisconsin Age: 23 Sled: Polaris Cousin to Corey Davidson, there must be something in the bloodlines because Ryan Faust looks every bit as fast as his famous cousin. The 2010 season was his first in the USCC and Faust locked up both Semi-Pro points titles. Last year he made the jump to the Pro class and had trouble finding the pace. A smart rider who comes prepared to win, Faust should do well in the Pro class this season.

No. 7 Home: Walker, Minnesota Age: 24 Sled: Arctic Cat A relative newcomer to cross-country racing, Ryan Huston is entering his third year as a Pro on the USCC circuit. His results fell off last season after having a great 2010 season, but with the support of Brothers Motorsports watch for him to pick up the pace again in 2012.

No. 48 Home: Driggs, Idaho Age: 28 Sled: Arctic Cat Maybe its in his bloodlines (his uncle is legendary cross-country racer Kirk Hibbert) but Garth Kaufman has taken to crosscountry far quicker than he has snocross.

Regardless, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at the top of the heap in both genres and last season finished second at the Red Lake 75 and third at the Red Lake 100. Kaufman is a highlyexperienced rider and is quickly finding the pace in the USCC Pro class. Expect top finishes from him in 2012.

RYAN GREENING

CODY KALLOCK

BOBBY MENNE IV

No. 432 Home: Brainerd, Minnesota Age: 23 Sled: Arctic Cat Ryan Greening has made the progression form the Sport 85 class all the way up to the Pro class. Last season he rode as a Semi-Pro and clocked times that would have made him competitive as a Pro, so he should make the jump pretty well. Perhaps his best run last year came at the Red Lake I-500 where he won the Semi-Pro 600 class by some 13 seconds.

No. 39 Home: Oslo, Minnesota Age: 22 Sled: Arctic Cat A poor showing at the Red Lake I-500 put Cody Kallock in sixth place in Pro 600 points last season. If he has a good showing at the 500 he finishes Top 3, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how things go in cross-country.

Kallock is a quiet racer who puts in consistent finishes and rarely has a DNF. As he gains experience he gets faster every season, so this season should be no different. Watch for him to knock some of the big names off in the points chase.

No. 131 Home: Virginia, Minnesota Age: 20 Sled: Polaris Each year at the final race in Warroad the USCC allows riders to bump up to the Pro class and try their hand without making a commitment. Bobby Menne IV raced as a Semi-Pro last season but rode Pro 600 at Warroad. The result? A sixth place finish which was ahead of his teammate, veteran cross-country rider Gabe Bunke. Menne is young, but he rides fast and smart and rarely crashes. Watch for him to have a good rookie Pro season.

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RYAN SIMONS

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No. 67 Home: Camrose, Alberta Age: 29 Sled: Arctic Cat 2011 Pro 600 and Pro Open points champion Four seasons ago Ryan Simons had never raced cross-country. In 2011 he was Pro 600 and Pro Open points champion. His progression to the top of the heap in crosscountry racing has been quick to say the least. Though he rides with a pin-it-to-win-it style he’s been able to use his experience to limit his mistakes. It’s been good enough to make him one of the riders to beat on the USCC circuit.

JUSTIN TATE

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No. 28 Home: Scandia, Minnesota Age: 35 Sled: Polaris Once a top rider on the National snocross circuit, Justin Tate is a natural talent on a snowmobile and has also competed in hillcross and the Soo I-500. In fact, Tate won a medal in hillcross at the Winter X Games in 2004. Last year he won the USCC Red Lake 75, firmly establishing himself as a contender on the circuit. Smooth and fast, he’s a highly-experienced racer and always a threat to win.

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RIDERS NATHAN TITUS

JOLENE BUTE

JAY ILSTRUP

No. 2 Home: Meridian, Idaho Age: 38 Sled: Yamaha Nathan Titus cut his teeth racing crosscountry out West with the likes of Jack Struthers and the Lasher brothers. In fact, his dad used to race with Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dad Carl back in the day. Titus has spent most of his time racing Polaris and Yamaha but is perhaps best known for his Yamaha snocross days when he took Blair Morgan down to the final race in the Pro Open points chase in 1999. He returned to race Yamaha on the USCC circuit in 2010 and is back again for 2012.

No. 22 Home: Alden, Minnesota Age: Sled: Arctic Cat Jolene Bute has been racing at the highest levels for over a decade. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also been racing USCC since the early days of the circuit. No other woman has as much cross-country experience. Bute won six races last season and wrapped up the points title with ease.

No. 113 Home: Elk River, Minnesota Age: 19 Sled: Ski-Doo Jay Ilstrup bounced between a handful of race classes and two different brands of sleds last season, but his biggest successes were in the Sport 600 Improved and Junior 14-17 classes where he won a combined four races and took the points championship in both classes. Ilstrup is fast and consistent and that makes him tough to beat.

JON ARNESON

MAX DONDELINGER

TYLER JOHNSRUD

No. 190 Home: Maple Plain, Minnesota Age: Sled: Arctic Cat Though he dabbles in the Pro class, Jon Arneson is a force in the 40+ plus class where he won three races and the points championship in 2011. A veteran racer with a ton of cross-country experience, Arneson is the rider to beat in 40+.

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No. 424 Home: Brainerd, Minnesota Age: 20 Sled: Arctic Cat Like any snowmobile race circuit, the Sport classes in the USCC typically see the largest numbers of riders. Winning in such a class can be difficult, but Max Dondelinger made it happen last season winning two races on his way to the points championship.

No. 241 Home: Goodridge, Minnesota Age: 23 Sled: Arctic Cat The Expert 85 class is perhaps the most competitive class in the USCC. Not only did Tyler Johnsrud win the Expert 85 class at the Red Lake I-500, he won the points championship for the class as well. Watch for him to run at the front again in 2012.

COLE LIAN

JIM SOBECK

No. 464 Home: Thief River Falls, Minnesota Age: 16 Sled: Arctic Cat The Sport 85 class sees huge rider numbers and the competition is close.

Cole Lian won two races and the points title in the class last season. Son of Pro racer Chad Lian, you can bet Cole will be prepared to run at the front again this season.

No. 44 Home: Winona, Minnesota Age: 54 Sled: Ski-Doo They are considered the “old men” on the circuit, but the age classes are no joke on the USCC circuit. Jim Sobeck is one of the top riders in the 50+ class and last year he locked up the points title winning three races along the way.

LUKE PERRAULT

RYAN TROUT

No. 422 Home: East Grand Forks, Minnesota Age: 20 Sled: Arctic Cat Luke Perrault won five of seven races in the C&A Pro Skis Trail class, locking up the points title in the process. He even won the points without scoring any points in the Red Lake I-500, making his accomplishment even more admirable.

Perrault has a lot of experience and should be one of the rider to beat when he’s on the course.

No. 105 Home: Browerville, Minnesota Age: 12 Sled: Ski-Doo Ryan Trout won four of six races in the Junior 10-13 class last season. Trout and his dad race out of the back of their pickup, but they come ready to win. The competition in the Junior classes is fierce and Trout is one of the riders to beat.

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RIDERS ERIK FRIGON

KARL FRANKOWSKI

Age: 38 Home: Pownal, Maine Class: Semi-Pro Sled: Yamaha Sponsors: Yamaha, Fox Shox, Trail Tank, Woodys Traction Products, Evolved SX Sports Nutrition, FXR, Camoplast, Yamalube, Mission Trailers and Pat's Pizza.

Age: 50 Home: Verona, New York Sled: Polaris Sponsors: Polaris Snowmobiles, Torco Oil, 509 goggles, Klim gear, Sunoco race fuels, Ingles Performance of Phoenix, NY. USCC East Sport 600 Champion 2009-2010, Vet 40 2nd Place 2009-2010, and USCC East Legends Class Champion 2010-2011.

GERARD KREMPASKY

JUSTIN BENJAMIN

TIM KUDLA

Home: Carmel, ME Class: Pro Sled: Ski Doo Sponsors: Ski-Doo, Maine Army National Guard, B&D Marine, Fly Racing, The Workstore, Central Maine Harley Davidson

Home: Pendleton, NY Class: Expert 85 and Expert 85 Improved Sled: Arctic Cat Sponsors: Hebeler's Sales and Service, The MJA Company, and Avenue Boys Smokehouse

JOHNNY CAPUTO Age: 31 Home: Syracuse, NY Class: Semi Pro Sled: Polaris/Arctic Cat

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ROGER PARADISE

Home: Glenburn, ME Class: Semi-Pro Sled: Ski-Doo Sponsors: Ski-Doo, Maine Army National Guard, B&D Marine, Fly Racing, The Workstore, Central Maine Harley Davidson

KYLE SACKETT

KENNY MURPHY

Age: N/A Home: Constantia NY (Syracuse) Class: Pro Sled: Ski-Doo Sponsors: Ski-Doo, Woodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, KDK Sports, Two Guys From Italy, C&J Farms, Pink Ribbon Riders

RYAN SCRIPTURE

Age: 19 Home: Pine City, New York Sled: Polaris Sponsors: Polaris Snowmobiles, Torco Oil, 509 goggles, Ingles Performance of Phoenix, NY. USCC East Semi-Pro Open Champion 2010-2011 and USCC East Sport 600 Class Champion 2010-2011.

Age: 38 Home: Saratoga Springs, New York Sled: Arctic Cat Sponsors: Caputo's Performance, Speedwerx, Roetin, Curve XS skis, Hygear suspension, Filers Powersports, Arctic Cat 2009-2010 Vet 30+ champion; 2010-2011 Vet 30+ and Semi-Pro champion

Age: 20 Home: Pittsburg NH Class: Semi-Pro Sled: Ski-Doo Sponsors: Wide Open Racing, Wayne Stark Builders, Als Snowmobiles, Moto Tassinari, Squeegee Printers, Coos County Auto Supply, Solomon's Store.