Category Archives: 2022

2022 Season Final Rounds

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KSR Secures Three Championships at Season Finale

Oakwood, ON (April 5, 2022) – Talent wins races but determination, resilience and hard work win championships.  This past weekend the team travelled to Horseshoe Resort in Barrie, Ontario with the usual nerves associated with the final run in the points race for championships. The weekend saw the team experience many exciting highs but also a very devastating low when Brooklyn (#500) had an accident in her first and subsequently only Moto of Pro/Am Women.

Brooklyn #500

Brooklyn entered the weekend feeling strong and confident after practice on Friday.  She was only six points behind second place in the championship points and set her goal to close that gap.  Coming out strong she had a great race until the final lap on the large downhill section where she lost control and went over the front of her sled.  Unable to get up, the quick actions of CSRA flaggers kept her safe while medics arrived to assess her.  She was subsequently sent to local hospital and after two long days of many tests and diagnostics it was discovered that the impact of presumably the handle bar to her right side of abdomen caused some bleeding into her right abdomen.  She was unable to finish out the season as she so desperately aspired to and ends with a 4th place overall in the Pro/Am Women category.  There is much rest ahead for the young rider and some follow-up tests in the weeks to come.  KSR cannot thank everyone enough for all their texts, messages and calls sending healing vibes and support to Brooklyn.

Zoe #502

Zoe continued her winning streak by sweeping the Transition Girls class all weekend long and going undefeated the entire season for the title of 2022 Transition Girls Champion.  Transition 2 saw her mainly in the top 5 for motos and mid pack in the finals.  Zoe was especially happy with her 9th place finish on Sunday from the back row which was a result of “superman off the bars” in her second moto.  In describing the season Zoe said, “I feel like it flew by, but I enjoyed every minute of it”. She describes the last race weekend of the 2022 season as a great one, and is happy that the Transition girls class was running once again.

Dakota #501

Still in shock that the 2022 snowcross season is already over, Dakota couldn’t be more pleased with her results. Going into Saturday, Dakota was quite anxious but went out there and did her best going 2:1 in Junior 14-17 which put her first overall for the day. She finished off the day Saturday taking the win in both motos in Pro/Am women, a result she would repeat on Sunday securing a MyLaps clean sweep of green (demonstrating an overall win for each and every event). Dakota describes her race day Sunday  as, “an incredible day as I had a clean sweep winning all my races. I also, officially defended my overall championship in Junior 14-17 winning it again this year, and am now the new champion title holder in Pro Women”.  With extreme gratitude, Dakota was happy to take to the podium in the pro show on Sunday to thank the many sponsors supporting the KSR team. 

Weekend Results

  Saturday Sunday
Brooklyn    
Pro/Am Women DNF DNS
     
Dakota    
Pro/Am Women 1st 1st
Junior 14-17 1st 1st
     
Zoe    
Transition Girls         1st 1st
Transition 2 12th 9th

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year end National Championship Standings

Dakota – Pro/Am Women Champion
Dakota – Junior Boys/mixed (14-17) Champion
Zoe – Transition Girls (8-13) Champion
Zoe – Transition 2 (11-13) 7th
Brooklyn – Pro/Am Women 4th

 

Triple Crown events

Pro/Am Women Dakota – 1st Brooklyn – 3rd
Junior 14-17 Dakota – 1st  
Transition Girls Zoe – 1st  
Transition 2 Zoe – 5th  

 

KSR would like to thank the following sponsors for their support this 2022 season: Bailey Motorsports, Motul, Ski-Doo, Fly Racing, Backwoods Promotions, Scott Sports Canada, C&A Pro Skis, Rox Speed FX, Dayco, Off-Road Vixens, Stud Boy Traction Products, Atlas Brace, 139 Designs, Clean Media, Tekvest, St. Onge Recreation, Laps for Muscular Dystrophy.

KSR would like to give a special shout out to the Weir Family and BlackRiver Racing for opening up their amazing training grounds to the team this past winter and providing the team with the opportunity for skill development and seat time. 

RESULTS: To see full results for the CSRA Series, visit: http://live.tracksideresults.com/csra/

FOLLOW US: @KSRsnowcross (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram)

KSR RIDER CINCHES TWO TRIPLE CROWN SERIES CHAMPIONSHIPS

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 Round 3 of Triple Crown

Oakwood, ON (March 14, 2022) – This past weekend marked the third and final race in the Northern Triple Crown Series that included stops in Sault Saint Marie, Sudbury and lastly Timmins, Ontario.  Karkoulas Sisters Racing (KSR) travelled North for the Timmins Pro Snowcross competition presented by J&B Cycle & Mikey’s Sales, which marked round 3 of the Triple Crown. This race weekend sure did not disappoint, with KSR Rider Dakota Karkoulas riding her way to title holder in both Jr 14-17 and Pro/Am Women’s classes on her 2022 Ski-Doo 600 RS!

Dakota #501

Dakota swept both classes on Saturday and nearly repeated the same results Sunday until a fall in her first moto of the Jr 14-17 class found her pinned beneath her sled. She ended the weekend going 1:1 in Pro/Am Women and 1:2 in Jr 14-17.

Enjoying the massive jumps and doubles, Dakota excelled on what she called, “her kind of track”, that really suited her riding style. In addition to those spectacular results, a special treat racing in Timmins was the generous hole shot awards organizers give out.  Dakota was able to earn some cash with her hole shot award in Pro/Am Women.  Leaving the track overjoyed with how the weekend turned out, Dakota said, “I am so excited to get back on the race track in two weeks in Kitchener.”

Brooklyn #500

Brooklyn, the team’s eldest rider, also enjoyed the track set-up and quick progression through the program. Feeling super happy to have two full days of racing (after last weekend’s cancellation of the Sunday race day due to inclement weather), Brooklyn described the atmosphere as amazing with lots of spectators coming out to get in on the racing action. The track was relatively long and less time constraints in the schedule saw the riders enduring many laps in their second moto. Brooklyn enjoyed this test of endurance and was happy with her performance, leaving super stoked to have pulled two podium finishes this weekend, going 3-3.  Heading off to British Columbia for some skiing action, Brooklyn looks forward to resuming the season with full force for the last two weekends of the season after March break.

Zoe #502

Once again due to low entries, Zoe was disappointed to learn that Transition Girls would not happen this weekend, resulting in her putting it all on the line for Transition 2.  Great qualifier heats saw Zoe having top five picks in both final days. In the finals Zoe said, “I couldn’t get off the line quick enough and that made it hard to pass.” This resulted in her ending up with 7th place finish on Saturday and 9th on Sunday. Zoe is hoping to be able to race Transition girls in Kitchener in two weeks and finish the class out in Barrie after that!

Class final results:  Saturday    Sunday

Brooklyn #500

Pro/am Women        3rd               3rd

Dakota #501

Pro/am women        1st               1st

Junior 14-17              1st              2nd

Zoe #502

Transition 2              7th                9th

 

KSR would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support for this 2022 season: Bailey Motorsports, Motul, Ski-Doo, Fly Racing, Backwoods Promotions, Scott Sports Canada, C&A Pro Skis, Rox Speed FX, Dayco, Off-Road Vixens, Stud Boy Traction Products, Atlas Brace, 139 Designs, Clean Media, Tekvest, St. Onge Recreation, Backcountry Motorsports Media, Laps for Muscular Dystrophy.

PHOTO CREDIT: Shelby Mahon // Backcountry Motorsports Media 

RESULTS: To see full results for the CSRA Series, visit: http://live.tracksideresults.com/csra/

FOLLOW US: @KSRsnowcross (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram)

NEXT RACE: Royal Distributing Cup – March 26-27 – Kitchener, ON 

WEATHER WARNINGS CUT WEEKEND OF RACING SHORT FOR KSR TEAM 

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Oakwood, ON (March 7, 2022) – Karkoulas Sisters Racing (KSR) travelled North to Sudbury, Ontario for what was expected to be rounds 8 and 9 of competitive snowcross racing. Unfortunately, inclement weather warnings for Sunday cut the weekend short. Given weather predictions for high rainfall with anticipated negative impacts to the track, race officials cancelled Sunday giving the team a long, full race day for Saturday only. Making the best of the day they had, all KSR team members found themselves achieving podium finishes.

Brooklyn #500

Brooklyn described the track as “different than most tracks we have raced on.” She really enjoyed how it was longer with different features such as a split lane portion.   After achieving hole shots for both motos of Pro Woman, Brooklyn was able to secure some solid moto finishes and achieved a third-place podium for the day.  Brooklyn expressed disappointment in the cancellation of races Sunday stating, “I wish I had more time on this track to try some new things and see what we could have accomplished, but I am grateful that CSRA made the necessary call to keep all of the race teams safe.” She is looking forward to a quick turn around back to Timmins this weekend!

Dakota #501

Feeling good after practice on Saturday, Dakota unfortunately took a hard hit in her first race (Junior 14-17), which left her quite sore and put her on edge for the rest of the day.  Pro women Moto 1 was a battle, falling off the track twice, coming to a complete stop per the rules, and starting from the back of the pack.  Pushing herself in that race, she was able to work her way back up to 2nd. Second heats of each class were postponed until after the Pro Show so teams were racing in near dark making it slightly more challenging. Overall ended the day with overall 2nd in Junior 14-17 and 1st in Pro Women.

Zoe #502

Zoe loved the track and was very excited to be racing on it. She had two great heats in Transition Girls class going 1-1, achieving a first place over all! Solid heats for Transition 2 going 5-4 saw her front row for the final.  Unfortunately, at the first corner Zoe tipped her sled and had difficulties getting the sled back up. Once she was up and going, other racers were about a lap ahead, but she was undeterred and able to make up some time to finish 10th.

The team would like to extend a special thank you to Pit Boss Doug and Cathy for all of their efforts and support to keep the team fed and encouraged. 

Class final results:  Saturday      

Brooklyn #500

Pro/am Women       3rd

Dakota #501

Pro/am women        1st        

Junior 14-17             2nd

Zoe #502

Transition Girls        1st

Transition 2             10th

 KSR would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support for this 2022 season: Bailey Motorsports, Motul, Ski-Doo, Fly Racing, Backwoods Promotions, Scott Sports Canada, C&A Pro Skis, Rox Speed FX, Dayco, Off-Road Vixens, Stud Boy Traction Products, Atlas Brace, 139 Designs, Clean Media, Tekvest, St. Onge Recreation, Laps for Muscular Dystrophy.

RESULTS: To see full results for the CSRA Series, visit: http://live.tracksideresults.com/csra/

FOLLOW US: @KSRsnowcross (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram)

NEXT RACE: Timmins Pro Snowcross – March 12-13 – Timmins, ON

 

ROUND THREE OF SNOWCROSS AT SAUBLE BEACH SPEEDWAY

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5 TOP FINISHES FOR KSR RACERS

Oakwood, ON (February 23, 2022) – Family day weekend was packed full of speed, blistering winds and the sounds and smells of sleds competing. This past weekend marked round three of the Canadian Snowcross Racing (CSRA) Championship. For the KSR team, what better way to celebrate the importance of family than a father loading up his three teenage daughters for a three-day race weekend at the track.  Nothing promotes togetherness more than a family sleeping in a gooseneck race rig for three nights!

Rolling into Sauble Beach Speedway was met with excitement but also trepidation about track conditions due to rain.  CSRA worked tirelessly to put together the best possible track with what they had to work with thanks to rapidly declining snow conditions.  Although track conditions saw the afternoon feature classes sitting these rounds out due to safety concerns, KSR was able to compete in the morning programs all three days. KSR racers attacked a challenging track that had rapidly changing conditions throughout the weekend with perseverance and optimism.  

Brooklyn #500

For Brooklyn, the weekend was filled with both highs and lows.  The Pro/am women rider started the weekend off pretty rough on Saturday, having a pretty big off and bending both steering posts and an a-arm. It was the fast, competent mechanical skills of dad and mechanics from other teams that were able to get Brooklyn’s Ski-Doo track ready for her second race of the day. With combined moto points, Brooklyn achieved a 4th overall for the day.

Capitalizing off of frustration from the day prior, she was set to go green on Sunday. After two solid motos, taking second in both resulted in a second over all for the day. Monday did not come without challenges. Starts were not where the young rider would have liked them to be seeing her fight her way through the field a bit with a third overall for the day. Brooklyn looks forward to getting some more practice time in during the off weekend and going into Sudbury stronger than ever.

Dakota #501

As if going 1:1 in Junior 14-17 and Pro/Am women both Saturday and Sunday weren’t enough, Dakota jumped at the opportunity to sign up for CSRA’s first “Dominator” of the season.  This challenge sees 2 competitors line up for a 1-on-1 battle to the checkered, with the winner advancing and loser eliminated.   Eliminated on her third round, the young rider was all smiles being the last female rider standing. Earning a little monetary reward was also a welcomed bonus.  Monday saw Dakota clean sweep the weekend in Pro/Am women and second place overall for the day in Jr 14-17.

Zoe #502

Zoe’s weekend didn’t quite go as she had hoped for. The Transition Girls class didn’t run due to low entries leaving the Transition 2 class as the only race she entered for the weekend. Describing the track as “a challenging tight track” saw her down on her luck in the finals finishing 9:7:9 but she had some solid qualifiers. Overall, Zoe left the speedway happy to be able to race the weekend and she is looking forward to Sudbury in 2 weeks!

Class final results:

                                     Sat        Sun       Mon

Brooklyn

Pro/am Women           4th         2nd         3rd

Dakota

Pro/am women           1st        1st          1st

Junior 14-17               1st         1st           2nd

Zoe

Transition 2                9th         7th           9th

KSR would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support for this 2022 season: Bailey Motorsports, Motul, Ski-Doo, Fly Racing, Backwoods Promotions, Scott Sports Canada, C&A Pro Skis, Rox Speed FX, Dayco, Off-Road Vixens, Stud Boy Traction Products, Atlas Brace, 139 Designs, Clean Media, Tekvest, St. Onge Recreation, Laps for Muscular Dystrophy.

RESULTS: To see full results for the CSRA Series, visit: http://live.tracksideresults.com/csra/

FOLLOW US: @KSRsnowcross (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram)

NEXT RACE: Sudbury Pro Snowcross– March 5-6 – Sudbury, ON

HOMETOWN RACING IN LINDSAY MAKES FOR A GREAT WEEKEND FOR KSR

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Oakwood, ON (February 7, 2022) – It was another incredible race weekend for Karkoulas Sisters Racing.
This time, the team didn’t have to travel far, instead racing in their hometown of Lindsay, Ontario, on
February 5th and 6th for the FXR Kawartha Cup. The Canadian Snowcross Racing Association (CSRA)
outdid themselves, creating a top-notch track that provided exciting racing action for local fans and
spectators. KSR racers were thrilled to take to the track on Saturday morning in front of family and
friends who braved the cold temperatures to cheer on the team.

Brooklyn #500
Brooklyn raced the Pro/Am Women’s class on Saturday. She had solid starts that saw her in second
place by the first corner and she never wavered from there. She executed a deep lean on a drifting left
corner at the bottom of the track that set her up for full throttle over the front section. This strategy led
her to double in front of the grandstands keeping her in second position.
Brooklyn described the FXR Kawartha Cup race as a solid race weekend in her hometown. She said, “I
always love to put on a show for Lindsay. The track was great this year and I really enjoyed the
complexity and consistency throughout the track. I was super happy to walk away from this weekend
with a second in Pro/Am women. I’m looking forward to a weekend off to get more practice in before
going green for a three day event in Sauble Beach.”

Dakota #501
Dakota had a great weekend in Lindsay as well, where she won her first heat in Junior 14-17, and
finished second in her next heat securing her second place overall on Saturday. She raced the Pro
Women’s class on Saturday, achieving 1:1 in both motos, holding top spot.
On Sunday, Dakota raced Junior 14-17, finishing second place in her first heat and was in second in the next
heat, when she lost control and flipped off the back of her sled. In record time (11 seconds!) she was
able to roll right up onto her feet, sprint back to her sled, tether, start it and get back on the throttle
where she worked her way back up to fourth place. She had broken her right foot stirrup when she fell,
making it more difficult to keep her feet on the running board over jumps. The combined finished earned her 3rd for the day.  When asked about the weekend, Dakota said, “I am super proud of myself for making up positions and ending the day with
third place. I can’t wait for our 3 day race weekend in Sauble Beach!”

Zoe #502
Zoe always enjoys racing in Lindsay in front of friends and family and this year was no exception. She
had a clean sweep of Transition Girls on both Saturday and Sunday, and raced solid motos including a
win in Transition 2. This gave her front row picks for the finals both days. With enthusiasm Zoe said,
“My weekend was awesome! I was very excited to go riding at my hometown race! I really loved the
starting line this weekend and am very happy with my end result. I’m super excited to go to Sauble
Beach in two weeks!” Zoe finished the weekend with 2 first place finishes in Transition Girls, and a 5th
and 4th place in the finals of Transition 2.
This weekend was extra special for the girls due to support from Bailey Motorsports, Stu Hunt, who was
on the track snapping photos. The team also had “pit boss” Doug and Cathy preparing them lunch to
keep them fueled for their races..

KSR would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support for this 2022 season: Bailey
Motorsports, Motul, Ski-Doo, Fly Racing, Backwoods Promotions, Scott Sports Canada, C&A Pro Skis, Rox
Speed FX, Dayco, Off-Road Vixens, Stud Boy Traction Products, Atlas Brace, 139 Designs, Clean Media,
Tekvest, St. Onge Recreation, Laps for Muscular Dystrophy.

RESULTS: To see full results for the CSRA Series, visit: http://live.tracksideresults.com/csra/
FOLLOW US: @KSRsnowcross (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram)
NEXT RACE: Royal Distributing Cup – February 19-21st – Sauble Beach, ON

Successful 2022 Snowcross Season Opener for KSR in Sault Saint Marie

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Oakwood, ON (January 25, 2022) – In what feels like an eternity, Karkoulas Sisters Racing (KSR) was able to pack their gear and set the truck North with the final destination of Runway Park, Sault Saint Marie, Ontario, set in the GPS. With a few brand new 2022 Ski-Doo 600RS’ featuring a fresh new look thanks to 139 Designs, the team set off for the Can-Am International Canadian Snowcross Racing Association (CSRA) season opener on January 22-23rd with nothing but optimism. 

The team found themselves rolling into the race site Friday morning in time to hit the track for an afternoon of practice.  Four practice motos had the two oldest riders, Brooklyn (age 17) and Dakota (age 15) reacquainting themselves to maneuvering through whoops and doubles while younger sister Zoe (age 12) eagerly watched and waited for her turn to practice Saturday morning, which turned out to be a day that the team will not soon forget.

Zoe #502

Saturday was a national event day and also one of the worst weather days in the history of CSRA racing. Blowing snow made visibility extremely challenging, but despite this added obstacle, the team managed to pull off a great day of racing with no major incidents.  Zoe #502 was the first to take to the track dominating the Transition Girls class going 1:1 all weekend long.  Transition 2 saw her a little throttle shy off the start with a larger more aggressive group of riders in the class finishing the day with a solid 5th place finish after going 5:5 in her combined motos. Final results were not posted for Sunday’s regional competition for Transition 2 but Zoe remained consistent mid pack.  When asked about her weekend, Zoe said, “My weekend went good! I really enjoyed the track, especially the jumping section at the front.  I hope to get better starts next race and come back strong!”

Dakota #501

Dakota #501 was the next rider ready to start her 2022 season in the Junior 14-17 class. Her first race was on Saturday in the Junior 14-17 class. She had a rough start but rode as hard as she could and was able to make a lot of passes, moving from 8th to 4th place. Dakota’s second Junior moto saw significant improvement where she was able to get the holeshot and finished in 2nd place. Overall, in Junior 14-17 she finished with a 2nd place for Saturday.

Dakota also raced her first ever Pro/am Women’s race on Saturday during the afternoon main events program. Racers had to restart the race three times due to multiple sled pile ups, but all three times the race was restarted, Dakota was able to get the holeshot which proved a major advantage.

With all the blowing snow and poor visibility, Dakota didn’t have the added challenge of roost from riders ahead and so she was able to lead the race from start to finish. In her second Pro/Am Women race, there were no crashes and again, Dakota was able to lead the race from start to finish.

Sunday focused on Regional classes racing and unfortunately in her first Junior moto Dakota got in a tangle up with other racers. However, she was able to make up time and go from 9th place to 5th place. In her last Junior race, Dakota had a clean run and placed 2nd which allowed her to get another 2nd place overall finish for the day. In reflecting on the weekend, Dakota said, “I am very happy with my performance and my results, even if all the races didn’t go how I would have liked. I am even more excited for our next race in two weeks!”

Brooklyn #500

The team’s most seasoned rider, Brooklyn #500, hit the track for the “pro show” Saturday afternoon as part of the National series in the Pro/Am Women class.  In addition to the added pressure of being the returning championship title holder, the 2022 season brings the first year the two eldest sisters add the dynamic of being competitors to their relationship.  After keeping their Dad, Troy, busy bouncing back and forth at the line anxiously awaiting the green light, Brooklyn had a solid start finishing 2nd overall in the class for the day. 

When asked about her experience, Brooklyn replied, “It felt great to get back out racing this weekend! After a very modified past season due to Covid-19, I am very excited to have an almost completely normal season this year with spectators and all.” Brooklyn mentioned that she didn’t have as much practice leading up to the event as she would have liked, so it was a bonus to have an entire practice day on Friday. The track was great and included a downhill, so it was a lot of fun to race on. On race day Brooklyn had a great first moto after two restarts, finishing in second place. The extreme weather definitely played a part in moto two, but she still managed to get away with a second place over all for the day.

The weekend’s experience didn’t just stick to the track.  On Friday afternoon, Troy Karkoulas (team manager and dad), had the opportunity alongside his eldest daughter Brooklyn, to do a radio interview describing the Sport of Snowcross and the team’s experiences.  In addition to this opportunity, the entire team had the pleasure of being filmed by a local news channel (northernontario.ctvnews.ca) sharing their excitement for being back at the sport!    

KSR has made some amazing relationships with many great sponsors over the years that we would like to thank for their continued support for this 2022 season: Bailey Motorsports, Motul, Ski-Doo, Fly Racing, Backwoods Promotions, Scott Sports Canada, C&A Pro Skis, Rox Speed FX, Dayco, Off-Road Vixens, Stud Boy Traction Products, Atlas Brace, 139 Designs, Clean Media, Tekvest, St. Onge Recreation, Laps for Muscular Dystrophy.

RESULTS: To see full results for the CSRA Series, visit: http://live.tracksideresults.com/csra/

FOLLOW US: @KSRsnowcross (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram)

 NEXT RACE:  Kawartha Cup – February 5-6th – Lindsay, ON