[POST RACE REPORT]
Oakwood, ON (February 10, 2020) – Three riders, three classes, three podiums made for an unexpected but welcome outcome at the esteemed Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt this past weekend. This Canadian Snowcross Racing Association (CSRA) / SCMX snocrossco-sanctioned event features riders from Canada, USA, Norway and Finland, and is best known for its massive crowd-pleasing finish line jump. Plus, the weekend offers a spectacular event for riders and spectators alike. With unending access to the often elusive white stuff (in fact, so much snow that racing was cancelled on Friday due to visibility concerns), track designer(s) were able to create one of the best tracks the team has had the pleasure to compete on. Rhythm sections, jumps and cornering options had the riders showcasing their strengths and abilities right to the podium.
Zoe #502
Saturday saw the two youngest racers of the team divided between the transition track and the main track. Zoe and her Mom headed off together to tackle the dedicated track to 120cc and Transition riders. This particular track geared to 120 racers was a race off the line track for the young racer with extremely limited passing options. Zoe struggled in her races with too much throttle, being used to larger technical tracks, causing her to overshoot the first nearly 180 corner. Somehow in her final she was able to calculate two successful passes on a very narrow, nearly single lane track to come away with a second place finish. A podium celebration, impressive plaque and a celebratory “beavertail” ended off the day for the young racer.
Dakota #501
The same day on the main track Dakota (age 13) rode like a boss against an entire field of boys in the Junior 14-15 class. The skill of these young riders never ceases to amaze us, and Dakota’s ability to rise to the competition is impressive. Saturday afternoon Dakota lined up to go green and pushed her limits the entire race, smoothly hitting doubles and speeding through the rhythm section right up until her favourite part of the course – the massive finish line jump. Each lap saw the young rider hitting it faster and farther, a difficult view for her Mom to handle.
After all the effort put forth, Dakota was thrilled to take a spot on the podium achieving a third place finish. Although ecstatic with her finish, Dakota returned to the trailer melancholy as that race marked the end of her GPS de-Valcourt experience for the year and she was not ready to be done. Claiming the track was her all-time favorite, she snuck out early Sunday morning during the practice session just to experience it one last time. Her enthusiasm for competition at the GPS de Valcourt was a stark reminder for her parents of what all the hard work and preparation is for.
Brooklyn #500
Sunday saw the team up with the sun for an early morning start to the final day of competition. This time it was the team’s Pro/Am Women racer Brooklyn’s turn to take the track on her 2020 Ski-Doo RS. A solid first moto saw the rider cross in fourth position, a good start to the day. The second moto, Brooklyn took to the track with goals to try different lines and increase speed in approaching the taunting finish line jump in preparation for the final. Unfortunately, in the first corner on the first lap, Brooklyn tangled with another rider and ended up being tossed off the sled. With rapid execution she was able to get back on, start it up and make up lots of time before the checkered
flag, coming across in sixth. Later Sunday afternoon, the second last Snowcross race of the program, the Pro Dames lined up for their final. Undeterred from her previous moto unseating, Brooklyn hit the green and dug deep having one of her best rides to date. From the very first corner, mom stated she could feel Brooklyn’s determination right from the viewing platform. Brooklyn approached the jumps and rhythm sections with full commitment maneuvering her sled like an expert. After a solid ride and a few tense moments when approaching lap traffic in the final lap of the race Brooklyn earned her place on the podium in the third position. Coming off the track, Brooklyn’s smile and enthusiasm could be seen beneath her helmet many feet away. Physically exhausted from pushing the limits, Brooklyn was mentally ecstatic.
Bailey Motorsports
KSR would like to extend congratulations to BAILEY MOTORSPORTS Pro Snow Bike riders Yanick Boucher for his first place domination and Ryan Hunt for his third place final in the event. Lastly, congratulations to Hailey Belanger for solid rides in her Pro Dame motos on Sunday, and first time full throttle.
KSR would like to thank the following sponsors for this support: BAILEY MOTORSPORTS, Ski-Doo, Motul, Sunoco Racing, HMK USA, Backwoods Promotions Inc., Backcountry Motorsports Media, Off Road Vixens, Troy Lee Designs, TEAMLTD, DEFT FAMILY, Flybyu Motorsports, STUD BOY Traction, St-Onge Recreation, Dayco, WTD Gloves, Rox Speed FX, Inc., C&A Pro Skis, Scott Sports Canada, SCOTT Sports, The Compound – Muskoka, Tekvest, 139designs, Clean Media, Laps for Muscular Dystrophy
RESULTS: To see full results for the CSRA Series, visit: http://snowcross.com/results-points/
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