Friday Night Opens with Head-to-Head Showdown

Courtesy of AMSOIL Championship Snocross

Ishoel Opens With Dominator Win

Duluth, Minn. ~ The 2019-2020 AMSOIL Championship Snocross, Powered by RAM season got underway with a little bit of drama and a familiar reminder that Ski Doo’s Elias Ishoel can rip around a snocross track.

Fresh off his first U.S. title, Ishoel came into the opening round in Duluth, Minn. focused on defending his championship and proving that he’s still the man to beat in the increasingly talented Pro class. First, the Norwegian had to hold off 15 riders in the annual AMSOIL Dominator, the head-to-head matchup that kicks the year off and awards $10,000 to the winner, with no prize for second place.

The top eight finishers from last season received the top eight seeds in this year’s Dominator, which included 2017 winner Kody Kamm and 2018 champion Adam Renheim. The trio would be on a crash course towards the final, where the first round of intrigue of the new season would be uncovered.

To get there, they first had to win their head-to-head matchups. As the top qualifier, Ishoel held off John Stenberg (Ski Doo) in round one, held off an early charge by defending Pro Lite champion Hunter Patenaude and jumped all over teammate Aki Pihlaja (Ski Doo) in the semi-final.

Kamm entered the Dominator as the number two qualifier and looked smooth on his blacked-out Polaris with an opening round win over Adam Peterson (Polaris). He and Lincoln Lemieux (Ski Doo) traded paint in the second round and his win put him alongside Renheim in the semi-final. A loss to the 2018 winner meant Kamm had to defeat Pihlaja in an LCQ to make the back row of the final.

Renheim paved his way to the final with wins over Korbyn Anderson (Ski Doo) and Polaris rookie Oscar Norum. He was set to line-up next to Ishoel in the final, but as the drivers were heading to the starting grid it was announced that Renheim had failed a tech inspection and was disqualified. That meant only Kamm and Ishoel would go head-to-head in the final, with the winner grabbing the big payday.

In the final, Kamm and Ishoel were neck-and-neck down the front stretch with Ishoel grabbing the lead after the first turn. But Kamm pushed back after the big finish line jump, utilizing an inside corner jump to launch into the lead. But Ishoel used patience to retain the lead and Kamm couldn’t mount an identical charge giving Ishoel his first Dominator win since 2016 and offered up an opening salvo to the rest of the field.

“I just tried to stay smart and find my good lines,” said Ishoel after the final. “(Kamm) came into me and passed me and I found a good line up the hill and passed him back. It was a good race and to get the win, it just feels awesome.”

Racing, including round one for the Pro, Pro Lite and Snowbike classes, will begin at 8:30 on Saturday. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 5:30.

Friday Night Notes

·      Emeric Perron won the Jr. 14-15 class over Hayden Meyer and Jake Boutwell. Meyer and Boutwell would go one-two in the Jr. 16-17 final ahead of Chance Tietjen.

·      Dakota Karkoulas won the Jr. Girls 9-13 final ahead of Naeli Lebel and Kendal Rose.

·      Zach Pattyn held off Keven Kelly and Steve Martin the Pro Am Plus 30 class.

·      Brian Peterson won his Sport debut, holding off Evan Christian and defending champion Jordan Lebel.

·      Raycer Frank took a two-second win over Emeric Perron in Sport Lite.

·      Landon Giese held off Ryan Nelson and Wesley Ganchou in the Stock 200 final.

·      Wes Van Hook won the inaugural Amateur Snow Bike final.

AMSOIL Snocross National Historical Package

Courtesy of AMSOIL Snocross Championship

Vance & Hines Announces Exhaust Contingency Support for AFT Production Twins in 2020

Courtesy of AFT – American Flat Track

Photo Credit: Scott Hunter/American Flat Track

on behalf of Vance & Hines

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (November 22, 2019) – With the breaking news of the Harley-Davidson XG750R becoming available to more American Flat Track competitors in the AFT Production Twins class for the 2020 Championship Season, Vance & Hines is also excited to announce an expansion of its contingency programs to include over $35,000 for racers in AFT Production Twins.

“Without a doubt, some of the closest racing in 2019 took place in Production Twins,” said Vance & Hines co-founder, Terry Vance. “It was truly a thrill to see the production-based Harley-Davidson XG750R take its first victory at the Sacramento Mile with Dalton Gauthier, who then backed up that win the following weekend at the Springfield Mile I.”

Developed in partnership with aftermarket and racing powerhouse Vance & Hines, the Harley-Davidson XG750R features a custom-built Vance & Hines racing exhaust system. Competitors on the XG750R as well as other makes who use a Vance & Hines racing exhaust in the AFT Production Twins class will be eligible for both race and championship contingency bonuses.

Competitors will be required to have Vance & Hines decals displayed on their motorcycle as well as a Vance & Hines patch on their leathers to qualify for contingency payouts. Decals and patches will be provided through Vance & Hines and through AFT Tech Inspection.

Vance & Hines has posted a $5,000 year-end award for any eligible rider who wins the AFT Production Twins championship using a Vance & Hines exhaust system throughout the season. In addition, at each round, contingency payments will be awarded to AFT Production Twins riders finishing in the top five using a Vance & Hines exhaust system, based on the following schedule:

1st Place = $750

2nd Place = $500

3rd Place = $250

4th Place = $150

5th Place = $100

Championship Winner = $5,000

About Vance & Hines:
Founded by drag racing legends Terry Vance and Byron Hines in 1979, Vance and Hines quickly became a leading supplier of performance and accessory products for all types of motorcycles. The company’s current product line includes exhaust systems, electronic engine controls, engine breathing systems and racing components. Vance & Hines is part of the Motorsport Aftermarket Group family of companies.

About American Flat Track:
American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on American Flat Track, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram, live stream the events at TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold and catch all the American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

American Flat Track and NBC Sports Extend Media Rights Partnership

Courtesy of AFT – American Flat Track

DAYTONA TT and Buffalo Chip TT to air same day on NBCSN

Photo: Scott Hunter, American Flat Track

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (November 22, 2019) – American Flat Track and NBCSN announced today a multi-year renewal of its broadcast partnership engineered to grow the audience of America’s Original Extreme Sport for 2020. The agreement includes two race day telecasts and the remaining events to be aired within one week. All events will be featured in one-hour telecasts with race coverage of AFT Singles, AFT Production Twins and flag-to-flag race coverage of the revamped AFT SuperTwins class.

For the first time in the history of the sport, two of AFT’s most-acclaimed events – the DAYTONA TT and Buffalo Chip TT – will air race day on NBCSN. American Flat Track’s coverage on NBCSN is expertly produced in-house in conjunction with NASCAR Productions, LLC to provide viewers with a window into the dramatic world of professional flat track racing.

Telecasts from all 18 events will feature extensive coverage of all racing classes. Exclusive features and editorial content highlight the triumphs and tribulations of the world’s elite dirt track motorcycle racers as they battle for glory. Cutting-edge technology, including aerial drone footage and onboard cameras will once again put viewers on the edge of their seats as the riders slide through the corners and draft each other down the straights at speeds of more than 130mph.

Fans looking to stream races in real time will be presented with a wide array of viewing options for 2020. For the enthusiast geared up to watch flag-to-flag coverage of all 18 rounds, from the moment engines fire to the second the final checkered flags are waved, NASCAR and NBC Sports Gold have teamed up to include AFT as part of TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold. Set to be the largest motorsports offering on the domestic digital marketplace, TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold will give fans access to live AFT races for a monthly fee of $1.99 or $10.99 annually. With streamlined accessibility across a wide variety of devices and platforms, TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold makes watching the world’s fastest growing two-wheeled motorsport that much easier. Existing FansChoice.tv registered users will receive an introductory free trial to TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold.

Free-to-air live streaming of on-track activity from Practice until the start of the Main events will continue on AmericanFlatTrack.com, AFT’s mobile app and AFT’s official page on Facebook.

“American Flat Track is recognized as the fastest-growing motorcycle racing series,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “Our viewership on NBCSN has grown steadily, and live streaming numbers have increased exponentially in the last two years. The progression to same day coverage of our two most exciting events will allow us to expand our audience and deliver an even more impactful show in 2020.”

“We’re thrilled to extend our relationship with American Flat Track into the next decade,” said Jeff Macaluso, Senior Director, Programming of NBC Sports Group. “From race telecasts on NBCSN, including same day coverage for two of AFT’s most iconic events, to comprehensive live streaming coverage on TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold, fans will have more access than ever to watch American Flat Track racing across all platforms.”

In addition to its extensive domestic coverage, AFT continues to explore Its international distribution opportunities and expects to release plans for overseas viewership in the run up to its 2020 season.

American Flat Track will kick off its highly-anticipated 2020 season with the first-ever Saturday of Speed featuring the DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT Doubleheader at Daytona International Speedway. It all kicks off at the peak of Daytona Bike Week on Saturday, March 14, 2020. Tickets start at just $35 online and are available for purchase now at www.americanflattrack.com.

For more information on American Flat Track and the upcoming 2020 season visit www.americanflattrack.com.

Get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise at www.americanflattracker.com.

About American Flat Track:
American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on American Flat Track, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram, live stream the events on TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold and catch all the American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

About NBCSN: 

NBCSN is NBC Sports Group’s dedicated 24/7 linear sports network. Now in nearly 85 million homes, the Emmy Award-winning network is the cable television home of many of the most prestigious properties in sports, including the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL) – including two Stanley Cup Final games — NASCAR, IndyCar, Premier League, and Tour de France. In addition, NBCSN features college football, college basketball, college hockey, cycling, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Ironman, Premier Lacrosse League, Premiership Rugby, and the Rugby World Cup. The network is also home to original programs such as PFT Live and NASCAR America. NBCSN is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States, and streams on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.

About NBC Sports Gold:

NBC Sports Gold is NBC Sports’ direct-to-consumer live streaming product that provides sports fans with access to exclusive premium sports events and content, live and on-demand, at an affordable price. Launched in 2016 with a single cycling product, NBC Sports Gold currently offers 18 individual sports “passes” – twelve domestic (PGA TOUR LIVE, Premier League, Premier League Match Day, INDYCAR, Cycling, Track & Field, Premier Lacrosse League, Speed Skating, Rugby, Rugby World Cup, Supercross, and Snow, consisting of seven Olympic winter sports); two regional (Blazers and Philly); one combination (Supercross and Pro Motocross), two domestic and international (Figure Skating and Pro Motocross); and one international-only (Notre Dame Football). Find NBC Sports Gold in the NBC Sports app available in the U.S. on Apple iOS & tvOS, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast and NBCSportsGold.com, and also on Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Flex.

Harley-Davidson Launches Major Support for AFT Production Twins in 2020

Courtesy of AFT – American Flat Track

AFT-spec XG750Rs available through dealers bolstered by $250,000 in contingency support

Photo Credit: Scott Hunter, American Flat Track

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (November 22, 2019) – Harley-Davidson announced today a major increase in their support of American Flat Track’s AFT Production Twins class. For the first time ever, authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships will now have the race-proven XG750R available for purchase, ensuring that more competitors will field these race-winning machines during the 2020 American Flat Track season. To support the racing efforts of Harley-Davidson-mounted riders in the class, the Milwaukee-based marque has also posted a $250,000 contingency package. 

“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Harley-Davidson XR750 next season, this expanded pledge of support shows our lasting commitment to the sport of flat track,” said Jon Bekefy, GM of Brand Marketing for Harley-Davidson. “Harley-Davidson dealerships fielding the XG750R will provide an opportunity for our community to rally behind this great American sport.”

Harley-Davidson has been synonymous with flat track racing since the inception of the sport. Throughout the golden era of pro flat track, powerhouse Harley-Davidson dealerships from around the country scored hundreds of wins aboard the legendary XR750. Moments of brilliance during the 2019 AFT Production Twins season hearkened back to that golden era, as Dalton Gauthier and James Rispoli made consistent podium appearances and scored two wins aboard a privateer XG750R backed by Black Hills Harley-Davidson. 

With $7,500 awarded to XG750R riders for each AFT Production Twins race win plus a $25,000 championship bonus on the line, the contingency package offered by Harley-Davidson is sure to heat up the on-track action next season. A total of $15,000 will be up for grabs to XG750R riders at each AFT Production Twins round in 2020, broken down as follows:

1. $7,500
2. $3,000
3. $1,000
4. $800
5. $700 
6. $600 
7. $500 
8. $400 
9. $300 
10. $200  

The XG750R is available for purchase for $35,999 and deliveries will begin immediately. Supply is limited and priority will be given to dealerships. For details and ordering information, please contact Vance & Hines at xg750r@vanceandhines.com.

As America’s Original Extreme Sport continues its meteoric rise, the availability of the XG750R and Harley-Davidson’s banner contingency offering will set the stage for a renaissance movement of dealer-backed privateers contesting for AFT championships in 2020.

“We are delighted with this latest initiative from Harley-Davidson,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “This represents the latest in a long line of Harley-Davidson’s investment in our sport and it opens up a great opportunity for dealer teams and aspiring riders to challenge in our rapidly growing sport.”

American Flat Track will kick off its highly-anticipated 2020 season with the first-ever Saturday of Speed featuring the DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT Doubleheader at Daytona International Speedway. It all kicks off at the peak of Daytona Bike Week on Saturday, March 14, 2020. Tickets start at just $35 online and are available for purchase now at www.americanflattrack.com.

For more information on American Flat Track and the upcoming 2020 season visit www.americanflattrack.com.

Get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise at www.americanflattracker.com.

About American Flat Track:
American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on American Flat Track, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram, live stream the events on TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold and catch all the American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

Makita Continues Support of ISOC

Courtesy of AMSOIL Championship Snocross

ALBERTVILLE, MINN.~ Makita, the innovation leader in cordless power tools, has returned as the Official Power Tool of the AMSOIL Championship Snocross, Powered by RAM series, and its parent company, the International Series of Champions. 

ISOC representatives are pleased to announce the extension of its long-time partner, Makita, for the upcoming season that starts Thanksgiving weekend in Duluth, Minn. The California-based company will continue to support the series through several initiatives, including the Makita Power Tower, a raised platform used by team owners as they over-see all on-track team communications.

Since 1958, Makita has earned a stellar reputation as a leader in the cordless power tools market. Known for exceptional customer service, quality, and power, the company serves markets ranging from high-impact power-sports to everyday craftsmen ranging from carpenters to mechanics. Makita’s extensive product line has become a necessity that championship caliber teams and businesses have relied on to get the job done in the most extreme conditions. 

“This is more than a sponsorship, it’s a partnership,” said Brent Withey, Vice President of Brand Marketing, Makita U.S.A. “Snocross allows us to further connect with fans, the people using the tools every day, and professionals using our products at the races.”

As the Official Tool of ISOC, fans will see Makita tools not only on display at all eight National events, but also being put to the test by ISOC staff as they build and manage the world’s most demanding racetracks. Motorsports enthusiasts are a proven, hands-on contingent and can see Makita’s latest innovations at the company’s on-site interactive display at each race during the 2019-2020 AMSOIL Championship Snocross season.

“We are very excited to once again partner with Makita for another season, as they have been a great supporter of Snocross for many years.” said ISOC President, Carl Schubitzke. “Our crew needs power tools to perform in the most extreme weather conditions, and we are never disappointed and always trust our Makita tools.” 

AMSOIL Championship Snocross kicks off Thanksgiving weekend at Spirit Mountain in Duluth, Minn. and includes eight national events reaching from South Dakota to upstate New York. All 17 rounds of action will be aired on the CBS Sports Network and via livestream at http://www.snocross.com 

About ISOC: AMSOIL Championship Snocross, Powered by Ram, is owned and operated by the International Series of Champions (ISOC) located in Albertville, MN. For more information on events and schedules, visit snocross.com. Press inquiries: contact Matt Skubic at Matt@snocross.com. 

About Makita: Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial tools, pneumatics and power equipment, and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network throughout the U.S Call 800/4-MAKITA or visit makitatools.com. Find Makita on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube @makitatools

Congratulations to Tarah Gieger on helping lead the Team USA to a Gold Medal Victory in the 2019 ISDE aboard her Honda CRF250RX

Courtesy of JCR / Honda

Congratulations to JCR/Honda’s Tarah Gieger who continues to impress aboard her CRF250RX. This time in Portugal as a member of the 2019 Team USA Gold Medal – Winning ISDE World Championship team.

ISDE is a grueling 6 – day international enduro, known as the Olympics of Off-Road motorcycle racing. Testing the racers in varying forms of terrain including enduro, cross, and sprint all mixed in a reliability theme as the racers have to perform their own mechanical work at the end of each day without outside assistance. ISDE is the oldest form of enduro racing this 106 – year-old racing event was started 1913.
Next Race: 
AMA D37 Sprint Enduro Round #7
Cahuilla Creek, Anza, CA
December 8th

NGPC Final Round Lake Havasu, AZ
December 14th – 15th

PC: Mark Kariya 

Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant is the Official Coolant and Antifreeze of the Hoosier Arenacross Nationals for 2019-2020 Season

Courtesy of Inc Engine Ice – CycleLogic Products

MERRITT ISLAND, FL, NOVEMBER 20, 2019 – Engine Ice Hi-Performance Products, the premier choice for powersports coolant and antifreeze, is pleased to announce that they are the official coolant and antifreeze of the Hoosier Arenacross Nationals for 2019-2020.  

The twenty-two round series takes place over eleven weekends with stops in, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, Iowa, Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kansas. With 4000-5000 fans and racers combined each weekend, this is the most popular regional racing series in the country. The series also has contingency from Husqvarna, KTM, Suzuki, Honda, and Kawasaki as well as a substantial guaranteed pro payout.  

“Engine Ice is proud to return as a sponsor of the Hoosier Arenacross Nationals,” said company President Dave Kimmey. “Supporting local racing and racers is at the core of our company. Since the beginning of Engine Ice and through today, we are committed to helping amateur riders in their quest to succeed and a regional series like the Hoosier Arenacross series gives them that opportunity.”  

“Hoosier Arenacross is excited to announce the addition of Engine Ice as the official coolant of the Tour. Through personal use and observing other top racers use Engine Ice to protect their racing investment we felt that Engine Ice aligns with the goals and quality product of the Hoosier Arenacross Nationals,” notes, Jay Reynolds Director of Operations, Hoosier Arenacross Nationals.  

Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant is biodegradable, phosphate-free, non-toxic, and typically reduces operating race temperatures, effectively keeping boil-over temperatures to 256°F or less and freeze-up protection to -26° F. Factory or privateer, highly modified or stock, all machines benefit from using Engine Ice.  

“Right out of the can” Plastic Shine will quickly restore the shine your machine had when it was brand new. It is safe for use on a wide variety of surfaces including most plastics and metals. Plastic Shine is the solution to maintain and restore a glossy, brilliant shine to all injected molded plastic fenders and bodywork. It also inhibits corrosion on metal and alloy parts while repelling mud and moisture. Plastic Shine leaves behind a fingerprint-free finish and will not attract dust. Factory or privateer, highly modified or stock, all machines benefit from using Plastic Shine.  

Helmet Renew Hi-Performance Helmet Care is a fast-acting, foaming aerosol designed to not only clean but refresh, leaving your gear with a fresh, clean scent. It safely removes the causes of foul odors within the equipment liner and padding. The foaming action lifts the dirt and grime leaving behind a clean, fresh smell.  

All 3 products are available from your local powersports dealer. For more information visit Engine Ice online EngineIce.com

About Cycle Logic Products, Inc

Founded in 2000, CycleLogic Products, Inc.’s flagship product, Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant, is globally recognized as the premier choice in powersports coolant and antifreeze. Its revolutionary formula keeps machines running cooler leading to a more stable horsepower delivery, throttle response and engine efficiency. The company released two new items in 2018, Plastic Shine and Helmet Renew. Each is a revolutionary product in their segment and suitable for all powersports, automotive and sports applications. Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant is available worldwide through our vast distribution network while Plastic Shine and Helmet Renew are both available in North America