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

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

FXR Continues as Official Gear of ISOC

Courtesy of AMSOIL Championship Snocross

Albertville, MINN – FXR Racing will continue the tradition of being the Official Gear of AMSOIL Championship Snocross.

Officials from the International Series of Champions have recently announced the continuance of FXR Racing being the Official Gear of AMSOIL Championship Snocross Powered by RAM. During all 17 rounds of racing, ISOC staff and TV reporters will be layered with the Worlds greatest outerwear. In addition, FXR’s current line of premium jackets, pants, boots and all protective equipment will be put to the test by the greatest Snocross racers on the planet. FXR continues to set the bar for snowmobile protective gear with warmth, durability and style. 

FXR Racing was born on local Snocross tracks in Canada and the Upper Midwest. The Winnipeg, Manitoba company has been an institution at snowmobile events from day one, while the annual Duluth race was one of the first places the company showcased its clothing line for racers and fans. “FXR gear has been tested and gone through nearly every weather situation with us at ISOC, and they never disappoint” expressed ISOC owner John Daniels. “The partnership between FXR and Snocross goes well beyond the racetrack with the brands lifestyle choices and superior quality.” With the AMSOIL Championship Snocross staff working 12+ hour days during an event week, the crew needs the highest quality and range of gear for whatever Mother Nature throws their way. 

In addition to being a partner of the largest snowmobile racing series in the World, FXR is proud to be the title sponsor of the FXR Mobile Medical Unit. This Medical Unit is staffed with doctors and medical personnel from across the United States. Inside the FXR Mobile Medical Unit is a state of the art trauma center, that sits track side at all National Snocross races. 

About FXR: At age 17, Milt Reimer, the founder and owner, of FXR began his long career working part time at a power sports dealer near Winnipeg.  He liked the company so much, that after a decade working there, Milt decided to purchase the company. It was during the next 6 years that the business plans for a clothing company called FXR were created. Milt noticed that very few companies were creating making high performance rider gear. He began in the basement of his house and then FXR started to grow. Because of Milt’s experience at the racetrack, FXR has always paid attention to sizing, fitting and venting in its snow clothes in order to provide the best product for its customers. One of the reasons for the continuing growth is FXR’s ever expanding product line. Every year new products are added and tweaked in order to offer the best possible product to our customers.

About ISOC: AMSOIL Championship Snocross, Powered by Ram, is owned and operated by the International Series of Champions (ISOC) out of Albertville, Minn. For more information on its events and schedules, go to snocross.com. Press inquiries can contact Matt Skubic at matt@snocross.com

Snocross Proudly Announces Rider Programs

Courtesy of AMSOIL Championship Snocross

ISOC Racing is Proud to Announce 2019-2020 Rider Contingency Programs

ALBERTVILLE, MINN.~ ISOC Racing is pleased to announce the racer support programs for the 2019-2020 season of AMSOIL Championship Snocross Powered by RAM. This Winter, contingency and incentive programs are being offered by AMSOIL, RAM Trucks, Sunoco Fuels and C&A Pro Skis. These incentive programs award qualifying racers and teams with free and/or discounted product and race entries.

The AMSOIL Contingency Program awards AMSOIL certificates of up to $250 to competitors finishing in the top five positions at each 2019-2020 ISOC National Event. To be eligible for contingency awards provided by AMSOIL, a competitor must register prior to the start of an event, have two (2) AMSOIL stickers placed on their sled in designated locations, and must also sign an affidavit stating that AMSOIL lubricants are used in their race sled. Only one registration is needed per season. Required decals are available at the ISOC tech trailer, prior to the start of the race. This is also where ISOC Officials will also verify completion of the affidavit.  

The RAM Trucks Rider Incentive Program is available to all race classes during the 2019-2020 Snocross season. By meeting certain criteria, athletes who participate in the program will have the opportunity to get their entry fees covered or reduced for their next event with ISOC. To receive 100% off their next race, a racer must finish in the top three of the events final, have the proper decal placement, and drive a RAM truck to the event. To receive a 50% off their next race, athletes must finish in the top three of the events final and meet all decal requirements. All required decals will be available at Rider Check-In as well as at the ISOC tech trailer. There will be staff available on-site to provide any assistance. 

New for the 2019-2020 season, is the addition of Sunoco Bucks being offered during all Dennis Kirk Regional Series events. Riders who now participate on the National and/or Regional level, have the opportunity to be rewarded with Sunoco Bucks contingent on a top three place finish. The riders on the National series (up to Jr. 16-17) will earn Sunoco Bucks with a podium finish as Sunoco is the Official Fuel of AMSOIL Championship Snocross. In the Dennis Kirk Regional Series, racers who choose to run Sunoco Fuel, and pass all fuel testing, will be given Sunoco Bucks to use towards the future purchase of Sunoco Optima or Surge.

C&A Pro Skis Sponsorships are available for professional and amateur riders, including youth racers. This is an annual program and riders must renew their application each year to qualify. In addition to filling out a registration form, racers must display the C&A Pro Skis logo on the race sled, vehicle, trailer, post weekly to social media pages, and mention C&A Pro Skis in the top five when listing sponsors. 

“We are looking forward to the season and are excited for the contingency offerings available to our racers.” said Carl Schubitzke, president of ISOC. “It’s great to see the support and involvement from our partners, and we encourage racers and teams to take advantage of these awesome opportunities that are available to them for this upcoming season.”

Racers interested in registering for any of the partner-backed contingency programs can contact Matt Skubic at Matt@snocross.com. More information on all racer contingency, incentive, and sponsorship programs can be found at https://snocross.com/racer-support/.

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.

Snowcross World Championship heads to Finland in 2020

Courtesy of Youthstream Media Service Team

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 2 November 2019 – Youthstream is delighted to announced that the FIM Snowcross World Championship, the Women’s World Cup and the FIM Snowcross European Championship will head to Finland in 2020.

The event will take place on the 4th of April in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland in the northern part of Finland. Rovaniemi is situated just 6 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle and while it is most famous for being the hometown of Santa Claus, in April 2020 it will host the biggest Snowcross event of the year.

Last year the SNX World Championship took place in Boden, Sweden, and hosted some intense racing. It was the perfect weekend for Adam Renheim who went on to claim his sixth consecutive world title in front of his home fans, while in the Women’s Cup, it was Elina Öhman who was crowned the winner!

The racing is bound to be exciting and we look forward to crowning the World Champions of 2020. Stay tuned for further updates.

LINKS
Youthstream
FIM
FIM Europe

Dennis Kirk Regional Series Set to Begin

Courtesy of AMSOIL Championship Snocross

Dennis Kirk Supports Regional Race Series

ALBERTVILLE – ISOC Racing (International Series of Champions), based in Albertville, MN and Dennis Kirk are proud to announce a partnership for all 2019-2020 Minnesota Regional Snocross events. The cooperation between the two will lead to new and exciting things in the amateur ranks of Snocross. Including a new name to the grass roots race organization, Dennis Kirk Regional Series.

The title sponsorship among other Minnesota based companies will solidify Dennis Kirks involvement in the Snocross industry all while supporting amateur racing. “We look forward to expanding our relationship with Dennis Kirk, and have them serve as the title sponsor of our Regional series for many years to come.” ISOC Racing President Carl Schubitzke said. “This partnership provides better opportunities for us to collaborate and continue to grow our Regional series to provide the best experience for our racers and fans.”

After being founded in 1969, Dennis Kirk has proven themselves to be one of the world’s premier aftermarket parts dealers. They are leaders in hard parts, accessories and riding gear. No matter what you are looking for, you are sure to find what you need at the Rush City, MN based motorsport superstore. Dennis Kirk prides themselves on treating customers like neighbors and friends. Also, providing customers with friendly customer service and fair prices you can trust.

The 2019-2020 Dennis Kirk Regional Snocross series will kick off December 7th & 8th at Quadna Mountain Park in Hill City, MN. The greatest grass-roots Snocross circuit in the United States will also feature stops at ERX Motor Park, Canterbury Park and Crow Wing County Fairgrounds.

December 7-8, 2019

Quadna Mountain Park

Hill City, MN

December 28-29, 2019

Elk River Extreme Motorpark

Elk River, MN

January 11-12, 2020

Canterbury Park

Shakopee, MN

February 15-16, 2020

Crow Wing County Fairgrounds

Brainerd, MN

February 29-March 1, 2020

Elk River Extreme Motorpark

Elk River, MN

About ISOC: AMSOIL Championship Snocross, Powered by Ram, is owned and operated by the International Series of Champions (ISOC) out of Albertville, Minn. For more information on its events and schedules, go to snocross.com. Press inquiries can contact Matt Skubic at matt@snocross.com

ISOC Set to Expand Snow Bike Classes

Courtesy of AMSOIL Championship Snocross

Albertville, Minn. ~ After a successful second season that saw the class nearly triple in size, the International Series of Champions is pleased to announce several new changes to the increasingly popular Snow Bike class.

Thirty-eight snow bike riders took part in at least one round of AMSOIL Championship Snocross Powered by RAM last season. The larger classes, and the overall improvement of machines have caught the attention of series officials. The high demand of the new and innovative class, will lead to increased on-track and television time for Snow Bikes, starting at the season opener in Duluth, Minn.

During the 2019-2020 season, the Snow Bike class will be included in both days of racing and will be switching to a two-moto format, similar to the traditional motocross structure racers face during the Summer months. Both motos will be included as part of each events night show, with one moto following opening ceremonies and the other prior to the Pro Snocross finals. 

“The two-moto format will be a great benefit to the class because it will give the racers more time on the track, and more time on the live stream and television networks,” said ISOC President, Carl Schubitzke. “We will also be adding them to our CBS Sports Network television coverage and elevating them to the same level as our Pro Snocross classes in the way of resources and recognition.”

In addition to the two-moto format, ISOC is also adding an amateur class to each national weekend. The amateur Snow Bike class will run on Friday, and will follow the same two-moto format.  

Snow Bike divisions will be fully supported ISOC classes, and all competitors must adhere to the same guidelines as Snocross, including safety, rules and technical requirements. Snow Bike participants will also be required to run Sunoco 260 GT Plus this season. Sunoco is the Official Fuel of AMSOIL Championship Snocross.

The 2019-2020 AMSOIL Championship Snocross season starts Thanksgiving weekend in Duluth, Minn. This year’s championship will include eight weekends with 17-rounds, and all events being shared on the CBS Sports Network and live streamed via snocross.com.

About ISOC: AMSOIL Championship Snocross, Powered by Ram, is owned and operated by the International Series of Champions (ISOC) out of Albertville, Minn. For more information on its events and schedules, go to snocross.com. Press inquiries can contact Matt Skubic at matt@snocross.com