Racers to Watch, Duluth 2008
With the snocross season opener just a few days away there is much excitement and anticipation. There’s a lot to think about this season with a brand new sanctioning body in control and I think everyone will have their eyes peeled; not only at the sleds on the track, but the expected improvements at the races.
In a professional sport with only 8 races the stakes are extremely high at every event, and Spirit Mountain probably tops that list, setting the pace for the entire season. Not only is it the season opener but it’s also the place where the manufacturers get to debut their new race sleds and work out any kinks for the season (and for future production for that matter). For some racers, this could also be the first time they get some laps in on real snow. Any way you look at it, Duluth is the most anticipated race of the season and it could be a chance for either a lesser known racer to breakout from the pack or a seasoned veteran to solidify his dominance. Speaking of which, here’s some top racers to keep your eye on.
Ross Martin, Polaris, #837
If you want to talk about a safe bet, this guy should have consistency painted on his helmet; not to mention Polaris racing all together on the track. Martin’s team, Judnick Motorsports, was on the podium 10 times last year – four being first place wins. Martin held the Pro Open top spot last season and the previous; this season he really has his eyes set on holding both the Pro Open and Pro Stock championship titles. He nearly hit that mark last year coming only in second place for the Pro Stock title. Last year in Duluth, Martin won Pro Stock and he was one of very few riders to earn a spot at the X Games without having to qualify. He was named “Pro racer of the Year” last season and probably won’t fall short this year.
Robbie Malinoski, Ski-Doo, #4
Last season was a tough one for Malinoski and although Ski-Doo ranks as the number one manufacturer for units sold, their race outfit has some bumpy ground to cover. Although Malinoski hit some bumps of his own, he was the only pro-level rider to take home a win for Ski-Doo. He is also the only rider in history to take home a win on a four-stroke. Malinoski won both the Pro Open and Pro Stock national titles in the 05-06 season and he’s looking to wow everyone again. Now his second year at BOSS Racing under a Ski-Doo, all the kinks should be silky smooth and he’s got the talent to make it happen.
Tucker Hibbert, Arctic Cat, #68
Hibbert was definitely on top of his game last season and is going to be a force to be reckoned with. Last year at Duluth, he swept the Pro Open qualifiers and won the event. By the end of the season he secured the Pro Stock points race even while missing one event. He also had a most impressive Winter X Games gold medal win where he held the top spot for the entire race; that was also his third Winter X gold medal. Snocross is the sport that has made Hibbert a household name and I’m sure he’s not interested in just drifting in the wind.
Steve Taylor, Yamaha, #2
You can’t count Team Yamaha out. Now with plenty of time back on the race track, the leaders in 4-stroke technology have a good outfit going and Taylor is top dawg. With some impressive finishes, including two fourth places (one at West Yellowstone and one at the Winter X Games) Taylor may have a good run at it. And since it’s been two years since Yamaha pulled out a first place on the podium, they’re pushing real hard this season.
PS. If you’re planning on attending, keep an eye out for SledBrite snowmobile cleaners roaming the field; snapping shots and covering the events daily. (BB)
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