Professional snocross’ all-time winningest racer, Monster/Arctic Cat/Ram’s Tucker Hibbert, has been racing at Duluth’s Spirit Mountain for 15 years.

And today, round two of 2014-’15 AMSOIL Championship Snocross, powered by Ram, Hibbert tapped into that vast experience to top the rest of the field in the premier Pro Open class.

“It was rough out there today,” said Hibbert in logging his second main event win of the weekend. “The snow dust made visibility very difficult. I rode a lot on memory.”

And winning the Pro Lite class support race was rookie pro racer Ryan Springer of Carlson Motorsports/Polaris.

Pro Open

With snow dust lingering across the track as the afternoon winds died down atop Spirit Mountain, Hibbert dance through a field of lapped traffic, more or less unable to clearly see what was ahead of him.

Enduring the conditions better than anyone on the track, Hibbert managed to still put time on the 2nd and 3rd place racers, Mystic/Loctite/Polaris’ Kyle Pallin and AMSOIL/Scheuring/Ski-Doo’s Lincoln Lemieux.

“I was able to grab the holeshot, but once Tucker got out in front there was no catching him,” said Pallin, who scored his second podium of the weekend with a 2nd place today.

Hibbert would employ a different strategy off the start, one that looked to pay off with a 2nd place run up the hill and into the first corner for the defending Pro Open champ.

Using the center pole of the starting structure as a bit of a basketball-like pick on the rider staged to his left, Hibbert avoided being pinched off on the start – like what happened to him on Friday night – and came out of the first turn in 2nd behind Pallin.

One turn later on the oval course Hibbert dove into the inside of Pallin, beat him to the apex, and the pulled Michigan native up back up to the top of the ski hill through the rhythm section. From there Hibbert clicked off fast lap after fast lap, eventually winning by 12.5 seconds. Pallin rode a great race for 2nd, as did Lemieux – scoring his first-ever podium in the Pro Open class (3rd).

Starting out of the back row after suffering mechanical issues earlier in the day (then winning the LCQ) was Hentges/Polaris’ Kody Kamm.

Last year’s Pro Open overall point runner-up to Hibbert, Kamm put on a spectacular ride in today’s main event, rocketing from 11th to 5th place by the fifth lap.

Then, when Ross Martin (DuPont/Jack Links/Polaris) suffered a mechanical issue in the middle of the rhythm section on lap six, Kamm inherited 4th place – and some important overall points.

Duluth Sunday Pro Open Results

1 – Tucker Hibbert, Pelican Rapids, MN, Arctic Cat
2 – Kyle Pallin, Ironwood, MI, Polaris
3 – Lincoln Lemieux, St. Johnsbury, VT, Ski-Doo
4 – Kody Kamm, Kenosha, WI, Polaris
5 – David Joanis, Cochrane, Ontario, Arctic Cat
6 – Tim Tremblay, Ste Jeanne D’Arc, Quebec, Ski-Doo
7 – Logan Christian, Fertile, MN, Arctic Cat
8 – Jake Scott, Port Jefferson Station, NJ, Polaris
9 – Adam Rhenheim, Norway, Ski-Doo
10 – Justin Broberg, Mukwonago, WI, Polaris

Overall Pro Open Points (2 of 16 rounds)

1 – Tucker Hibbert, 90
2 – Kyle Pallin, 81
3 – Kody Kamm, 68
4 – Tim Tremblay, 68
5 – Logan Christian, 68

Pro Lite

All kinds of chaos off the start of Saturday’s Pro Lite main event saw Judnick Motorsport/Polaris’ James Johnstad, who won at the AMSOIL Duluth opener last year, get sideways at the start of the uphill rhythm section and collect at least five sleds. But making it through the carnage and into the early race lead was Carlson Motorsports/Polaris’ Ryan Springer.

The rookie racer out of St. Francis, Minn., would be unstoppable on the day, leading the entire race and winning over teammate Andrew Carlson (3rd).

“Yesterday was a tough day, ended my night in the LCQ,” said Springer, who became the weekend’s second rookie racer to win a Pro Lite main event after Elias Ishoel won on Friday. “So to take the holeshot and the win is a good feeling.”

Springer raced clean and fast, handling everything the Spirit Mountain track could throw at him. His mastery of the rugged course would earn his more than a second-a-lap on his teammate Carlson, along with eventual runner-up Zak Mason (Leighton Motorsports/Polaris).

With Springer checked out in the later laps, Mason made a charge on Carlson. The two would dice a bit heading into lap 11, with Mason eventually getting by Carlson and locking down 2nd place through the checkers. Following Carlson to round out the top five were Pro Lite’s No. 1 qualifier on the day, Trevor Leighton (Leighton Motorsports/Polaris) and Canada’s Corey Watkinson (Watkinson Motorsports/Arctic Cat).

Duluth Sunday Pro Lite Results

1 – Ryan Springer, St. Francis, MN, Polaris
2 – Zak Mason, Gaylord, MI, Polaris
3 – Andrew Carlson, Big Lake, MN, Polaris
4 – Trevor Leighton, Eagle, ID, Polaris
5 – Corey Watkinson, Port Carling, ONT, Arctic Cat
6 – Matt Pichner, Owatonna, MN, Arctic Cat
7 – Travis Kern, Palisade, MN, Arctic Cat
8 – Michael George, Pine Planes, NY, Arctic Cat
9 – Elias Ishoel, Norway, Ski-Doo
10 – Jake Dasilva, Moultonboro, NH, Ski-Doo

Overall Pro Lite Points (2 of 16 rounds)

1 – Andrew Carlson, 73
2 – Elias Ishoel, 71
3 – Zak Mason, 68
4 – Trevor Leighton, 68
5 – Travis Kern, 67

AMSOIL Championship Snocross, powered by Ram, returns to action on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13, at ERX Motorsports Park just outside Fargo, N.D.

Beginning with AMSOIL Championship Snocross’ season-opening round in Duluth, Minn. and running through the season finale in Lake Geneva, Wis., CBS Sports Network will air 17 one-hour programs of the ACS races.

2014-15 AMSOIL Championship Snocross, powered by Ram, season schedule:

Duluth, Minn.: Nov. 28-30
Fargo, N.D.: Dec. 12-13
Shakopee, Minn.: Jan. 9-10
Deadwood, S.D.: Jan. 30-31
Salamanca, N.Y.: Feb. 6-7
Chicago, Ill.: Feb. 20-21
Mount Pleasant, Mich.: Feb. 27-28
Lake Geneva, Wis.: March 13-15

The International Series of Champions (ISOC) is the premier snowmobile race sanctioning organization in North America and sanctions national AMSOIL Championship Snocross, in addition to affiliating with nine regional circuits.

Visit isocracing.com for more information, fan and racer memberships, schedule details and more.

Safe, responsible riding is actively supported and promoted by organized snowmobiling. Snowmobile safety trainers have been conducting snowmobile safety classes for decades in the United States and Canada and in 1995 the community embraced the Safe Riders! You Make Snowmobiling Safe safety campaign – the guidepost for safe snowmobiling behavior.

The Safe Riders! campaign highlights that individual behavior and responsibility is the key to making snowmobiling safe. Snowmobilers understand that snowmobiling is fun, but it is work too. It challenges the body and the mind and you need to be attentive while snowmobiling. Safe snowmobilers know their abilities and understand not to go beyond them.

Snowmobile safety begins with the machine, which is built to the highest standards. It is the responsibility of snowmobilers to keep their machine in top running condition following all of the recommended pre-ride checklists found in the owner’s manual and making sure the vehicle is in top notch shape before riding.

Snowmobilers also understand the need to dress appropriately while snowmobiling. Individuals must wear warm clothing, generally supplied through the snowmobile manufacturers and dealers. The clothing includes, dressing in layers with high quality jackets, bibbs, boots, gloves and a certified helmet.

Snowmobilers need to think ahead and prepare where they are going to ride. It is best to file a plan with family or friends and let people where you are going to snowmobile. You need to be familiar with the riding area and or ride with individuals who have been there before.

Safe snowmobilers follow the key guidelines of the Safe Riders! campaign:

* Snowmobiling and alcohol don’t mix – don’t drink and ride
* Ride safe, stay on the trail and respect private property
* One is the loneliest number, never ride alone
* When riding on the trail, ride right and ride smart. Stay in Control
* Smart Riders are safe riders and they take snowmobile safety training/refresher courses.
* Snowmobilers know before they go and always check local ice conditions
* When night riding, safe riders slow down and expect the unexpected

Safe mountain riders know that avalanche safety training and awareness is of special importance. There are 5 key avalanche safety guidelines which should always be remembered when riding in the mountains:

Get the Gear: Ensure everyone has an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe on their person and knows how to use them
Get the Training: Take an avalanche course which will highlight key issues.
Get the Forecast: Make a riding plan based on the current avalanche and weather forecast.
Get the Picture: If you see recent avalanche activity, unstable snow exists. Riding on or under slopes is dangerous.
Get Out of Harm’s Way: One at a time on all avalanche slopes. Don’t go to help your stuck friend, the extra weight could initiate an avalanche. Also, don’t group up in runout zones or at the base of mountains.

Snowmobile safety training courses are available throughout North America and can be found by visiting your state or provincial snowmobile association website.

SNOWfest is a celebration of snowmobiling wrapped around a snowmobile film festival.

“SNOWfest features the best snowmobile action films. This year’s films literally bring the art form to a higher level with tighter chutes, bigger drops, and the best riders in the business, showing how to take no prisoners, said Steve Dubbs, event organizer and Chairman of the Wahkon Arts & Film Board.

The invited films are 509 Vol. 9, BRAAP 14, Boondockers 11, Sledneck 17 Thunderstruck 12 and Alpine Assasins 5 with some old school sled movies in the morning. The most popular film will be awarded “Best in S.N.O.W.” trophy or as Dubbs refers to it the “SNOWY”

More than just a snowmobile film festival. There is also a vintage rally in the morning, new snowmobile displays, and demo rides on 2015 sleds. It’s a family friendly day. Admission is free and there is free popcorn and pop for the kids.

Proceeds from the event go directly to the 3 local clubs who maintain over 400 miles of trails in the Lake Mille Lacs Area. The benefiting clubs are the Mille Lacs Trails Club, the Garrison Commercial Club and the Mille Lacs Driftskippers. It’s a party with a purpose.

The event is held snow or no snow. If there is snow bring your own sled, Wahkon is on the Soo Line Trail, so there is great snowmobiling nearby. Be sure to check out the famous Red Top Loop.

More event and lodging information is available at www.snowfest.info

Tucker Hibbert’s 2015 official merchandise is now available. With over 20 uniquely branded items, Hibbert’s merchandise line offers clothing and accessories for every Team 68 fan.

The popular T-Train t-shirt has a fresh look for 2015 with bright orange graphics to reflect the orange featured on Hibbert’s helmet and race gear. This design is carried over to the all-new T-Train hooded sweatshirt. Both the t-shirt and sweatshirt are available in adult and youth sizes.

Other items returning to the line-up with updated designs include Hibbert’s podium snap-back hat and knit beanie featuring the logos of Monster Energy, Arctic Cat and Ram Truck along with the women’s specific, soft touch t-shirt.

Hibbert’s official merchandise is available exclusively through his online store and trackside at every stop of the ISOC National Snocross tour. His online store features same-day shipping to customers in the US, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

“Working on the designs and styles for my merchandise line is one of my favorite projects every year. It’s a huge honor to know my fans are proud to wear my name and number. I’ll never take that for granted.” says Tucker “The best part about my merchandise line is getting to meet so many fans at my trackside booth after the finals at the national events. Since day one, I’ve committed to staying until I get the opportunity to meet every fan standing in line. No matter how the race goes, I know I can go to my booth and there will be Team 68 fans to remind me why I love to race my snowmobile.”

Shop online at: tuckerstore.mybigcommerce.com/ or Tucker Hibbert’s official merchandise booth will be trackside at every stop of the 14/15 ISOC National Snocross tour.

Featured 2015 Tucker Hibbert Official Merchandise Items

Team Monster Energy / Arctic Cat / Ram Truck Podium Hat 2015: $25

The official snap-back hat of Hibbert and his crew. Monster Energy, Arctic Cat and Ram Truck logos are featured in raised embroidery. The brim features his number and is accented by grey and green graphics.

T-Train T-Shirt 2015: $20 – Adult / $15 – Youth

Bright orange and green graphics highlight a detailed image of Hibbert racing on the front and his name and number on the back. The T-Train t-shirt is available in adult and youth sizes.
T-Train Hooded Sweatshirt 2015: $45 – Adult / $35 – Youth

Bright orange and green graphics highlight Hibbert’s name and number on the front and a detailed image of him racing on the back. The T-Train hooded sweatshirt is available in adult and youth sizes.

68 Women’s T-Shirt 2015: $20

Hibbert’s name and number are framed by green and grey graphics on this fitted, soft touch t-shirt.