Team Arctic Headlines at Fargo Snocross and Idaho Hillclimb Opener
Wittwer and Christian on Pro Snocross Podium – Kaufman and Tapio Win Pro Hillclimb Classes
Kincaid Awarded RMSHA Racer of the Year
Team Arctic raced in two different states again this week, but compared to National Snocross in its 8th round, the Hillclimb teams kicked off their western RMSHA season – Winning headlines were the end result for both.
In the premier Pro snocross class, Team Arctic added a new name to the podium, this time #115 Trent Wittwer, took third in Friday night’s final. No stranger to winning on an Arctic Cat, this did mark Trent’s first podium in the class.
Wittwer said, “This whole year, I’ve felt really strong, but have been dealing with a wrist injury. It feels good to finally be on the podium. It was a gnarly track, but I stayed on my lines and finished strong.”
Saturday, the weather continued to be incredibly cold, but that didn’t bother Christian Brothers Racing’s, Logan Christian, as he qualified 5-4 in his heats for the final. Off the starting line, Logan used his outside position and his Arctic Cat pulled him to the front of the 14-rider field. After the first few corners of mayhem, things settled and he found himself in 3rd. Christian continued to pressure the front runners. With just one-minute left on the 10-minute timer, Logan passed for second, ran down the clock and put an exclamation mark on the remaining two laps to hold on to second.
His first podium since the opening round in Elk River, Christian said, “It was tough. I found some good lines a couple laps in. I took advantage of that triple-triple on the backside. It was fast! It’s great to be back on the podium in front of our home track fans!”
Team Arctic Race Manager, Mike Kloety said, “Team Arctic racers continue to have success. Our riders are really working hard and our ZRs perform strong. It’s great to see it all come together when both grace the podiums.”
Team Arctic hillclimb racers opened their RMSHA season in Idaho at Bear Lake claiming three class wins and 15 podium positions while competing on Stock, Improved and Mod Arctic Cat M Series snowmobiles in the Ascender chassis.
Garth Kaufman showcased his talent scoring wins in both 600 Improved and 700 Improved, while Kyle Tapio followed suit besting Pro Masters Improved. In the Pro Mod classes, a trio of seconds were claimed by Garth Kaufman (600 & 700) and Tony Zollinger in Master.
Kloety also said, “Our racers had a strong performance at Bear Lake. I’m proud of their hard work, and I expect we’ll see some even greater results throughout the season. I also want to send a heartfelt congratulations to the Kincaid family from the Arctic Cat family. Rob (Kincaid) was named RMSHA Racer of the Year and it was great to hear the trophy was presented to his son, Riley, and wife, Kim. Rob and his accomplishments truly make all of us at Arctic Cat proud.”
Next up, Team Arctic Hillclimb racers return to Bear Lake, ID, February 12, Snocross in Sioux Falls, SD, February 19-20 and Cross Country racers in Park Rapids, MN, February 27-28.