Snowcross
Snowmobile Freestyle Superman
© Peter Volf Photography
Annual Jackson Hole SnowCross
By Sean Stevens
This open invitational race sets the scene
for an exciting weekend of fun, not only for the racers, but for
the entire family. The Jackson Hole SnoCross is one of the most
anticipated events out of the whole Rocky Mountain Cross-Country
Racing Circuit SnoCross Series because it is towards the end of
the series and the competition for cumulative points becomes
very serious for the pro riders who try to win the championship.
This means the riders are more aggressive and eager to throttle
hard to the finish.
But, you dont have to be a pro to enter the
race. Riders of all abilities are encouraged to enter. Depending
on your level of ability, you can enter any of the following
categories: Pro, Semi-Pro, Sport, Women Sport, Masters Sport,
Junior, and junior Novice. Pros and Semi-Pros race for money
while the latter race for trophies. Since the Jackson Elks
lodge #1713 sponsors the race, all the money raised goes towards
the Jackson Hole Elks Charities. There is a five dollar
admission for spectators and kids 12 and under are admitted
free. The race takes place at the rodeo grounds near Snow King
Mountain and parking is also free. Vic Burri, of Jackson Elks
lodge said The reason why the Jackson Hole SnoCross is such a
success is because we gear this event for the entire family.
Theres hot food and drinks available for the spectators and
another benefit of the race is that it takes place in town,
meaning its only blocks away from lodging, restaurants, and
town shopping; everything is central.
Snowmobiling
© Vertical Media
The race consists of two full days of
excitement. Saturday is qualifying day, and the racers who
qualify will race in the finals on Sunday for money and
trophies. Racers on Saturday have two opportunities to
accumulate points. If a racer has a poor finish in the first
race, he/she can redeem their points in the second race by
finishing higher up. The track is a true test of skill, said
Mark Franklin, who is one of the head organizers of the race and
who also spends one week prior, creating the course. Practice
for the racers starts at 9:00 AM on Saturday. The racers are
allowed one lap around the course. The race will start at 10:00
AM. The Sport class will have three laps to run. The Semi-Pros
are required to run 5 laps while the Pros will run a total of
six laps. Everyone racing will be stock except for the Pros who
can run modified machines. The registration fee for Sport class
is $25; the fee for Semi-Pro is $50 and the fee for Pros is $80.
Aside from the actual races, other events
during the weekend are the long jump contest, which last years
winner took home a purse of $200.00. The other fun event is the
Calcutta, which enables spectators to bet on the racers who
will race in the finals. Vic advised all to bring their luck and
their checkbooks.
The race will be held on the 28 - Mar 1 rain
or blizzard. Vic says he expects a great turnout for this years
race, We are trying to make this as convenient as possible for
all who attend. We have an area where racers can keep their
trailers under 24 hr security absolutely free. Jody Burkes,
also a head organizer for the race agreed, We had racers and
spectators from last years race say the Jackson Hole SnoCross
was the best race out of series by far. Racers also praised the
organization for creating the biggest and best track on the
circuit. All of these components will create a marvelous
setting for the race next March. If you would like some more
information regarding the Jackson Hole SnoCross, please contact
the Elks Lodge in Jackson WY (307) 733-3859.
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