Day One Thins the Pros in the 2014 USXC I-500 The Seven Clans Casinos I-500 Maintains its Reputation in the First Day of Competition Thief River Falls, MN (February 6, 2014) – Day one of the USXC Seven Clans Casinos I-500 proved deceptive once again as riders looked to stake their place in the time standings. Deceptive because most of the 150 mile route today looked to be relatively smooth, fast running, despite the deep snow pack. The Yamaha Pro Stock Class took it on the chin especially hard in the first day. The list of six riders who did not finish (DNF) looked like the podium winners at any other race. Three-time winner, Corey Davidson (Yam), out. Last week’s three time Soo-500 winner, Gabe Bunke (Pol), out. And most surprising, the defending I-500 champion, Ryan Simons (Cat), had an off coming over a road crossing that sent him to the hospital. Christian Brothers Racing teammate, Brian Dick, stayed with Simons until help arrived, earning Dick a time credit in the race. The brutal winter of 2013-2014 continues in northwestern Minnesota, as green flag temps this morning were in the double-digits below zero. A stiff breeze out of the west was unrelenting as riders warmed up their machines in staging in anticipation of the start. Duct tape stock likely rose a few dollars as riders tried to ward-off frost bite on faces with the all-purpose adhesive. After almost every race this season being cloaked in frigid temperatures, one would assume riders would be used to it, but as one rider joked this morning “You never get used to this!” The pros definitely experienced the bulk of the attrition in day one and it’s literally anyone’s race, at this point. Brian Dick has a 52 second lead over teammate Zach Herfindahl (Cat), due, in part, to a new rule put in place for 2014. Any rider electing to skip the one hour afternoon maintenance session received a three minute time credit. Dick and a surprising number of other riders crossed the finish line Thursday, looked over their machines, and simply chose to restage, earning the credit. Anyone who follows cross country racing knows that, in most races, three minutes in the pro class is like a lifetime. As one racer after this evening’s driver meeting proclaimed, however, “This is the I-500.” One crash, a blown belt, a slow gas stop, or other mechanical failure can wipe out a three minute advantage in the blink of an eye. And will skipping the maintenance session in day one produce mechanical repercussions in day two? That’s why it’s the greatest snowmobile race in the history of the sport. Day two of the Seven Clans Casinos I-500 picks up Friday at 9:00 AM sharp with riders going out in reverse order within their respective classes. Friday riders will tackle the “Goodridge route,” a standby loop in the I-500 for many years, with the gas stop located just on the edge of Goodridge, MN. With a big chunk of the Red Lake River to cover tomorrow, it could be moving day for a few racers who enjoy going fast on the twisty ice. Class Leaders in the Seven Clans Casinos I-500 After Day One Are As Follows: Yamaha Pro Stock: Brian Dick (Cat); Speedwerx Pro Open: Brian Dick (Cat); Semi Pro: Timmy Kallock (Cat); AMSOIL Semi Pro Improved: Benjamin Langaas (Cat); Drift Racing Super Stock: Jon Arneson (Cat); Polaris Expert 85: Kevin Tinjum (Cat); Ski-Doo Masters 40+: Jon Arneson (Cat); Legends 50+: Dan Fischer (Cat); Trophy 85: Nathan Joyce (Cat); Trophy 600: Jared Christiansen (Pol); C&A Pro Trail: Kevin Tinjum (Cat); On Snow Magazine Women’s: Anne Pladson (Pol)
Posted on: Fri, 07 Feb 2014 03:42:55 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015