Team Arctic race report: Western Nationals

At the first-ever ISOC National snocross race at the Rio Tinto stadium in Sandy, Utah – and in front 10,000 western racing fans – Team Arctic racers delivered a triumphant performance that included five class wins and multiple podium placings.

As he has done throughout his storied career, Tucker Hibbert led the charge with a wire-to-wire victory in Pro Stock. And for the second time this season, Factory Team Arctic racer Dan Ebert stood on the podium with an impressive third place finish, with newcomer Zach Pattyn taking fourth.

All amazing win streaks must eventually end, and in the Pro Open final Hibbert went from a third-place start to an uncharacteristic tip-over in the corner, finishing seventh and ending an undefeated streak that began halfway through the 2008 season. Cory Davis, who last week won the USCC cross-country opener, finished just off the box in fourth.

Factory Team Arctic Racer Cody Thomsen won the Semi Pro Open for the second time in three races, laying down lap times that suggest future forays into the Pro class will be met with success. Taking third in this ultra-competitive class was Willie Elam, who impressed everyone because it was his first year on an Arctic Cat and his first race of the season.

Semi Pro Stock #1 saw the return of Factory Team racer Kyle Pallin to the number two spot, while Semi Pro Stock #2 proved another great battle between Logan Christian and Thomsen for two of the podium positions.

Utah’s own Dakota Keller gave the hometown fans reason to cheer, nailing wins in both Jr. 14-15 and Jr. 16-17 finals. Notching the fifth Team Arctic win of the weekend was Shane St. John in the Expert 30-Plus class.

“We’re satisfied with the success we had in Utah,” remarked Mike Kloety, Team Arctic Race Manager. “Winning five finals is great. Just as important, guys like Willie Elam and Zach Pattyn had break-out finishes, while new names like Dakota Keller indicate a bright future for the team.”

The next race in the ISOC National Snocross Series is Jan. 22-23 in Shakopee, Minn. Go to ISOCRacing.com for more information.

Team Arctic Results from the ISOC Western National in Sandy, Utah:

Pro Stock 1. Tucker Hibbert 3. Dan Ebert

Semi Pro Open 1. Cody Thomsen 3. Willie Elam 4. Logan Christian

Semi Pro Stock #1 2. Kyle Pallin

Semi Pro Stock #2 2. Logan Christian 3. Cody Thomsen

Jr. 14-15 1. Dakota Keller 2. Dillon Thomas

Jr. 16-17 1. Dakota Keller 2. Matt Wenger

Sport 2. Austin Killham 3. Joel Long

Sport Stock #1 3. Scott Cheeney

Expert 30 Plus 1. Shane St. John