Snocross racers

here Saturday, Sunday

Snowmobile

competition

at fairgrounds

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Bulldozers and snowmobile trail groomers whirred in front of the Brown County Fair grandstand Thursday morning in preparation for the World Snowmobiling Association District One South 2001 Series this weekend.

Many area riders will compete with 200 other competitors for $20,000 in cash and prizes Saturday and Sunday.

The LeMans-type course, built by Walters Excavating of Searles, will include six jumps, including one about 15 feet high in front of the grandstand.

Three quick jumps make up a semi-pro course on the back straightaway.

Late registration will take place tonight at the Holiday Inn, New Ulm.

Hot laps start at 9 a.m. both days. Racing begins at 10 a.m.

New Ulm snocross racer and River Valley Dutchmen Snowmobile Club member Tim Stadick worked with WSA representatives and the Brown County Fair Board for two years to bring the races here.

He is excited about this weekend, to put it mildly.

"The weather, entries and spectators should be great," Stadick said. "We couldn't ask for any better weather, according to the forecast. This should be one of the biggest district races."

Stadick, who races hill climbs with high distinction after the snocross season is over, said snocross involves a variety of skills.

"It's a little bit of sled set up, physical conditioning, reflexes and a thinking game," Stadick said. "You have to concentrate on what you're doing when the green flag drops. You get a lot of air. That's where the tricks come in."

Racers are divided into three classes: beginners, sport and semi pro.

Stadick started in the beginners, moved up to sport for a bigger challenge. That level is all he can handle now.

Beginners don't jump very high. Sport racers get a little higher and semi pros jump the highest and smoothest.

"Quickness, not top speed, is where it's at," Stadick said. "I have all I can do just to qualify for the finals. I've made it about half the time this year."

Stadick races with a 1999 Skidoo MXZX 440 liquid.

Last year, he excelled in hill climb races, winning the 500 and 600 classes.

There are 80-90 racers in each snocross class. Ten of them qualify for the finals.

Racers go three rounds. Their scores are averaged to determine finalists who usually need to place in the top three positions each round.

"It's comparable to NASCAR," Stadick said. "Everybody is your friend off the track. It's like one big family. I've seen guys borrow sleds to other racers when parts break. Once you are on the starting line, it's everybody for themselves. I've never seen anybody fight or argue."

Most snowmobiles are stock.

Junior racers begin at age 11. There are also classes for ages 30, 35 racers over 40.

Women and girls are quickly joining the ranks of snocross competitors.

"It seems the girls might be the safest drivers," Stadick said. "They don't want to show off, like some guys do, just survive."

Other area racers include Bob Altenburg Jr. of Madelia, Justin Blomeke of Morgan, Brandon Fast of Mountain Lake, Tim Gent of Sleepy Eye, Darren Gifferson of Hanska, Matt Gohr of Mountain Lake, Matt Hell of New Ulm, Chad Hubly of New Ulm, Bobby Johnson of Winthrop, Paula Krohn of Nicollet, Shea Lingle of Lamberton, Cody Reinhart of New Ulm, Mike Stien of Arlington, and Corey Suess of St. James.