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The season is now over and it was a busy schedule. We never got the chance to update this page much due to a more than busy work schedule. As we all know, we must first work to pay the bills, racing has to take a second place to making a living.
Spencer started off the year running two sleds, an SP500 and an SP600. It is only possible to run one sled in the I-500 and he is supposed to run in the Semi Pro class so the 500 got left at home.
I-500: We should have had a successful weekend but things always seem to find a way to turn at the last minute in this event. Spencer ran a smart race the first day and finished the 175 miles in 8th place. Day number 2 was 185 miles long and was across some of the roughest terrain we have ever seen. Not only a long distance but pounded the living daylights out of drivers and sleds. A bit of repair needed that night but he was in 5th place with one day to go. Day number 3 started out with first gas stop at 60 miles and he came into there in 3rd place. Things were looking good but some of the top Cat drivers had already succumbed to track failures. He came and said track was starting to skip in rough sections. In this race you can't make repairs except at designated work place at end of each day, so you race what you have with crossed fingers. We told him to ease the throttle the best he could and stay on track. He passed into 2nd place somewhere in this 50 mile loop and with only 80 miles left, the track let go. It derailed in some high speed whoops sending him end over end, worse yet his right handlebar ended up getting caught up in his helmet. Luckily he only ended up with a sore neck and some beat up lips and an aching jaw, but the race was over for us. Cat and Camoplast have been working on why tracks failed but we haven't heard final results as of March. I don't know if we ever will but hopefully next years tracks will be improved.
After spending more time on the SP600, he just didn't like the 500. We then made the decision to put the 500 up for sale and only concentrate on the Semi Pro class. This was a good move for everyone as the work involved with keeping two sleds competitive was a bit more than we could handle with our limited manpower and he was happier only running one sled.
Had some good finishes at the next 3 events and rider turnout stays high. USCC has seen a big increase in entries this season so the competition level has been kicked up a notch.
Munising, Michigan is noted for its rough course becaused snow depths are usually quite deep. No exception this year as the course turned into a 10 mile snow cross with whoops 1-4 foot deep. Only a couple of short road sections gave anyone any rest. Spencer put in a good Saturday run but on the Sunday practice lap, he hit a whoop crooked and came down on a stump with side of his left leg. His leg got jammed between the stump and sled tunnel and the small bone or fibula was cracked. It was time to go to hospital for x-rays and then a long 10 hour ride home. This ended his season and he missed the last race in Warroad.
He still finished with 8th place in the year end points chase, so that helped keep moral up a bit. Thanks to our great sponsors and he has already made plans to be back next season for another shot in Cross Country Racing.
Sled for SALE!
We only have the SP600 for sale and it is listed on the Specials page. It is in excellent shape and we have serviced and inspected the sled. Chaincase and clutches were taken apart, checked for wear, and reassembled. All stock clutch parts are installed and nuts and bolts are given the once over. Suspension come out and shocks are checked. Frame is straight and has never been tweaked. Fully studded Cobra track with only a few hundred miles and it is studded in the correct pattern to give longer track life. A new hood and windshield are mounted as we plan on keeping our used one for next years racer. Will make someone a great trail or race sled at a reasonable price.
Next Season:
We are already in the planning stages for next year. We attended the year end USCC banquet and rules meeting. No big changes but the biggest issue was gas can regulations. Not sure at this time what will happen but fire safety is a top priority.
Next years race sled is not up for major changes but those that do happen will be for durability and to fix any problems that showed up last season. This is a good thing as the sled has proven to be competitive and no need to change unless it is needed. A revamping of the rear end geometry, some motor tweaks, Floaters on the front, and a fix for the track problem would be great.
SPONSORS:
Now is a great time to get on board and become part of our Sponsorship Team for next season. Get some public recognition with a very economical advertising budget and join the fun as we compete throughout the Midwest over the winter months. Contact us for full pricing info and levels of sponsorship that are available, it is probably less expensive than you think.
We offer different packages to fit your budget and size of business, email updates, and it is definitely more fun and exciting to watch the close competition when you have a sled in the mix.
Thank You Sponsors!
The following companies are our core sponsors they are all excellent companies with high quality products and services.
We have had personal and business dealings with all these companies and they are proven Winners. Not only do they produce an excellent product or service but it is hard to beat anyone who is snowmobile supportive.
Continental Engineering and Manufacturing
A total solution supplier that can handle all machined, welded, assembled, or coating needs. They can handle small quantity CNC runs, one piece prototypes, or volume production runs. High quality with competitive pricing. Eric Andersen can help you with any questions at:
www.cem-web.com or 952-448-4771.
Action Fabricating
They do it all from start to finish. Product engineering - sheet metal fabrication - lazers - turret punches - press brakes - machine centers - assembly and finishing. Full information can be obtained from Joe at: www.actionfabricating.com or 218-847-4034.
Haber Vision
A new guy on the block for good looking, polarized eyewear. Sunglasses with cutting-edge polarized lenses and durable yet comfortable frames. Goggles for all types of athletic activities and we are now using for our racing effort. Comfortable and good fitting when we are concerned about excellent vision at speed. See their full line at www.havervision.com
Stud Boy
Our official supplier of studs and carbides. We have had great luck with them standing up to the hard use of cross country racing.
www.studboytraction.com or 231-853-2323
U.S. Chrome
These guys can replate any and all damaged cylinders. We use them for all our cylinder repair when quick turn time and quality work is needed. www.usnicom.com or 920-922-5066
Dalton Industries
Offering high qualilty helixes and Quick Shift clutch arms for our clutch tuning needs. We not only sell these products but use them in our personal and race sleds. We also distribute theATV clutch kits which are fully tested and solve the problem when larger tires are installed on stock ATV's. www.daltonindustries.com or 902-897-3333
SignWorks by Dustin
Dustin Wirth not only knows signs but how to best design them to get the most out of your business. A small time, average guy who can make your business come to life. High quality vinyl that resists weathering, comes in a variety of colors, and can be cut to just about any design required. He has lettered our sleds, trailer, and business sign with reasonable pricing and made them stand out from the crowd. From lettering of vehicles to complete stand alone roadside signs, give Dustin a call to get your customer's attention.
218-530-0265
Precision Printing of Detroit Lakes
This local print shop does it all. Labels, sales forms, business cards, and also the layout and printing of our catalog. Give Kevin a call to save money on your next printing job at:
800-346-4874
Hi-10 Sports Center of Hawley, MN.
Larry Hesteness has been a Cat dealer forever and carries a good supply of parts for old and new alike. Honest guys who take care of their customers. Give Larry a call at:
218-483-4966
NGK Spark Plugs
The plugs we use in our race and trail sleds. A spark plug we can count on to resist fouling and offer top notch performance.
Tyler Mathwich Photography
Tyler is the official photographer of USCC Racing and takes some great action shots. His photos and contact info can be found at www.tylermatchwich.com
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