Duluth spirt mountain

[alscat1]

DULUTH, Minn. Dec. 13, 2009 – Going 22 laps drivers faced nearly white-out conditions created by the opaque cloud of snow dust in the AMSOIL Pro Open final at Spirit Mountain Duluth. As the dust settled the adrenaline was bubbling and the “T” Train Tucker Hibbert took his 48th career win sweeping the AMSOIL Duluth National.
At the podium it was Hibbert, of Goodridge, Minn., #68 on his Arctic Cat in first with Ross Martin, of Pleasant Prairie, Wisc., #837 on Polaris in second and Launchin Levi LaValle, of Longville, Minn., #108 on Polaris in third.
At the start with 10 in the front row it was Robbie Malinowski of Lino Lakes, Minn., #4 on Polaris winning the Stud Boy Hole Shot Award by the Pink Ribbon Riders. Malinowski was the leader followed by Hibbert, Martin and LaValle in the fourth spot as the drivers picked their lines and battled for position.
Seconds after the green flag dropped there were tangles at the top and bottle of the field and at lap two heavy traffic circled the track and stayed that way for the remainder of the race.
LaValle snuck underneath Malinowski in corner two with three laps to go and held his position to take third. At the podium LaValle said “I thought he (Malinowski) was a lapper. Visibility was crazy. I couldn’t see a thing.” But he said he just set it up wide choosing different lines than everybody else and just had fun in a good clean race. “It worked out well for me,” he said with his trademark smile.
After a season ending hip injury taken at the X-games last January, Martin worked hard to prepare for racing this season. He appeared to be in top form Sunday while choosing his lines on the battlefield. “I couldn’t really see anything,” Martin said on the podium. “I knew Tucker was a head of me, but I couldn’t see him.” He was happy to be able to race and to finish on the podium. “This means a lot to me.”
Hibbert picked off the only guys in front of him by fourth lap and managed to hang on to the top position for the rest of the race. However, it was one circle of sleds rounding each corner as lap traffic and single-digit temperatures created storm conditions on the mountain making it nearly impossible to figure out who was who and where they were.
“It was a gnarly race,” Hibbert said at the podium. “I just tried to ride lines nobody else was riding. I got a little squirrely sometimes, but it worked out.”
As the teams return to their trailers the are all no doubt preparing for the next battle at the Milwaukee Mile National coming up only days away.
For the Air Force Semi-Pro Stock 2 finale it was 16 laps of action-packed flag-to-flag racing on the very demanding track in Duluth. When the dust cleared out it was Cody Thomsen of Nisswa, Minn., in 1st , #682 Arctic Cat, followed by Justin Broberg of Waukesha, Wisc., in 2nd, #168 Ski-Doo and Mike Bauer of Owen, Wisc., taking 3rd, , #717 Polaris.
Derek Ellis of Beltrami, Minn., #106 took the hole shot on his Polaris followed by Thomsen and Bauer. The three of them chose the same lines rounding the track but Ellis was caught tangled on the top in a pack of sleds in lap two which resulted in a change of ranks.
Thomsen found a line on the topside and snuck around Ellis when Broberg came out of nowhere passing up Bauer. With tangles on both ends of the track there were lappers right from the start and riders couldn’t tell who was in the lead.
At the podium Thomsen said he just stayed focused. “Speedworks clutching is what it is all about. I didn’t know where anybody was. I just ran my own race.”
The future of snocross was well represented in the Recreational Motorsports 120 Champ 7-14 finale. Those drivers are enthusiastically competitive and truly enjoy the sport. It was a good battle from green to checkered with Ryley Bester of Prior Lake, Minn. #151 Polaris finishing in the top spot. James Raffauf of Richmond, Ill., and #951 Arctic Cat in second place and Trey Gordon of Ridgeway, Wisc, followed him. #164 Polaris took third.
At the end of the three-day event, Gene Shaw of Visit Duluth estimated the total attendance was at 25,500 down from last year’s record of nearly 36,000. This year’s Duluth National was delayed two weeks from the traditional Thanksgiving weekend due to weather. And this year’s non-holiday weekend and frigid temperatures may have hampered the attendance. All-in-all officials were pleased with the event.
Fans in the crowd appeared genuinely excited to be there and thrilled by random crowd give-aways and the adrenaline pumping thrill of feeling the thunder and tasting the fuel as the battles take place on the field before them. Now, drivers and crews are preparing for the next onslaught and make their assault on the field at the Milwaukee Mile.
For complete race results visit www.isocracing.com.

[ArcticBoy]

What happened to all the semi-pro riders? Only 20 some entered. Usually 50 or more.

[SKIPPY]

Did TJ Gulla wipe out really bad? Thought I heard something about him getting drilled by another sled.. Hope he's OK.

[nuckinfuts]

Nice write up thanx.

[711SnoPro]

Originally Posted by SKIPPY

Did TJ Gulla wipe out really bad? Thought I heard something about him getting drilled by another sled.. Hope he's OK.

I think he might of......I started watching on the web for a little bit right after whatever happened to him then left so I never did hear what happened. Hope he's OK too.....injuries suck balls

Way to go Team Arctic!!!! Swept Pro Stock and took checkers in Pro Open....not bad!!

Does anyone know who Kylie Abrahamson is racing for now? Avalanche Racing is no more but she's back and kicking butt again this year I see.....

[ArcticBoy]

Crap I think they ran 22 pros in the final. A wonder no one got killed with the horrible visability

[arnoldclab]

Spirit Mountain is a premiere ski and snowboard destination located in northern Minnesota. With 22 downhill runs, the Midwest’s largest terrain park, and 22km of Nordic ski trails, there is definitely something for everyone!
22 Downhill Runs
Whether you’re an expert or beginner on the slopes, Spirit Mt has runs perfectly suited for your ability. We’ve got everything from the family-friendly “Four Pipe” to the expert run “Gandy Dancer”, and even some fun favorites like “Timber Cruiser”. Trail Map available by clicking the link above. You can also find current Snow Conditions on our website which list the number of available runs, number of operating chairlifts, snow depth, recent new snow, and current weather conditions.
AMP Energy Terrain Park
Rated as one of the biggest and best freestyle terrain parks in the Midwest. Complete with jumps, rails, rollers, hits, boxes, and more. It’s the perfect place for snowboarders and freestyle skiers alike. It’s also home to one of Minnesota’s only half-pipes. Well, actually it’s better than that. Officially, it’s a Superpipe!
Nordic Ski Center
Spirit Mtn offers 22 kilometers of beautifully wooded cross-country ski trails, groomed daily with classic skiing tracks and skating lanes. It's an outdoor enthusiast's dream!
Rental Equipment
If you’re looking to rent ski or snowboard equipment, Spirit Mountain in Duluth, MN is the resort for you! We have a full line of NEW Head Skis and Boots, as well as NEW Burton Snowboards and Boots.
Lessons
Learning how to ski or snowboard has never been easier or more affordable than it is at Spirit Mountain this year. We teach Alpine Ski, Snowboard, and Telemark Lessons. Beginner Skiers can sign up for a “First Tracks” lesson package which includes rental equipment and lift ticket. Beginner Snowboarders can take a lesson from our “Burton Learn-to-Ride Center” with specially trained instructors which also includes brand NEW Burton rental equipment and a lift ticket.
Winter Kids
Parents can enjoy their time on the slopes while their children experience a fun and educational approach to the winter sports of skiing and snowboarding.
Special Events
See our Calendar of Events for a complete listing of all ski races, snowboard competitions, and other fun events planned for winter. Also available every weekend in the winter is NASTAR ski racing, open to the public!
Dining Options
Overlook the fabulous views of Lake Superior and the City of Duluth while dining in the Moosehead Saloon & Grill during the winter months. Our specialties include Homemade Chili, and the “Smokin Turkey Sandwich”. We’ve also got food-on-the-go in the Mountaintop Grill, and a cure for your sweet tooth in our Candy Shop! The Moosehead Saloon and Slopeside Saloon are also great aprés ski bars in the winter. perfect for skiers and those who just want to look the part!
Shopping
The Mountaintop Shop is a wonderful place to purchase the latest in ski sweaters, outerwear, goggles, hats, gloves, and more. Looking for a gift? We have a variety of novelty items, picture frames, handbags, and jewelry to name a few.
Hot Deals
Spirit Mountain offers lots of specials and discounts throughout the season. The best place to find our current deals is on our “Hot Deals” webpage. With all the savings we offer throughout the season, this is bound to be the most affordable ski vacation you can take in the Midwest! Looking for the biggest savings of the year on lift tickets? Try a Season Pass, available all year long… the biggest savings on snow!
Banquets
Spirit Mountain offers some of the most beautiful and unique banquet facilities in northern Minnesota. Our home-cooked menu items are perfect for your wedding, reunion, convention, awards dinner, party, or business meeting. We also provide a wonderful location for an outdoor wedding ceremony, overlooking Lake Superior.
Campground
Nestled in a hardwood forest in Duluth, MN, the Spirit Mountain Campground offers campsites for everything from a tent to an RV. With full water and electric hook-ups, and hot water shower buildings, you’ll have all the comforts of home combined with the seclusion and privacy of a wooded campground. Natural beauty abounds in the area - you can quickly and easily access water, hiking trails, biking trails, and much more. The campground is easy to get to – just off I-35 and located minutes from Downtown Duluth, MN, Canal Park, Bayfront Park, the Lakewalk, and Park Point.
Lodging - Duluth, MN
Spirit Mountain makes spending a ski weekend in Duluth even easier! By purchasing a “Spirit Ski and Stay” package at any of the wonderful properties listed on our website, you can get two 4-hour lift tickets with your room. All have quick and easy routes to Spirit Mountain and are convenient to dining, entertainment, and attractions. Also check out the Mountain Villas, the only on-site lodging available at Spirit Mountain and open year-round.