Sportech at Duluth ISOC
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Andrew Carlson Sweeps Sport Class; Bauerly Emerges as Top Pro Privateer
Team Sportech Sets Winning Tone at ISOC Duluth National Snocross
Elk River, MN (December 13, 2009) – It’s one of the biggest events in all of snowmobiling, but that didn’t seem to phase Team Sportech as they kicked off the national snocross season with two podium finishes and the early lead in the pro privateer year-end championship. The weekend was highlighted by a Sport Superstock #2 sweep by Andrew Carlson who won the final in a convincing flag to flag performance.
First year pro Paul Bauerly wasn’t expecting a warm “welcome to the pros” reception from his fellow competitors, but he certainly let it be known he came to compete. Strong qualifying efforts in both Pro Super Stock and Pro Open including a second place heat race finish in Superstock, ensured Bauerly would find his way into both 20-sled main events.
The small Duluth track and bitterly cold temperatures made for a very difficult racing environment. A lingering haze of snow dust placed added importance on holeshots, but the gang working in the hauler applied some Speedwerx magic to the fleet of Torco Arctic Cats, giving Sportech racers a much needed edge at the line. Yet despite impressive launches, the crowded track and races marred by a barrage of yellow flags, kept Bauerly mid-pack during both Pro finals as he muscled to an 11th place finish in Pro Open and 13th in Superstock.
“Visibility was brutal,” said Bauerly after the completion of the Pro Open final on Sunday. “My sled was wicked fast, but I was either riding blind or forced to back down due to yellow caution flags on the track. I wasn’t feeling a lot of nerves before the race, but it feels good knowing I can run with these guys and I’m confident we can be at the front this season.”
Running at the front was something Sport rider Andrew Carlson did plenty of during the Duluth National weekend. The 16-year-old rider showed tremendous patience and poise in what is considered one of the biggest snocross events in the world, clawing his way past 50-plus entries to gain a back-row start into the Superstock #1 final on Friday. On more than one occasion in qualifying, Andrew found himself in the middle of a multiple sled tangle, forcing him to recollect and battle through the field for points.
In the final, his patience paid off, as he entered to top of the hill on the first lap in 13th place, employed some crafty navigation and sled avoidance and emerged from the snow dust in second place. He held the position until lap traffic forced him to change lines, allowing the third place sled to overtake him, shuffling Andrew to a third place podium finish.
The story changed considerably in Superstock #2 for Carlson, where he went undefeated in qualifying, with margins of victory of 10-plus seconds in each race. Coming in as the top qualifier for the final, Andrew once again nailed the holeshot and led the race from start to finish.
“I don’t think I could have dreamed up a better way to start the season,” said Andrew on Sunday as he watched his racing partner compete. “Coming off the injury and to start the national snocross season with a pair of podiums is awesome.”
Team Sportech now heads for Milwaukee and round two of the ISOC National Snocross Series, December 18th and 19th. Visit www.teamsportechracing.com for team updates, photos and the latest results.
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