New venues, added value highlight 2010-2011 schedule for East Coast Snocross Series
CHESHIRE, Conn. (Sept. 10, 2010) — As the days grow shorter and the overnight temperatures start to drop, powersports enthusiasts around the northeast are turning their thoughts to snowmobiling. While fall chores may come first, it won’t be long before trails are cleared and signs are put up.
For those who love snowmobiles and racing, as well, there is exciting news out of southern New England. Officials from East Coast Snocross (ECS) have announced their 2010-11 race schedule, highlighted by some high-profile new venues in new markets.
On Dec. 11-12, the season will kick off in a big way at the beautiful Burke Mountain Ski Resort in East Burke, Vermont. Burke is legendary among the ski crowd for ample snow, first-class trails and a level of hospitality unmatched at larger resorts. Nestled in Vermont’s scenic Northeast Kingdom, Burke is surrounded by some of the finest trails in North America. Located just a short drive north on Rte. 114 from Interstate 91, Burke is a snocross fan’s dream.
Round 2 on the 2010-11 campaign will also be at a site new to snocross. On Jan. 8-9, 2011, the city of Plattsburg, New York, will host the ECS teams at the Crete Civic Center. With support from the Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor of Plattsburg and Airborne Speedway promoter Mike Perrotte, the Plattsburg event has tremendous potential for success.
For Round 3, race teams will return to the friendly confines of Ossipee, New Hampshire, to compete and entertain the many snowmobile enthusiasts in that area. The former circuit ran snocross events at the old Mt. Whittier ski area, and fans turned out in big numbers. On Jan. 15-16, 2010, the sleds and stars of ECS will compete just off Rte. 16 on land behind the Fire Station. There is ample room for a quality track, and local Chamber of Commerce officials are the hosts.
A trip across our northern border is required for Round 4, as ECS will compete in conjunction with Marcel Fontaine’s SCM circuit on Jan. 22-23, in Mirabel, Quebec. Last year, the event in Mirabel drew thousands of fans both days, thanks to its location just outside Montreal and excellent promotional efforts. The track was huge, the purse was strong and lots of food vendors kept everybody full and happy. The 2011 version should be just as successful.
On Feb. 5-6, teams and officials from ECS will join the International Series of Champions (ISOC) at the Eastern Nationals in Farmington, New York. The ISOC teams will thrill fans with their factory-backed riders, while ECS teams will compete for points, as well.
Negotiations are currently ongoing to fill in the gap between Round 5 and the next event slated for March 26-27 at the Peak ‘N Peak Resort in Findley Lake, New York. While seven race dates are now set in stone, the possibility of nine events overall exists. The Peak ‘N Peek Resort has been hosting snocross events for the last few years with a great deal of success. With first-class amenities, excellent snow conditions and eager fans, Findley Lake is an ideal home for snocross in western New York.
East Coast Snocross will wrap up the 2010-11 season on April 2-3 at the historic Pico Mountain ski area in Killington, Vermont. Pico is owned by and just around the corner from the world-renowned Killington Mountain Resort. Founded by the Mead family in 1937, Pico was one of Vermont’s first commercial ski resorts. Bringing snocross racing to Pico is truly an honor for everyone at ECS.
ECS snocross action at Pico will join Killington’s 15th annual Freestyle competition to rock southern Vermont unlike any other weekend. Mountain officials will be offering a special dual-event ticket and offering shuttle-bus rides from Killington to Pico. It’s an incredible opportunity for snowmobile racing and skiing to come together at one of Vermont’s most famous resorts.
After a busy summer of working to assemble the best possible schedule in this tough economy, ECS Director of Operations Shawn Longbook is breathing a little easier this week.
“I am proud to announce this schedule for the inaugural season for ECS,” Longbook said. “When Bob Roscoe bought the old Rock Maple circuit, he made a commitment to move the sport forward. With a solid schedule now in place, news of manufacturers supporting eastern teams, and the addition of the Rave-X freestyle team to our shows, I feel we’re headed in the right direction. I hope our racers, teams and fans will be excited and come to the races.”
The Rave-X Outer Limits Freestyle Tour will be part of the excitement in Burke, VT; Plattsburgh, N.Y. (special show featuring a backlflip by an X Games medalist); Ossipee, N.H.; and at Pico Mountain.
A great deal of work has been done behind the scenes over the summer to ensure the success of ECS. A new track builder/groomer, new snow guns for when weather won’t cooperate, and a first-ever Race Advisory Board to discuss issues important to the sport. It’s a thorough and professional approach to regional snocross racing that should pay dividends.
For more information, please visit ECS online at www.eastcoastsnocross.com.