SALEM, N.H. (Sept. 14, 2011) – With cool nights already here and talk of that first frost just around the corner, more plans for this winter’s race season are coming together.
One of the Granite State’s veteran teams has announced its rider lineup, and it’s loaded with talent. daSilva Racing will field a team comprised of five riders in 2011-2012, with entrants in the Pro Lite, Sport and Junior divisions.
Leading the effort will be Pro Lite rider Jake daSilva (No. 172), a longtime veteran of northeastern regional snocross competition. Jake finished fifth in Semi-Pro Stock Saturday points in 2011, and wound up sixth in Sunday points. His best finish in a final was fourth (Ossipee, N.H.), although he had been running second until contact with another rider knocked him off his sled. His stellar march back through the field fell just short of the podium.
“I’m going to work on being more consistent,” daSilva said. “My goal of course is to win races and land on the podium as often as possible. If I can do that, the points will take care of themselves. We’ve seen the new Ski-doo MX ZX 600RS, it is a fantastic machine plus we’ve just signed a deal with Fox to provide our shocks. I’m confident that we’ll have a strong season ahead.”
Joining daSilva on this powerhouse Ski-doo team is Montana Jess (No. 765); Brandon Ruggiero (No. 121); and Connor Roscoe (No. 150). Jess, of Westminster, Mass., affectionately known as “The Flyin’ Onion” in snocross circles, is coming off a sensational 2010-11 season, winning numerous finals and two Junior class titles. Roscoe, of Cheshire, Conn., had a dominant 2010-2011 season (15 wins in 23 races) and claimed four Junior class championships. The talented young athlete earned his nickname of “The Rocket” week-in and week-out last season.
Ruggiero is another rising talent with a bright future in snocross. He’s been active on his ATV this summer and daSilva says he’ll be a factor in ECS Sport competition this winter. Brandon’s younger brother Vinnie will also be part of the team for the coming season, competing in the new 8-10 Transition class.
“I expect my teammates will be right up there contending for the Sport class titles this coming winter,” daSilva added. “Connor, Montana, Brandon and Vinnie are all quick studies, they learn fast and have no fear. It will be a pleasure to work with them and help mold them into great racers. When we share information and work together as a team, we’ll all benefit. I’m anxious to get our new sleds and start prepping for an exciting new season.”
East Coast Snocross has already announced six race dates for the 2011-12 season. Things get revved up on Dec. 10-11 at the beautiful Burke Mountain ski area in East Burke, Vermont. The snow comes early and often in Vermont’s scenic “Northeast Kingdom,” and East Burke is a true gem of Vermont.
daSilva Racing is a proud sponsor of the East Coast Snocross series, and through a cooperative effort with BRP, will be providing Can-Am ATVs for officials to use this winter. Ski-doo is the official trail sled of ECS, and the sanctioning body is greatly appreciative of their support. To follow along with pre-season preparations and week-to-week racing, be sure to visit www.dasilvaracing172.com.