7th Annual Crested Butte MSSR Snocross Wins
the Prize for Snow Conditions  | Photo by Bryan Gates |
Cloudless Colorado skies greeted the over 80
competitors of the 7th Annual MSSR Snocross race in Crested Butte February
11th and 12th. The abundance of natural snow made for perfect conditions as
snowmobiling athletes careened around tight corners and bounded off of
crowd-pleasing aerials in a head-to-head snocross competition that had
spectators on their feet from the start. With categories for Masters (over 40), Beginner Stock, Pro
Women, Semi-Pro Stock, Semi-Pro Performance, Semi-Pro Open, Sport Stock, Sport
Performance, Sport Open, Sport Women, and four Junior divisions from 7 to 17,
there was something in this Mountain States Snowmobile Race for everyone.
Images your average audience might not expect were in full attendance ? pint
sized competitors on miniature machines and a plethora of blond ponytails
flying out from under the helmets of the women competitors.
 | Photo by Bryan Gates |
With events succeeding each other in rapid fire, spectators
barely had time to catch their breath before another division was on the
course. With the entire track visible from the spectator viewing area,
watching had to be as much fun as competing and locals were out in full force
to cheer on the athletes that came to their town to race. The brilliance of
Mt. Crested Butte, Mt. Emmons and a whole host of wild and woolly wildernesses
served as the spectacular backdrop throughout.
 | Photo by Bryan Gates |
Leon Olsen, placing first in the Semi-Pro Open division
commented, "There's lots of good snow here. The jumps are bigger and there
is more room to get in and pass. There is good rhythm and quick lines both
inside and out." Evie Hamilton, placing 2nd in the Sport Women division
agreed, "This is the best track we've had this season. There is a lot of snow." All motos in every division, except for the open, took
place on Saturday, February 11th with the main events and open motos
concluding on Sunday, February 12th. While Junior, Beginner and Sport
divisions walked proudly with trophies, Semi-Pros and Pros went home a little
richer with $1,000 going out to first place Semi-Pro male and $500 to Pro and
Semi-Pro females.  | Photo by Bryan Gates |
Rae Ellen Hamilton, a mom and part of the "support team" for daughter Evie Hamilton concluded,
"This was the most beautiful
town we've gone too." In the end, everyone went home happy ? be it for a
trophy, a cash prize, or just an impressive backdrop to cheer on your favorite
snocross competitor. CB SNOCROSS RESULTS PRO WOMEN 1. Oksana Burkhardt Leadville, CO Arctic Cat 51 points
2. Ashley Durmas Whitewater, CO Polaris 47 points
3. Amanda Felker Loveland, CO Ski-Doo 46 points SEMI-PRO STOCK 1. Vito Taverna Oak Creek, CO Ski-Doo 41 points
2. Joshua Bacon Carbondale, CO Ski-Doo 35 points
3. Travis Reille Oak Creek, CO 33 points SEMI-PRO PERFORMANCE 1. Leon Olsen Glenwood Springs, CO Ski-Doo 41 points
2. Vito Taverna Oak Creek, CO Ski-Doo 39 points
3. Shane Lloyd Pagosa Springs, CO Polaris 38 points SEMI-PRO OPEN 1. Shane Lloyd Pagosa Springs, CO Polaris 55 points
2. Vito Taverna Oak Creek, CO Ski-Doo 47 points
3. Leon Olson Glenwood Springs, CO Ski-Doo 42 points SPORT STOCK 1. Austin Corson Craig, CO Ski-Doo 43 points
2. Zach Accord Granby, CO Arctic Cat 40 points
3. Eric Potter Johnstown, CO Ski-Doo 38 points SPORT PERFORMANCE 1. Austin Corson Craig, CO Polaris 43 points
2. Eric Potter Johnstown, CO Ski-Doo 40 points
3. Daniel Nunn 36 points SPORT OPEN 1. Austin Corson Craig, CO Ski-Doo 54 points
2. Zach Accord Arctic Cat 48 points
3. Allen Ratowski Gypsum, CO Arctic Cat 40 points SPORT WOMEN 1. Becky Hogy Parker, CO Arctic Cat 44 points
2. Evie Hamilton Glenwood, CO Ski-Doo 33 points
3. Ashlen Wilkerson Steamboat, CO Ski-Doo 33 points MASTERS 1. Kenny Lloyd Pagosa Springs, CO Ski-Doo 43 points
2. Lance Felker Loveland, CO Ski-Doo 42 points
3. Gary Olson Glenwood Springs, CO Ski-Doo 35 points BEGINNER STOCK 1. Daneil Nunn Rifle, CO 43 points
2. Kyle Ahlquist Ft. Collins, CO Ski-Doo 35 points
3. Shad Peterson 29 points JR 7-10 1. A.J. Stoffle Craig, CO Ski-Doo 45 points
2. Rayden Gates Centennial, WY Ski-Doo 40 points
3. Lee Slinger Loveland, CO Ski-Doo 36 points JR 10-13 1. Kyle Kelly Loveland, CO Ski-Doo 45 points
2. Zared Hill Buena Vista, CO Arctic Cat 38 points
3. Michelle Stoffle Craig, CO Arctic Cat 37 points JR 14-15 1. Zach Accord Granby, CO Arctic Cat 45 points
2. Dakota Gates Centennial, CO Ski-Doo 40 points
3. Kyle Kelly Loveland, CO Ski-Doo 36 points JR 16-17 1. Dakota Gates Centennial, WY Ski-Doo 44 points
2. Allen Ratkowski Gypsum, CO Arctic Cat 41 points
3. Levi Dick Rifle, CO 35 points SNOWMOBILING IN CRESTED BUTTE  | Photo by Vince Scola |
If you're in town supporting your favorite
Snocross competitor don't forget to set aside some extra time to explore the
bottomless powder of Crested Butte and Gunnison County's backcountry. The Gunnison County Sno-Trackers is the snowmobiling club
in the area and they can provide you will a lot of information about getting
around in the backcountry. From area maps to trail descriptions to looking for
a buddy to ride with, they are your one-stop shop for information on
snowmobiling in Gunnison County. They also provide training and safety courses
for people under 16 to get your United States Forest Service certification to
ride the backcountry on USFS land.  | Photo by Vince Scola |
"The scenery is spectacular," comments Phil Chamberland
of Gunnison County Sno-trackers, "Other places have nice vistas but not
jagged peaks. At Irwin you can see thirteen and fourteen thousand foot peaks
covered in snow and three valleys to look into. People are inviting and
friendly. There are things to do in the evening and those in your family who
don't snowmobile can also ski or cross-country ski. The reason to come here
is the rest of the resources, the opportunity to do hundreds of things."  | Photo by Vince Scola |
And as if that isn't enough to whet your appetite, the
legendary snow conditions and wide array of trails should. Gunnison County Sno-Trackers
maintains many miles of trails for your riding pleasure. There are 55 miles of
groomed trails and 170 acres of trails that are left ungroomed. Trails offer
rides through deep spruce forests, above treeline, through aspen groves and
over high mountain passes. There are trails that lead to lakes and a stunning
glimpse of the hundreds of jagged peaks are guaranteed on every ride. The
grooming allows easy access for the beginner and saves the backs of those with
more experience.
 | Grooming Map Courtesy
of Vince Scola |
Visit Gunnison County Sno-Tracker's website for complete
information on trails in the area.
THINKING OF RACING? "The Beginner Class is for people who want
to try it out and see if they want to get into racing," explains MSSR race
organizer Phil Vallem. If you're thinking of giving snowmobile racing a
whirl, Crested Butte, Colorado might be the perfect place to try. With the
abundance of snow, you are assured spectacular conditions that are easier on
your learning curve. Here's some tips from the pros: CRESTED BUTTE SNOWMOBILING RESOURCES This is the local snowmobiling club. Their website offers
trail information and conditions as well as club announcements. The Crested Butte Avalanche Center offers daily avalanche
reports that can be heard on the local radio station (KBUT 90.3 fm) at 8:00
a.m., by calling them or by visiting their website. You can also peruse the
reports from other powder hounds as well as submit your own on the conditions
you found in the backcountry. Snowmobile rental - Action Adventures Snowmobile and ATV Rentals
(970) 349-5909
Action Adventures can provide both rentals for self guided
tours as well as guided tours. - CB Snowmobiles
P.O. Box 2178
Crested Butte, CO 81224
(970) 209-0109
- Timber Sleds, Inc.
(970) 209-6720
Snowmobile repair - Marks's Snowmobiles
2079 Hwy 135
Gunnison, CO
(970) 641-5134
Snowmobile dealers - Sun Sports Unlimited
219 US Hwy 50
Gunnison, CO
(970) 641-5134
- Gunnison Motor Sports
500 W. Hwy. 50
Gunnison, CO
(970) 641-7377
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