Aspen, Colorado (January 28, 2014) – There is no bigger stage in the world of professional snocross racing than the Winter X Games. With an estimated 38-million plus viewers watching, it is a stage unlike any other, and one that Andrew Carlson relished and more importantly appreciated as he proved to the competition and himself, that he belongs amongst the world’s elite snocross racers.
While the top box on the podium proved to belong to Tucker Hibbert once again, Carlson captured his own personal victories as the Winter X rookie was on it from the line, ripping impressive holeshots and besting the best to the first corner time and time again in pre-race practice sprints. Andrew quickly adapted to the Polaris mod sled that the Carlson Motorsports crew built especially for Winter X, and it proved to be an absolute rocket ship.
Andrew was unable to make the final through the opening round, but with a lights-out start in the Last Chance Qualifier, Andrew romped to the first corner while most of his competition was sleeping at the line. Carlson was running second in the early laps, where the top five would advance to the final, but as he was pressuring for the lead, he caught an edge in a tricky section at the bottom of the course and was dismounted from his pace just long enough to fall out of final contention.
“I had a great time and I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to compete with the fastest guys in the world,” said Carlson post-race. “The track was challenging, and it ended up kicking my butt a little,” he said with a smile. “But I’m coming away from the experience stronger and more excited than ever to get back to the ISOC tour and build on my Pro-Lite lead.”
While there was no victory or podium speech for Andrew, the weekend made it abundantly clear that he has what is takes to compete with the best-of-the-best in snocross. What’s more, the entire Carlson Motorsports crew performed at a world-class level, always delivering a sled to the line that performed at the front of the pack.
“Our crew did a fantastic job preparing the sled and getting Andrew acclimated to the altitude prior to the event,” said team owner, manager, and father Chris Carlson. “It was a great experience for Andrew and for the entire team. When you come to a world-class event like this, it really makes you appreciate everything we have…our sponsors, our crew, and the experience gained.”
The AMSOIL Championship Snocross tour resumes January 31st in Deadwood, South Dakota, plus you can watch the next episode of the national tour on CBS Sports Network February 2 at 6:30pm central.
Stay abreast of all the happenings at Carlson Motorsports through their website www.carlsonmotorsportsllc.com or following them on Facebook.