Elk River, Minnesota (December 15, 2015) – With season opener jitters behind them, Carlson Motorsports attacked the Buffalo River Race Park track with greater confidence and intensity as the AMSOIL Championship Snocross series visited Fargo, N.D. for rounds 3 and 4 of the national tour. Both Pro-Open rookie drivers flashed front of the pack with speed and ability as they battled the best snocross racers in the world.
Andrew Carlson was first to give the talent laden Pro-Open field a taste of his potential as he gained his first qualifying race victory in second round action on Friday night. Unseasonably warm temperatures and a bullring size course held up to a weekend of punishment. Andrew battled through the slush and slop to take the win and, more importantly, give himself the assurance he can ride with the best.
Not to be outdone, his teammate and fellow Pro-Open rookie, Ryan Springer dismissed a first round crash while running in second and found himself on the front row of the main event, slotted right next to Carlson. It was from that inside position that Springer pulled a monster holeshot and burst to the front of the Pro-Open field. Much like last season, Springer rode loose and fast, holding on to a top-three position for half of the challenging 20-plus-lap final. But just as it had done during his first round of qualifying, the holed-out back straight collected him into the slush, ending his podium hopes for the evening.
Both riders rode incredibly well early in the race, with Springer running at the front and Carlson close behind in fourth. But Springer’s get off and some missteps along the way by Carlson pushed both riders back in the pack. At the checkered, Carlson hung on for 9th and Springer remounted and battled back, passing a few riders to finish in 12th.
“I was out front and all I could hear were the other sleds behind me…they were on it,” Springer said after the race. “At this level there is no cruise control…no one backs off, all you can do is hold it wide open and not make mistakes. I made one…I got my feet wet and I learned what I need to do the next time I’m in that position.”
The team enjoyed the highlights, but Saturday’s qualifying efforts fell short of expectations due to a few freak mechanical issues. Both riders attempted to make the final through the LCQ where Springer transferred to the back row and Carlson came up just short. In the final, Springer rode at a 90-percent pace due to a minor forearm injury he suffered the evening prior.
It was a weekend of continued progression for the team and they left Fargo with some tough lessons learned, a crew committed to further bullet proofing the sleds, and confidence they can run at the front in the toughest class in snocross. The next few weeks will feature extensive testing, allow Springer to return to full-strength and give everyone time with family and friends for the Christmas season.
The team would like to wish all of our fans and sponsors a very Merry Christmas. The next stop on the AMSOIL Championship Snocross tour will be a hometown race of sorts for both drivers as they race under the bright lights and massive crowds at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minn., Jan. 8-9, 2016. You can catch the Fargo race on CBS Sports Dec. 26 at 10 a.m. and Jan. 2 at 10 a.m. The Canterbury Park national will be broadcast live on snocross.com/Livestream. You can follow Carlson Motorsports on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as on CarlsonMoto.com.