Jess Racing bags two more podiums at U.S. Air Force Snocross National

SALAMANCA, New York (Feb. 9, 2016) – Massachusetts-based Jess Racing enjoyed another solid outing on the national snocross tour over the weekend, competing in the annual U.S. Air Force Snocross National at the beautiful Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino in Salamanca, New York.

Pro Lite rider Montana Jess displayed the same level of speed and consistency that has kept him atop the point standings for much of his impressive rookie season. The Westminster native led laps and finished second in Friday and Saturday’s finals, with a minor error on the rough track preventing a win.

“I knew the minute I launched off that jump and the it pitched sideways, I was in trouble,” Jess said about the incident which cost him the lead Friday night. “I had all I could do to stay on the sled; but I got it back straight and kept rolling. To lead more laps both nights and come out of here with two more podiums and the points lead is pretty cool.

“It’s been an incredible season, but we still have a lot of racing ahead,” Jess added. “Thanks to my father, my mechanic Ziggy, this amazing new Arctic Cat and our great sponsors, I can go into those final three events with confidence. I’m going to keep doing the things that brought us to this point.”

Pro rider Jake Scott was hot off his first Pro Open podium in Deadwood. The rugged native of Port Jefferson, NY, launched off the line like a rocket in Friday night’s final, handling the bombed-out track like it was child’s play. Eventual winner Tucker Hibbert powered by, yet Scott hung on for a solid sixth-place finish. On Saturday, Scott ran fourth and fifth in his qualifying heats before soldiering on to a 10th-place finish in the final.

“I was still pretty pumped up over Deadwood when we all got to the race in my home state,” Scott said after an up-and-down weekend. “I came off the line strong Friday night, which shows how well Mike Bauer has my new Arctic Cat set up for the starts. To lead the final and run up front like that helps me and this entire team. We weren’t quite as strong on Saturday, but overall the weekend was positive. I know if we keep working hard like we have, the results will improve. This is a great team.”

Team owner Carl Jess does his best to balance cautious optimism with pride in his race team.

“Both Montana and Jake continue to make great strides against the sport’s very best teams each week,” Jess said. “Montana doesn’t get excited when the ‘Norwegian Nightmare’ blows by; he knows if he runs his own race and hits his marks, the good finishes will continue. Jake is gaining confidence and speed every time out; I’m sure he’ll be a threat to hit the box again this season. We’re on track as the season begins to wind down, and I feel like we’re holding our own for a little independent team.”

Jess Racing would like to thank its fine group of marketing partners for their continued support, including Arctic Cat, Central Mass Powersports, Woody’s, Arctic Wear, That’s Great News, Rox Speed FX and Ski Nautique Boats. We simply could not compete at this level without their assistance.

Rounds 11 and 12 on the ISOC ACS tour are set for Feb. 26-27, at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. For more info, go to  www.facebook.com/Jess-Racing-339184942858218/