Elk River, Minnesota (March 7, 2016) – Route 66 Raceway (Joliet, Ill.) welcomed the AMSOIL Championship Snocross tour for the second-to-last stop of the season. Rounds 13 and 14 took place on one of the more technical and challenging tracks that racers encountered this season. The large oval course had deep holes and a precarious whoop section, which claimed many riders throughout the weekend and gave the fans in attendance some spectacular crashes to witness.
Carlson Moto riders Andrew Carlson and Ryan Springer had a solid weekend tearing it up in the ever-diminishing Pro Open field, with Carlson qualifying in the front row of the final both nights due to his repeat win in the LCQ Friday and Saturday. Springer made the final both nights as well, though he battled some tough luck while fighting a nagging back injury. Carlson finished in the top-ten Friday night, coming across the line in ninth.
Springer would go on to finish in 12th after getting tangled with another rider early in the race. Bad luck once again hit the team Saturday, with Springer collecting with another rider off the start and Carlson having an unfortunate dismount after making his way up to eighth place. Carlson was showing impressive speed and made some great passes before he hit a hard edge on the track, ending his chances of a top-five finish.
“The track in Chicago was really challenging, but I loved it,” Carlson said. “I was bummed that I got bucked off my sled on Saturday night after fighting my way through the pack. We’re making improvements, and I’m excited to finish the season strong in Lake Geneva.”
Although the troops are a little battered and bruised, spirits are high as the team heads into the last race of the season in Lake Geneva, Wis. March 17-20. The warm temps, large crowds and annual Carlson Moto fish fry are highlights for the team as the season wraps up.
Preparations are already underway for the off-road truck season, with the first TORC: The Off-Road Championship race of the season happening May 27-28 in Dallas, Texas.
You can catch the Hollywood Casino Snocross National CBS Sports March 19 at 10am, and March 20 at 10am. Tune in live to watch the Lake Geneva Grand Finale at Snocross.com/Livestream or on CBS Sports Network. You can also follow Carlson Moto on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as on CarlsonMoto.com.