Shakopee, Minn. ~ The AMSOIL Championship Snocross: U.S. Air Force Snocross National at Canterbury Park delivered an unforgettable night of high-speed action and adrenaline-pumping excitement under the Friday night lights. A massive crowd of passionate snocross fans packed the grandstands, eager to witness the thrilling battles that make Canterbury one of the most popular stops on the circuit. This event always brings intense competition, but this year raised the bar with a colossal track — the biggest in its storied history — setting the perfect stage for both veterans and rising stars to push their limits in pursuit of victory.
The massive, technical course featured towering jumps, grueling rhythm sections, and wide-open straightaways designed to test every ounce of skill, speed, and endurance the riders could muster. From heart-stopping holeshots to furious battles for the podium, every race had the crowd on its feet, braving the winter chill for the love of the sport. With championship points on the line and the energy at an all-time high, the Canterbury National once again proved why it is a marquee event in the AMSOIL Championship Snocross series.
Lebel Stuns the Field to Claim Thrilling AMSOIL Triple Crown Victory
The AMSOIL Triple Crown delivered thrilling action and intense drama as the sport’s top riders battle for supremacy under the lights in Shakopee. Pro rider Elias Ishoel, who made a triumphant return in Ironwood after a near-career-ending crash last season, kicked off the action with a commanding win in the opening round Friday night. Ishoel outdueled a determined Hunter Patenaude and held off defending champion Emil Harr to secure the early advantage.
In the second round, the spotlight shifted to second-year pro Jordan Lebel, who stunned the field with a massive holeshot and a flawless ride. Lebel, who finished seventh in the opening round, never allowed Ishoel or the rest of the pack to get close, claiming a dominant win that set the stage for a dramatic finale. Heading into the third round, Lebel was five points behind Ishoel, but he seized the moment with another explosive start. Grabbing the holeshot again, Lebel pulled away from the field, riding with unmatched precision and speed to claim the final-round win. His incredible 7-1-1 performance earned him the overall Triple Crown victory and catapulted him into the points lead.
“I didn’t expect this one to be first overall today,” said Lebel. “I got a great start and just led the race. But it was a fun race, a fun track.”
The final podium was a mix of breakthrough performances and unexpected outcomes. Adam Peterson delivered a consistent 6-3-2 run to secure second overall, marking his first podium of the season. Jacob Yurk rounded out the top three with a solid 5-4-3 effort, earning his first podium. Meanwhile, Ishoel, who started sixth in the final race and dropped back to tenth, missed the podium entirely in fourth.
Dillon Powers Through the Pack for Pro Lite Victory
The Anderson’s Maple Syrup Pro LitePro Lite final showcased the grit and determination of defending champion Crayden Dillon, who delivered an electrifying comeback from the round one winner.
The series points leader found himself in sixth place after a slow start. Undeterred, he methodically worked through the field, setting up a thrilling duel with Anson Scheele. By lap nine, Dillon made his move, taking the lead and never looking back for his second straight win.
Scheele, who led much of the race with smooth, consistent riding, refused to let Dillon pull away easily. He kept the pressure on until the checkered flag, earning a hard-fought second-place finish. Meanwhile, Cameron Cole delivered a breakout performance, settling into third early in the race and holding steady to claim his first podium of the season.
Cottew Repeats atop Bikeman Performance Pro AM Women’s Podium.
The Pro AM Women’s class featured another dominant performance by defending champion Malene Cottew, who secured her second consecutive win in commanding fashion. Leading from start to finish, Cottew extended her lead in the points standings with an impressive 14-second margin of victory.
Inanna Hauger continued her strong form, finishing second and solidifying her presence as a top contender. Meanwhile, McKaylee Meyerhofer delivered a standout performance, earning her first podium of the season with a hard-fought third-place finish, successfully holding off a late charge from Cerissa Blessum.
Lieders Lands Second Straight Thomas and Sport Pro AM Plus 30 Win
The Pro AM Plus 30 class showcased elite racing as multi-time champion Andy Lieders delivered a flawless performance, leading from start to finish to claim victory. Following his round two win in Ironwood, Lieders now sits atop the points standings.
Tyler Ooman extended his impressive podium streak to three with a strong second-place finish, emerging from a tight battle with Brian Peterson. Peterson, the round one winner, fought his way from a seventh-place start to secure third, capping off an exciting night of high-caliber racing in this competitive class.
A Determined Duffy Takes Win in FXR Sport Class
The Sport Lite class action heated up at Canterbury, where Kamden Duffy rebounded from a tough opening weekend to dominate round three. Duffy led the race from start to finish, securing a commanding victory over points leader Dylan Lebel.
Fresh off a round-two win in Michigan, Lebel kept the pressure on and crossed the line in second place. Meanwhile, Esaias Sokki delivered an impressive performance, charging from a seventh-place start to claim third with a late-race surge, marking his second podium of the season.
Knudson Keeps Rollin in Pflipsen Trucking Sport Lite
The Sport Lite class delivered thrilling snocross action, headlined by Tavin Knudson’s dominance. Knudson, the points leader, swept the weekend in Ironwood and extended his winning streak with a third consecutive victory in Shakopee.
AJ Skogquist, building on a third-place finish in Ironwood, stepped up with a strong second-place effort in Shakopee. Colin Taggard provided one of the most exciting storylines of the race, charging from an eighth-place start to claim his first podium of the season with a hard-earned third.
Rox Speed FX Stock 200: Under the lights, points leader Henry Dillon took control on lap one and never looked back, adding another win to his Round 1 victory. Tessa Naastad and Lincoln Skar battled to second and third, completing an exciting podium finish.
1911 Beef Transition 9-13: Round one winner Ryder Hayes dominated the Transition 9-13 final, leading from start to finish. Tyson Kielman, round two’s victor, battled his way from a sixth-place start to claim second with two laps to go. Hayes and Kielman, tied in points coming into Shakopee, delivered thrilling performances going 1-2. Ryan Shimanski earned his first podium of the season with a solid third-place finish.
Hayward Power Sports Junior 14-15: Points leader and round two winner Tavin Knudson secured another victory, taking the lead on lap two from holeshot winner and round one victor Carter Vanhorsigh. Zach Miller rounded out the podium in third, marking his second consecutive top-three finish.
SPEEDWERX Transition 8-10: Round 2 winner Travis Bellerive claimed another victory in dominating fashion, winning by a 12-second margin. Bellerive took control of the race on lap two after Jack Gelinas grabbed the holeshot and eventually finished second. Holden Kuhn put on an impressive charge, moving up from a sixth-place start to secure third.
Next Stop: The AMSOIL Championship Snocross series heads to Shakopee, Minnesota, for the U.S. Air Force Snocross National at Canterbury Park on January 1-11, 2025. Don’t miss the action-packed weekend as the best racers in the world battle it out under the lights in one of the season’s most iconic events!
About ISOC: The International Series of Champions (ISOC), headquartered in Albertville, Minnesota, owns and operates both AMSOIL Championship Off-Road and AMSOIL Championship Snocross. ISOC is dedicated to delivering premier racing events that captivate motorsport enthusiasts nationwide. For detailed information about events, schedules, and updates, visit www.champoffroad.com or www.snocross.com.