Under the lights at the legendary “Bullring” in Deadwood, S.D., AMSOIL Championship Snocross ignited its third weekend of racing with electrifying intensity. 

Friday night at the Days of ’76 rodeo grounds brought the thunder as fans filled the stands to witness the world’s best snocross riders tackle a tight, technical track that tested both skill and nerve. 

The U.S. Air Force Deadwood doubleheader brought forth a dramatic twist. A snocross legend returned to the very spot where a nasty crash once sidelined them and, this time, left triumphant, sealing an epic comeback story for the ages.

Elias Ishoel Triumphs in Dramatic AMSOIL Pro Triple Crown at Deadwood

The AMSOIL Pro Triple Crown in Deadwood was a night of high stakes and fierce competition, highlighted by the dramatic return of five-time champion Elias Ishoel. Back at the venue where a severe injury ended his season last year, Ishoel showed grit and determination as he faced off against defending champion Emil Harr in a battle that unfolded both on and off the track.

Harr struck first, winning round one, while Ishoel responded with a commanding victory in round two. Harr finished second in round two, while Ishoel placed third, keeping the competition tight. However, a post-race technical oversight by Harr after his round-one victory led to a disqualification, stripping him of crucial points. The DQ shifted the momentum in Ishoel’s favor, giving him a 2-1 advantage heading into the final round. With control of his third win of the season within reach, Ishoel finished second in round three behind Harr and battled through the memories of 2024.

“Last time I was here, I don’t remember leaving this place, so this one means a lot, of course,” said Ishoel. “It’s pretty sweet to get first place after the accident last year. It’s awesome to see that what we are doing works out to get the hole shot and get some space on the track.”

Jacob Yurk showcased remarkable consistency, finishing 3-4-3 across the three rounds to claim second overall, continuing his strong season. Gustav Sahlsten had his breakout performance of the year, delivering finishes of 4-5-6 to earn third overall and his first podium of the season. 

Harr, despite recovering with a win in the final round, could only manage 15th-place points from round one, finishing fourth overall.

Archambault Claims First Pro Lite Win of the Season

Tyler Archambault made a statement in the Pro Lite final, nailing the holeshot and taking an early lead that he would not relinquish. Archambault’s strong start vaulted him ahead of the pack, with Cameron Cole settling into second and Anson Scheele running third. Meanwhile, points leader and defending champion Crayden Dillon faced early drama as he worked to recover after tipping over his race sled in the opening laps.

The battle intensified on lap four when Scheele overtook Cole for second, setting his sights on Archambault. Scheele worked to close the gap as the race progressed, but Archambault remained composed, skillfully navigating through lapped traffic in the final laps to hold off Scheele’s charge. His performance secured Archambault his first victory of the season, a significant milestone in his Pro Lite campaign.

Cameron Cole rounded out the podium with a strong third-place finish, staying close to the leaders throughout the race. The competitive showdown in Deadwood showcased the depth of talent in the Pro Lite class. Archambault’s win and Dillon’s finishing outside the top ten added even more intrigue to the championship chase.

Cottew Charges to Victory in Bikeman Performance Pro AM Women Final

Defending champion Malena Cottew showcased her resilience and skill in the Pro-AM Women’s class, overcoming a third-place start to take the lead on lap six. Battling her way past Shakopee winner Inanna Hauger, Cottew cemented her place at the top with a commanding performance, adding another victory to her impressive resume.

Hauger, who led early in the race, finished second after a hard-fought duel with Cottew, proving she remains a strong contender in the championship hunt. Victoria Dillon also impressed, charging from a seventh-place start to secure a third-place finish, rounding out the podium with a determined ride. 

Lieders Stretches Streak to Four in Thomas Sno Sport Pro AM Plus 30 Victory

In the Pro AM Plus 30 class, Andy Lieders continued his dominant run with a wire-to-wire victory, securing his fourth straight win. The impressive performance extended his winning streak and propelled him to the top of the points standings. Brian Peterson, the previous points leader, faced a tough break when a mid-race crash left him two laps down and out of podium contention, opening the door for Lieders to take control of the championship battle.

Ryan Frank delivered a remarkable comeback, charging from an eighth-place start to claim second, showcasing his determination and skill on the track. Scott Doll rounded out the podium with a solid third-place finish.

Lebel Returns to the Top in FXR Sport

Round one winner Dylan Lebel reclaimed the spotlight in Deadwood with a dominant performance, leading the FXR Sport class from start to finish. Lebel’s flawless ride showcased his speed and control, solidifying his status as a top contender this season.

Behind him, Zak Farmer put on an impressive show, charging from a fifth-place start to engage in a thrilling second-half battle with Joni Komulainen. Farmer ultimately secured second place, while Komulainen claimed third, marking his first podium finish of the season. 

Knudson Extends Lead with Pflipsen Trucking Sport Lite Victory

Points leader Tavin Knudson delivered another commanding performance in the Sport Lite class, going wire-to-wire for the win. Although Wyatt Skogquist grabbed the holeshot, Knudson quickly established himself as the race leader, maintaining control after every lap to extend his points lead.

Skogquist put up an intense fight, finishing second with a solid ride that showcased his consistency. Colin Taggart was impressed with a determined charge from sixth place at the start to claim the final podium spot in third.

Rox Speed FX Stock 200: In the Stock 200 class, Lincoln Skar delivered a thrilling come-from-behind victory on Friday, climbing from a seventh-place start to take the lead from Beckem Pudwill on lap three. Skar’s win boosts him in the standings as the season heats up. Tessa Naastad secured second place with a strong ride, while Deegan Giquere charged from eighth to finish third, rounding out an action-packed race.

1911 Beef Transition 9-13: In the Transition 9-13 class, Ryder Hayes delivered a flawless performance, leading from start to finish to claim his third consecutive win. Charlie Lucas secured second place for the entirety of the race, earning his first podium of the season. Mason Broden, who set the fastest lap of the day, capped off the podium in third for his season debut in the top three.

Hayward Power Sports Junior 14-15: In the Junior 14-15 class, Tavin Knudson dominated from start to finish, earning t

he win and taking over the points lead. Cody Meras secured his second runner-up finish of the season, while Gavin Bault charged from sixth off the start to claim his second podium of the year in third.

SPEEDWERX Transition 8-10: In the 8-10 Transition class, points leader Travis Bellerive showcased his dominance, taking the lead on lap two and securing his fourth win of the season. Jack Gelinas continued his impressive streak with a fourth consecutive podium finish, claiming second place, while Holden Kuh rounded out the top three with his third straight podium performance.

Next Stop: The AMSOIL Championship Snocross series heads to Shakopee, Minnesota, for the U.S. Air Force Snocross National at Days of 76 Rodeo in Deadwood, S.D. on January 25, 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 series’ tightest tracks.

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 across the nation. For detailed information about events, schedules, and updates, visit www.champoffroad.com or www.snocross.com.