Valcourt, Quebec ~ Day two of the AMSOIL Championship Snocross at the Grand Prix de Ski-Doo Valcourt in Valcourt, Quebec, delivered a thrilling spectacle as riders tackled a massive track built for big air and high-stakes competition. Deep ruts, towering jumps, and tight corners pushed every competitor to their limits, setting the stage for a shake-up in the standings.
The defending Pro champ showed his resilience, climbing the ladder with each lap and proving why he remains a force to be reckoned with. Meanwhile, a rising Pro Lite star made his mark, finding his rhythm and charging up the rankings against a stacked field of young talent. In the Women’s division, dominance continued to be the name of the game, as the five-time champion once again showcased her superior speed and skill, leaving her rivals in the snow-drenched wake of her sled.
With momentum building and championship aspirations on the line, the AMSOIL Championship Snocross season is proving to be one for the record books, with Valcourt setting the stage for an explosive finish.
Harr Edges Lebel in Tiebreaker to Sweep Valcourt Weekend
The battle for the AMSOIL Pro class top spot intensified on Sunday at the Grand Prix de Ski-Doo Valcourt, as Emil Harr and Jordan Lebel traded blows in a thrilling showdown.
The local favorite, Lebel, was eager to rebound after a near-podium miss on Saturday. He was dominant early, winning the first two rounds with authority. But the defending champion Harr stayed consistent, finishing 3-2 before stepping up in the third and final round. With Lebel aiming for a clean sweep, Harr delivered under pressure, taking the round three win and forcing a tie in overall points. By virtue of his victory in the final race, Harr claimed the overall win, completing a weekend sweep and further strengthening his grip on the points lead.
“Of course, I want to win, but I also want to stay consistent. And that’s the way it was today,” said Harr. “It’s hard to stay consistent all of the time, but I am happy with the win, and it’s amazing. The track here in Canada has been amazing all week. It’s a completely different layout than what we are used to.”
While Harr’s victory wasn’t without challenge, his resilience paid off, earning him a 24-point lead in the standings over Lebel, who settled for second overall.
Meanwhile, Oskar Norum’s steady performance (2-5-6) secured him third place, marking his second podium in three rounds. With Harr emerging as the points leader but facing stiff competition, the championship race remains wide open as the season heads into its next rounds, with a full return expected from five-time champion Elias Ishoel.
Freeland Breaks Through for First Career Pro Lite Victory in Valcourt
Sunday’s Anderson’s Maple Syrup Pro Lite final in Valcourt saw a new name rise to the top as Drew Freeland powered his way to his first career victory. With Saturday night’s winner, Crayden Dillon sidelined due to illness and unable to advance to the final, the door was wide open for a shake-up in the standings.
Rookie standout Brandon Nelson, the fastest qualifier, set the early pace, but Freeland found another gear in the second half of the race. On lap eight, he made a decisive move past Nelson and never looked back, charging to the checkered flag and cementing his place among the series’ rising stars.
“It was a rough track out there; it’s an amazing track,” said Freeland. “At about the halfway point, I decided it was time to make a move. I got on the inside and made the pass for the lead, and I just tried to hold my own and put in good laps.”
Behind Freeland, round four winner Tyler Archambault mounted an impressive late-race push, clawing his way from sixth on the grid to a strong runner-up finish. Adam Ashline kept his momentum going with a solid third-place run, securing his second podium of the season.
With Dillon’s absence in the final, Anson Scheele capitalized on the opportunity, leaving Canada with the red plate and a ten-point championship lead over Dillon, while Freeland’s breakthrough win moved him to 18 points back in the standings.
Cottew Shows Strength and Speed in Valcourt Sweep
Malene Cottew continued her dominant run in the Bikeman Performance Pro AM Women’s class at the Grand Prix de Ski-Doo Valcourt, completing a weekend sweep with another commanding victory on Sunday. After receiving her first-place trophy on Saturday from legendary rider Meghan Brodeur, Cottew backed up the honor with a flawless performance, showcasing both her speed and endurance on the demanding track. She extends her championship lead with her fourth straight win, solidifying her status as the rider to beat in the division.
“That sled has been ripping all weekend. She’s just been a beast out there,” said Cottew. “Get a good hole shot and just kind of see clear out there and do my thing.”
Behind Cottew, the battle for second mirrored Saturday’s intense showdown between Inanna Hauger and Cerissa Blessum. Blessum once again held the position early, but Hauger found her rhythm late, making another strong push to reclaim second place. Their back-and-forth fight kept fans on the edge of their seats, but the final result remained unchanged, with Hauger finishing runner-up and Blessum rounding out the podium in third.
Next Stop:The AMSOIL Championship Snocross series heads back to the United States with the Seneca Allegany Snocross National in Salamanca, N.Y. on February 21-22.
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.