Duluth, Minn. ~ The demanding track at Spirit Mountain challenged competitors throughout Saturday’s AMSOIL Championship Snocross action, becoming increasingly rough and technical as racing progressed. Riders faced constantly changing conditions, setting the stage for intense battles for podium spots and crucial championship points in front of a packed crowd.
Several titles were decided throughout the day, though the premier Pro class title had already been secured by Emil Harr on Friday night. Numerous other riders locked down their season-long championships, but the Pro Lite division remains up for grabs—just four points separate the top contenders heading into Championship Sunday’s final two rounds.
Lebel Charges to Late Lead in Triple Crown for Second win
Emil Harr had already officially defended his Pro class championship by sweeping Friday night’s action, but Saturday’s Triple Crown provided riders one more opportunity for bragging rights and momentum heading into the off-season. Harr appeared ready to dominate again, taking an impressive win in round one. However, the champion was unable to repeat that success in the following rounds, opening the door for fierce battles among the rest of the field.
Jordan Lebel quickly capitalized, grabbing a wire-to-wire victory in round two after finishing second behind Harr in the opener. His consistent riding placed him in the lead with just three points going into the decisive third round, with Daniel Benham (4-2) and Hunter Patenaude (3-3) locked in a tight battle behind him, each holding six points. In round three, Ryley Bester stormed out to an early lead, looking poised to play spoiler, but Lebel relentlessly chipped away and finally took the top spot on lap 13. He powered to his second overall win of the season and ended the night on the highest possible note.
“Just carrying momentum,” said Lebel on his Saturday success. “P-1 in qualifying and 2-1-1 in the Triple Crown rounds. I just felt good all around and had good starts and was consistent on the track.”
Benham continued his strong showing in Duluth, consistently quick off the line and adding another podium finish to his weekend after taking second place on Friday night. His steady 4-2-3 finishes earned him second overall on Saturday. Patenaude had to fight hard through traffic in the third round, eventually finishing fifth but securing third overall and his second podium of the season.
Dillon’s Win Gains One Point Lead Over Scheele
The Pro Lite final on Saturday at Spirit Mountain delivered championship intensity, dramatic momentum swings, and late-race heroics. Entering the day, Anson Scheele held a slim four-point edge over rival Crayden Dillon, while rookie Cameron Cole aimed for his fourth consecutive victory. Cole took command early, grabbing the holeshot and holding off Dylan Lebel and Dillon through much of the race. However, disaster struck for Cole with just two laps remaining when his sled broke loose beneath him, abruptly ending his chance at extending the streak.
Dillon, charging methodically from eighth place, seized the opportunity and made a determined pass for the lead, securing his eighth win of the season.
“I came from the back row and passed everybody so we are hoping to keep that up tomorrow,” said Dillon. “I know I’m the fastest guy. I just need to stay on the sled.”
Lebel capitalized on Cole’s misfortune to take second place, an impressive result in only his second career Pro Lite race. Cole quickly remounted to finish third, while Scheele settled for fourth after earning two important qualifying points. With the victory, Dillon took over the championship points lead by a single point, setting up a thrilling showdown with Scheele in Sunday’s final round.
Cottew Clinches Fifth Title in Winning Style
After a restart in Saturday’s Pro AM Women’s final, Malene Cottew wasted no time taking control, moving past holeshot winner Ava McCurdy on the first full lap and never looking back. The dominant ride marked Cottew’s 11th win of the season and sealed her fifth career Pro AM Women’s championship, adding to her legacy as one of the sport’s most successful racers.
Inanna Hauger continued her strong season with a determined charge into second, making the pass on McCurdy on lap four to claim her 13th podium of the year. McCurdy held steady in third to secure her seventh podium finish of the season, capping off another competitive round for the class on the demanding Spirit Mountain track.
Pallin Debuts with Pro AM Plus 30 Win
Former Pro class standout and fan favorite award winner Kyle Pallin made a surprise return to the track on Saturday in the Pro AM Plus 30 class, dusting off his sled and delivering a standout performance in Duluth. Pallin challenged longtime rival and points leader Andy Lieders early, made the pass for the lead, and powered to the win in his first and only race of the season.
Lieders, a veteran of the sport and respected figure in the Snocross community, finished second in what marked the final race of his long and successful career. The runner-up result was enough to clinch the season championship, a fitting ending for a rider who has been a consistent force in the class. Brian Peterson made a strong late-race charge to take third and close out the podium on an emotional and memorable night at Spirit Mountain.
Duffy Stands Back On Top of FXR Sport Podium
With Dylan Lebel having already secured the FXR Sport championship in Eagle River and making his Pro Lite debut this weekend, the door was open for others to shine in Saturday’s Sport class final. Kamden Duffy took full advantage, jumping out front early and never looking back to claim his third win of the season with a wire-to-wire performance.
Tanner Johnson continued his impressive late-season run, finishing second to extend his runner-up podium streak to five straight races since returning from missing the New York rounds. Jacob Begin delivered a standout ride of his own, charging up from 10th at the start to finish third and earn his first podium of the season.
Skogquist Stars in Saturday’s Sport Lite Final
Wyatt Skogquist is closing out the season strong in the Pflipsen Trucking Sport Lite class, grabbing his second win in the last three rounds with a start-to-finish effort on Saturday. It didn’t come easy, though—Jimmy Stanisich kept the pressure on the entire race and finished just .376 seconds behind at the line in one of the closest battles of the day.
Colin Taggart fought through early traffic to claim third, earning his eighth podium finish of the season and maintaining his consistent presence at the front of the field. Just behind him, Tavin Knudson crossed the line in fourth, a finish that was more than enough to officially secure the Sport Lite season championship.
Rox Speed FX Stock 200: Henry Dillon dominated the Stock 200 class on Saturday, leading from start to finish and securing his fifth win of the season. Lincoln Skar secured the runner-up position, clinching the points championship ahead of close competitors Tessa Naastad and Dillon. Russell Walsh delivered an impressive ride, advancing from sixth place and moving into third with two laps remaining to earn his second podium finish of the year.
ROX SPEED FX CHAMP 120: Deegan Giguere led the Champ 120 final from start to finish on Saturday, earning his second win of the season and pulling into a tie with Kody Krantz for third overall in the final standings. Lincoln Skar set the fastest lap of the race and secured second place—his fifth podium of the season—edging out Krantz by just .001 of a second at the line. Henry Dillon finished fourth, a result that was enough to officially clinch the season championship.
1911 Beef Transition 9-13: Isaac Otto continued his late-season momentum in the Transition 9-13 class, capturing his second straight victory with a wire-to-wire win in Duluth on Saturday. Otto, who earned his first career podium and win in the previous round at Eagle River, is peaking just in time to finish the year strong. Tyson Kielman delivered another consistent ride, finishing second for his fourth podium of the season. Ryder Hayes charged from ninth place at the start to finish third, clinching the class championship after entering the weekend with a comfortable 92-point lead.
SPEEDWERX TRANSITION 8-10: The Transition 8-10 class continued its tight championship battle on Saturday, with Jack Gelinas keeping his title hopes alive by extending his podium streak and grabbing a wire-to-wire win. Gelinas is working to erase an 18-point deficit to Travis Bellerive, who maintained his lead in the standings with a solid second-place finish. Holden Kuhn started fourth and advanced to third, earning his fourth consecutive podium as the season heads into its final round.
PETE Transport LLC Junior 10-13: Tyson Kielman started the Junior 10-13 final in fourth but quickly found his rhythm, charging forward to earn his second victory of the season. Colden Harnois grabbed the holeshot and maintained pressure on Kielman throughout, securing his second podium finish of the year in second place. Jackson Goike navigated through heavy traffic to earn third place, claiming his first podium of the season. Meanwhile, Ryder Hayes finished eighth but accumulated enough points to clinch the Junior 10-13 championship.
Woodies Racing Junior Girls 9-13: Points leader Avery Hemmer unofficially clinched the Junior Girls 9-13 championship after another stellar performance, staying perfect on the season with her tenth consecutive victory. After taking control of the race on the second lap, Hemmer never looked back, demonstrating the skill and consistency that have defined her impressive campaign.
Eleanor Schmidt showcased her speed by grabbing the holeshot and providing strong competition to Hemmer, ultimately earning her ninth runner-up finish of the season. Meanwhile, Charlie Buteau secured her fourth podium of the year by finishing third.
Hayward Power Sports Junior 14-15: Zach Miller capped off the Junior 14-15 season with a breakthrough performance, leading from start to finish to earn his first win of the year in Saturday’s finale. Cody Moras, also chasing his first victory, kept the pressure on throughout the race and settled for a strong second-place finish. Carter vanHorsigh held off Bryce Powers in a close battle for third, securing both the final podium spot and second place in the overall season standings. Class champion Tavin Knudson had already clinched the title on Friday and did not race in the finale.
Next Stop: The final day of the racing for the 2024-2025 AMSOIL Championship Snocross season takes place Sunday, April 6th at Spirit Mountain in Duluth, Minn.
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.