Elk River, MN (March 22, 2015) – The 2015-2016 Amsoil Championship Snocross season has come to a close upon the conclusion of the Nielsen’s Snocross Grand Finale in Lake Geneva, Wis. 2016 bestowed upon Carlson Moto a season of challenges and learning curves sprinkled with small successes for both Ryan Springer and Andrew Carlson. The inaugural Pro Open season for Springer and Carlson has ultimately equipped both riders with knowledge and experience that are sure to strengthen their 2016-2017 performances.
A crowd of race teams flocked to the Carlson Moto pit area for the annual Carlson Moto fish fry. Brand colors and party lines were set aside for an hour-long feast of team owner Chris Carlson’s famous walleye and shrimp fry. The fish fry has historically been a way for teams to come together and commemorate the Amsoil Championship Snocross season and kick off the weekend of season finale racing in scenic Lake Geneva.
Lake Geneva was no exception to a long, rocky season of challenges for Springer, who was unable to start Friday’s LCQ due to an injury sustained in round two. As a result, he did not race for the remainder of the weekend. Springer’s rookie season in the Pro Open class has been a series of one step forward and two steps back. Still a fresh face to the national tour, Springer took home back-to-back championships in the Sport class (2013-2014) and Pro Lite (2014-2015) divisions. Though this season has been a bumpy road, the 541 rider has the drive to do well in Pro Open.
Carlson was fortunate enough to finish his season in good health in a season where top riders were dropping like flies due to injuries. Carlson celebrated two top-10 finishes on the ISOC ACS tour as well as a podium at Red Bull’s Snow Boundaries at ERX Motor Park.
“I would have liked my season to go better than it did,” Carlson said. “I feel that I learned a lot in my rookie season in Pro Open, but I don’t believe my results showed the improvements that I have made. I am looking to head into next year being better prepared for Pro Open.”
Carlson and Springer finish the season just outside of the top-10, each with multiple top-10 feature finishes. “We’re battling the best of the best,” Team Owner, Chris Carlson said. “We’re fighting for spots in the final. It’s a humbling change, but we’re excited to charge forward, learn, adapt and get stronger.”
You can relive Friday of Neilsen’s Snocross Grand Finale on CBS Sports Network March 27 at 10am, followed by Saturday’s racing on April 3 at 10am. On Demand coverage will be available online after these times at Snocross.com/On-Demand.
To stay sharp for next season, both riders have plans to stay active in their racing careers. Carlson will return to TORC: The Off-Road Championship Series for his second year of Pro Lite truck racing in just a few short weeks. After landing a podium and a handful of podium near-misses last year, Carlson has what it takes to be a force to be contended with in the Pro Lite class in 2016.
Carlson Moto would like to give a special thanks to their world-class sponsors and fans for their unwavering support during their season of learning and building.