Aurora, MN (January 9, 2012) Robbie Malinoski continues to be the most consistent rider in the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series Pro Open division, earning a pair of second place finishes and climbing into third in the overall standings, just three points out of the number two spot. After a one-year hiatus, the series returned to the crown jewel event of snocross racing, Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota and the riders and fans made it clear that this is the place to stake your claim. Over 22,000 spectators filed into the equestrian gaming facility, lining up well after the opening ceremonies, to take part in one of the most epic weekends of snocross racing, maybe ever.
Malinoski and rookie pro teammate Darrin Mees were part of a four way battle for the win on Friday night, when it appeared Mees may have a shot at his first class victory. Unfortunately, Mees became a victim of the chaotic pace and dismounted as the while flag was being displayed. In the closing laps Malinoski locked in the number two spot and gained valuable points on the class leaders. Mees was able to maintain a sixth place finish which also kept his consistent string of races intact.
Saturday night saw top qualifier Malinoski race to an early four second lead in the Pro Open final. He kept the point for over half of the main event before being challenged by reigning series champion Tucker Hibbert. The two raced nose to tail before Hibbert made his way by, however, Malinoski reloaded and made one last attempt to retake the lead. With two laps to go Robbie briefly worked under the leader but was unable to get clear and finished second.
Mees, riding injured from the previous night’s crash, surprised everyone with his ability to work through the pain, scoring a fifth on the night to retain his solid lock on that same position in the season standings.
With absolutely no snow on the ground in the Twin Cities metro area and daytime temperatures in the upper 40’s, winter sports enthusiasts had only one option to get their snowmobiling fix and rounds 5 and 6 were just the ticket. At one point during Saturday’s final, over 300,000 fans had logged onto the live stream of the event.
The series now takes a three week break before rounds 7 and 8 in Farmington, New York, however, the team will be hard at it in preparation for the non-
sanctioned AMSOIL World Championship Snocross in Eagle River, Wisconsin, on January 20-22.
Television coverage:
NBC Sports – Sunday February 5 – 5 p.m. EDT
Free live streaming @ xsan.tv