SALAMANCA — Unpredictable weather had been the main story for most of the winter, but it was the last thing on the minds of racer, organizers and attendees at last week’s AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series at the Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino.
In the days leading up to Snocross weekend, high temperatures and lack of snowfall were forgotten as snowmakers churned out millions of gallons of freezing water for the track. By Friday night, temperatures in the twenties led to perfect conditions for racers and spectators alike.
“The weather, I guess, was the most difficult part, but the track was still great,” said Carl Schubitzke, president and race director of ISOC Racing, which oversees the series. “Each year you do the event, it gets a little easier because you learn what works and what doesn’t. I think overall it went well.”
Although there was racing action all day on Friday and Saturday, with participants ranging in genders, ages and experience levels, the main Pro Open features — the event’s top attraction — saw wins from Tim Tremblay, as well as Tucker Hibbert, arguably the sport’s most recognizable star.
In the racing action on Friday, series’ point leader Tremblay took the win in the Pro Open feature after teammate Lincoln Lemieux, who dominated the majority of the race, crashed with less than 10 laps to go. The crash put Lemieux out for the season with a shoulder injury, according Schubitzke.
In the second night of racing on Saturday, Hibbert — who had won all eight races held in Salamanca until Friday — took first, his 125th professional win.
“The track was a little bit smaller, but it honestly was great for racing,” Schubitzke said. “I wish it was a little warmer on Friday, but I hear it is raining this week so I can’t really complain.”
The event was livestreamed online during both days, but also recorded by the CBS Sports Network. Those interested in watching the series’ visit to Salamanca can watch the event tape-delayed on that channel.
Action from Feb. 3 will be shown on CBS Sports Network on Feb. 19 at 11 a.m. and Feb. 4 races will be shown Feb. 26 at 11 a.m.
The series’ visit to Salamanca was the fifth of eight stops for the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series for the 2016-17 season. The next stop is in Mt. Pleasant, Mich. on Feb. 24 and 25 before heading to Iowa and ending the season in Wisconsin in mid-March.
Schubitzke said he thought the racing was great both nights, but was more amazed at the crowd, adding that “the amount of people and the enthusiasm from them” is consistently one of the biggest highlights of coming to Salamanca.
“The number of participants and racers was up this year and there were more spectators as well,” he said. “They are enthusiastic and energetic. It’s always fun and that makes the whole event a lot better. It has a great atmosphere there and you notice it as soon as you arrive.”
Official attendance figures for this year’s event are expected to be released later this week.
ISOC Racing is still in an agreement with the Seneca Gaming Corporation to return in 2018 with the event falling back one weekend to Feb. 9 and 10, Schubitzke said. He said Snocross is also looking to work with “a couple new, large partners” next year, but nothing is certain yet.
Schubitzke added that the event and venue are great thanks to everyone involved, including the Seneca Allegany Casino.
“We are lucky to be working with them,” he said. “It is great to see the event still growing and hopefully we can continue that in future years. We are already looking forward to it.”
