Press Release –
Warnert Racing concluded a successful 2006-2007 WPSA PowerSports Snowmobile Tour campaign with impressive statistics and consistent results.
Earning five victories and an impressive 20 podiums, the factory BRP/Ski-Doo “Super Team” is ready to continue its success as it joins the WPSA’s tough QuadTerrain Challenge class in the PowerSports ATV Tour next month.
“This has been an exciting season both on and off the track,” said team co-owner Mark Warnert. “The team worked hard this year, fighting through every challenge thrown at them. Success was our goal this season, and I think our statistics show we exceeded that. But the statistics don’t tell the entire story. We helped BRP introduce its new Open sled this season, and though the machine was completely new from the ground up, it performed flawlessly. We’re extraordinarily pleased.”
Leading the Warnert squad this season was French Canadian phenom Mathieu Morin. Morin (No. 27 XP-S/Ski-Doo), in his first full season as a Pro, ran consistently, netting a victory and three overall podiums in the Pro Classes. The Val-Dor, Quebec native finished ninth and 10th, respectively, in Pro Open and Pro Stock points.
“The season went well on many levels,” said Morin, who competed in just the Pro Stock class last season. “This was my first experience running both Pro classes, so I’m very happy with my success this year. At the beginning of the season, I had a rough start. I had trouble in qualifying. Then, once we got to the mid-season, I picked it up in qualifying and it began working out. This will certainly give me a strong foundation on which to build next season.”
Steve Martin (No. 18 Dodge Trucks/Ski-Doo) fought an ankle injury for much of the season. However, the Evanston, Wyo. resident will begin his training program immediately and looks forward to next season. Martin, who recorded one podium finish this season, finished 12th in Pro Open points and ninth in the Pro Stock standings.
“We were really consistent all year in qualifying and the finals,” said Martin. “We had a really good mechanic this year, and the sleds were some of the best I’ve ever ridden. I sprained my ankle at X Games, and that really slowed me down. It’s still not completely healed, so it’s been a tough go. I’m looking forward to next year.”
Aaron Christensen (No. 10 Evinrude/Ski-Doo) spent much of the season on the sidelines with injuries. Christensen finished 25th in Pro Open and 23rd in Pro Stock despite missing most of the races this year.
“The season started off well, then I got hurt before Christmas,” said Christensen. “I came back at Canterbury, and I was quite happy there. My arm isn’t 100%; the muscle mass is down. Yet, I’m pretty happy with how things went. I’m going to run my regular program in the off-season: working in my family’s shop, fixing four wheelers and doing some dirt biking.”
Warnert Racing shined in the Semi-Pro Classes, with Katejun Coonishish (No. 101 DooTalk.com/Ski-Doo) leading the way. Coonishish netted three victories and nine overall podiums. He finished the season eighth in Pro Open and fourth in Pro Stock.
“The season, overall, went quite well,” said Coonishish, from Ouje-Bougoumou, Quebec. “Winning races, and consistent podiums always make for a fun year. We were pleased to welcome new sponsor DooTalk.com. Their support is extraordinarily appreciated. We’re ready to take it to the next level next season.”
Zach Pattyn (No. 99 Torco/Ski-Doo) also had a productive season in Semi-Pro.
“This was a learning season for me, and from that perspective, I’m very pleased,” said Pattyn. “The Semi-Pro classes are very competitive year after year, and they provide the perfect place for racers trying to move up. I learned a lot this year, and I’m ready to put that experience to work next season.”
Jake Erickson (No. 188 XP-S/Ski-Doo) also used the Semi-Pro classes to hone his skills.
“Though the statistics don’t show it, we had a great season,” said Erickson. “I’m extremely pleased with my results. Gaining experience is the key in Semi-Pro, and I am pleased with all I have learned this year.”
Seventeen-year-old Nathanial Bosum (No. 789 XP-S/Ski-Doo) was a star in the Sport Classes this year. The Ouje-Bougoumou racer recorded one win and seven podiums on the season.
“What a great season,” exclaimed Bosum. “We were in the hunt every weekend, and you really can’t ask for anything more. My team gave me the best equipment every race, and our consistency showed.”
Warnert Racing announced recently that it has signed Josh and Kyle Pallin. The pair will compete in the Tour’s Sport Classes, beginning next season. Josh, 18, and Kyle, 15, have an impressive record of podiums and victories on both the Tour’s Regional and National circuits. Both are from Ironwood, Mich.
Warnert Racing will return to action this summer, competing in the WPSA’s PowerSports ATV Tour, as well as the AMA GNCC Series as BRP/Can-Am’s factory team.
