The 2006/2007 season will look much different for the CSRA with at least 5 front row Pro drivers switching circuits or leaving the game. Plus there’s a huge list of injured Sport, Semi-Pro and Pro drivers who may or may not return.
CSRA Pro Champion Ian Hayden made the move to Blair Morgan Racing to show he can qualify and compete with the WPSA Pro class. Hayden’s mechanic Wayne Legg will now have some big shoes to fill since BMR’s top wrench Garth Gordon headed to the new WPSA Boss Racing/Yamaha team.
From the WPSA to the CSRA comes X-Games Gold Medalist Mike Island piloting a Polaris wrenched by former Team Supertrax mechanic Tim George. George brings with him years of sno-cross experience and is sure to give Island a top notch ride. Island dropped from the WPSA’s top ranks after his X-Games win and will need to train hard to be competitive on his new Polaris.
Peter Raymer – known for big air, hard landings and iron-fisted determination will return after a devastating off at the end of last season which resulted in a broken leg. Word has it he’s been eating his Wheaties and is ready for the CSRA Pro class. As long as injuries don’t affect his riding you’ll see big things from him in ’06/’07.
Pulling off an early season event at Searchmont has always been risky for the CSRA. If it snows in time, it may be minimal which means a smaller track. However this may not concern many considering the size of the track used at the WPSA season opener at Spirit Mountain.
As Searchmont is the first race of the season it’s hard to pass judgment even after the checkered flag has fallen.
Most teams will be working out mechanical bugs well into the second and third race weekends and racers will be adjusting to their new saddles. Whatever happens, we’ll be here to keep you updated.
By: AJ Lester
AJ Lester is a full-time Editor and test rider for Supertrax International, North America’s #1 Snowmobile Enthusiast Publication. AJ began racing Sno-X when he was eleven. During his ten year career he amassed multiple National and Regional Championships, scoring a record 26 Semi-Pro National victories in the 2002/2003 season. AJ’s years of experience ensure his often humorous opinions on everything from racing rules to trail sled performance and handling tips are both credible and insightful.
