New class, new venues on tap in 2018 for ECS Conx2share Series,
Presented by Woody’s Traction and FXR
CLARKSBURG, Mass. (Sept. 22, 2017) – An exciting new class for youth racers and a new venue in Maine are among the changes ahead in 2018, as officials at East Coast Snocross (ECS) prepare to usher the sport into a new era.
Leading the list of positive changes emerging during the off-season is a new 200cc class for young racers. This class will be based on the exciting new Arctic Cat ZR200 and Yamaha Sno-Scoot models introduced late last winter. Riders ages 6-12 will run Stock, ages 7-16 can run Improved Stock.
These sleds are the perfect transition between 120cc sleds and a full-size snowmobile. They’ve got ample suspension and great power, ideal for the kids who’ve outgrown a 120 but aren’t quite ready for the Junior classes.
“I think the industry is right on target with this new little sled,” series owner Kurt Gagne said. “Initial response to the concept for this class has been very positive. I think it fills a big void and can enhance our youth program a great deal. It isn’t just the big sleds that are improving today.”
Among other topics that generated a buzz over the off-season was the industry-wide decision to eliminate highly-modified sleds from sanctioned snocross competition. Starting in 2018, Pro Open will be contested on essentially stock sleds, with a few minor modifications.
“The changes in Pro Open have created quite a reaction in our sport,” Gagne added. “A lot of guys think Mod sleds were great, but it wasn’t a level playing field. Big money teams controlled the results, but the new rules mean every rider will be on equal equipment. Now, it will be more about rider skill, team chemistry and smart tuning.”
After a three-year run at Bass Park in Bangor, Maine, the series will now move to a new venue not far from Maine’s Queen City. Speedway 95, a 1/3-mile asphalt oval located in nearby Hermon, will host the series for the first time on Jan. 27-28, 2018.
“We gave it an honest try at Bass Park, but attendance never quite met our expectations for that market area,’ Gagne explained. “We felt a change was needed, and Speedway 95 has a long tradition of hosting great races of all kinds. I hope Maine race fans will come out to enjoy the thrills of snocross.”
Among other sites on the 2018 schedule is the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, New York. After two years of trying with no luck due to poor weather, we hope the third time’s the charm on March 2-3. Central New York is big snowmobile country, and fans should respond if weather permits.
East Coast Snocross will aso return to the beautiful Mount Southington ski area on Mar.17-18.
“We had an excellent debut at Mount Southington and can’t wait to get back there,” Gagne said. “It’s a great facility run by very nice people. Race fans welcomed us with open arms in Connecticut, and we have several riders who call the Nutmeg State home. We’ll race “under the lights” on Saturday night and during the day on Sunday. It sure will feel good to get back there in 2018.”
More events on the 2018 ECS schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. Any active snowmobile club, state association or community organization interested in hosting a sanctioned snocross event may contact Kurt Gagne via email at [email protected].
All experienced/high-performance trail riders interested in giving snocross a try or getting their children involved in a safe, family-oriented sport should contact the ECS office as soon as possible.
The East Coast Snocross Conx2share Series, presented by Woody’s Traction and FXR, is an ISR-affiliated sanctioning body for snowmobile racing in the northeastern United States. ECS maintains a regional circuit intended to keep grass-roots snocross racing healthy while also cultivating new talent for tomorrow’s factory-backed national Pro teams.