Simonson Station Stores Grand Cities 100 Next Up For USCC Cross-Country

Minto, ND (January 10, 2011) – What was supposed to be a double-header weekend for the United States Cross-Country Snowmobile Racing Association January 1-2 turned into a single, non-points race weekend when blizzards forced road closures in the Eastern North Dakota area. Though no points were earned at the Grafton 100, it set the stage for the USCC season with stiff competition and plenty of drama. The USCC heads to Grand Forks, North Dakota, for the Simonson Station Stores Grand Cities 100 on January 15. Originally scheduled for January 2, the postponed event will be the first points race on the USCC schedule.

Among the riders carrying momentum into Grand Forks will be Ross Erdman who is on a new team, RVP/Dootalk.com/Ski-Doo. Erdman set the fastest lap at Grafton, almost a full five seconds faster than anyone else. Christian Brothers Racing/Arctic Cat teammates Brian Dick and D.J. Ekre return as defending FXR Pro 600 and Arctic Cat Pro Open points champions respectively. Veteran USCC racer Gabe Bunke set fast lap in the Arctic Cat Pro Open class at Grafton but bad luck kept him from getting a good result. Last year’s Seven Clans 7-7-7 Challenge winner Aaron Christensen and Christian Brothers Racing/Arctic Cat fast guy Ryan Simons were both on the brink of winning the FXR Pro 600 race at Grafton before crashes dropped them back on the time sheets. Throw the 2010 Red Lake I-500 winner Dan Ebert, Grafton winner Corey Davidson and former Pro National snocross winner and X Games gold medalist Justin Tate in the mix and Grand Forks is set to be an intense weekend of cross-country racing.

The Simonson Station Stores Grand Cities 100 will be run in and around the city of Grand Forks. The course will consist of a challenging mix of ditch, river and woods running and with the amount of snow on hand it should get plenty rough.

“The Grand Forks race is unique in that it is run basically right in the middle of town,” said USCC President Pat Mach. “It’s a great opportunity for cross-country fans to see some great racing without having to travel too far.”

Fans will also be able to follow the race via the USCC’s online streaming broadcast by logging on to www.usccracing.com. Racers are encouraged to get their race entries in to the USCC office early.

2011 SIMONSON STATION STORES GRAND CITIES 100 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Click here to download a printable pdf of the schedule

COURSE: The course will consist of river, ditch and field terrain.

SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Racer entry forms due in USCC office. Forms can be submitted the following ways.
- Faxed to: 701-248-2029
- Mailed to: PO Box 273, Minto, ND 58261
- Emailed to: info@usccracing.com.

Friday, January 14, 2011
5:30-7:00 pm RACER CHECK IN AT THE LONG HAUL SALOON. The Long Haul is located at 4720 Gateway Drive in Grand Forks, ND.

Saturday, January 15th, 2011
6:30-7:45 am RACER CHECK-IN AT THE LONG HAUL SALOON
8:00-8:30 am PRE-TECH INSPECTION IN STAGING AREA
8:45 am MANDATORY DRIVERS MEETING at USCC Trailer
9:00 am PARADE LAP

RACE ORDER
9:45 am RACE 1 Pro Open/ Semi Pro Improved/Masters 40
10:30 am RACE 2 Vet 30/ Expert 85 Improved / Sport 600 Improved/ Legends 50
11:30 am RACE 3 Womens/Junior 14-17/ Junior 10-13/Vintage
12:30 pm RACE 4 Expert 85/ Sport 85
1:30 pm RACE 5 Sport 600/Trail/National Guard
2:30 pm RACE 6 Pro 600/Semi-Pro 600
5:00 pm AWARDS CEREMONY AT THE LONG HAUL SALOON

***120cc races start at appx. 12:00 pm on a separate course***

For more information about the USCC National Guard Cross-Country Snowmobile Racing Championship please visit www.usccracing.com.

The USCC racing circuit is entering its ninth year and is the largest cross-country snowmobile racing organization in North America. USCC has expanded with an Eastern circuit called USCC East. The USCC and USCC East hold races in six states including North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Maine and New Hampshire. Follow USCC on Facebook or visit www.usccracing.com for information, registration, news and race results. Contact USCC at: 701-248-2029. For sponsorship information contact Noel Schanilec: noel@usccracing.com. Media contact, Jim Urquhart: jimu@usccracing.com.