Ekre, Christensen Share Wins At USCC Warroad Simons Wins FXR Pro 600 Points

Minto, ND (March 14, 2011) - The USCC National Guard Cross-Country Snowmobile Championship Seven Clans Casino race in Warroad, Minn., was treated to winter's last gasp of frigid weather with temperatures in the single digits and cold wind that cut through racers and spectators. An event that usually sees balmy Spring temperatures, the wintry blast made for snowmobile racing that was more reminiscent of January than March. And the Arctic front almost left one racer stranded far from the race and his points title chase.

Both days featured a 13-mile course that included lake, field, treeline and swampy areas. The course was somewhat unpredictable partly because of the 40-degree temps the area had the week leading up to the race changed the nature of the snow. Bumpy areas developing in the midst of otherwise smooth sections and many turns had sharp-edged braking bumps leading into them. The whole thing added up to a challenging courses both days for the racers.

Aaron Christensen held the lead in Arctic Cat Pro Open and sat in second in FXR Pro 600 points headed into Saturday's Warroad 75, but a run-in with a semi on a highway near Winnipeg left his rig in the ditch. He got pulled out and made it to the race literally just in time to race the six-lap, 88-mile FXR Pro 600 race at Saturday's Seven Clans Warroad 75 event. Christensen completed the six laps just over a second faster than second place Arctic Cat riders Ryan Simons. Simons held a 13-point lead over Christensen going into the event and with the win Christensen gained six points on him making for a seven-point difference going into Sunday's Warroad 100.

Sunday was similar to Saturday as far as weather, but the results in the FXR Pro 600 class were much different, with Arctic Cat rider D.J. Ekre taking the win in the class. He was backed up by Arctic Cat riders Ryan Huston and Simons. Christensen, who needed to finish ahead of Simons to have any chance to win the points, finished in 5th place making the FXR Pro 600 points winner Simons.

Bobby Menne IV won the AMSOIL Semi-Pro Improved class both days while Arctic Cat racers Ryan Greening and Spencer Kadlec traded wins in the Ski-Doo Semi-Pro 600 class.

Next up for the USCC is the awards banquet at Chase On The Lake in Walker, Minn., April 16, 2011. Racers and teams are encouraged to attend as there will be a meeting concerning the USCC's racing direction for the 2012 season. 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 or media information contact Jim Urquhart: jimu@usccracing.com.

Click for complete race results: USCC Seven Clans Warroad 75 USCC Seven Clans Warroad 100