May 9, 2008
The new International Series of Champions (ISOC) race circuit is expected to pick up where the World PowerSports Association (WPSA) dropped out, but officials want to do more than sanction snocross races. It hopes to reduce the financial strain for racers and support snowmobiling.
According to the proposal ISOC submitted to snowmobile manufacturers and race teams, the circuit’s National tour will likely travel to familiar sites in Duluth, Minnesota; Vernon, New York; and Shakopee, Minnesota. A regional tour will run in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.
WPSA sanctioned a regional circuit, too, but ISOC calls for its grassroots racing program to follow a financial “break-even” format. The regional tour will maximize cash payback to racers and minimize the cost of competition, according to the proposal. The regional tour hopes to drive up racer entries by giving riders more seat time.
To promote snowmobiling and increase sled traffic in select areas that host National events, the circuit will offer free admission to fans who ride their sled to races. The proposal says at least five National races will support the “Ride To” campaign.
Gate discounts might be extended to snowmobile club members. The circuit is working with snowmobile associations to host youth snowmobile safety certification classes in conjunction with National races.
The ISOC is led by John Daniels, who ran a cross-country circuit in the 1990s under the same banner. He is producer of Fox Sports Net television show Sledhead 24/7 and has been involved with snowmobile race promotion on the United States Cross-Country circuit for the past two seasons. ISOC’s proposal was accepted this week by several factory-backed race teams including Scheuring Speed Sports, Warnert Racing and Christian Brothers Racing. Officials hope to gain financial support from manufacturers later this month.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
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