Feb 204 min read

Team LaVallee Ends Strong at Salamanca, New York Snocross 🏁

Tuesday, February 20, 2024 - The Snocross Series was excited to be back at the Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino in Salamanca, New York for Rounds 8 and 9. After a one yer hiatus, due to a mild winter in 2023 which led to the New York stop being cancelled, the race teams and riders were excited to be back to the Empire State. While the track size was smaller than we’ve seen in the past in New York, that did not stop the east coast race fans from packing the stands for the two-day national.

Round 8 Triple Crown Round 1

To kick things off on Friday, in Triple Crown Round 1, a stacked field of Pro riders lined up and were ready to put on a great show in New York. Through qualifying, Peterson and Bester were able to earn themselves great gate picks in the front row. As the green light went for the first Triple Crown race of the afternoon, both teammates ripped out of the gates and going into the first corner, Bester was pushed off the track and Peterson was sitting in 8th. As the clock was winding down in the 8 minute plus one lap final, Peterson continued to search for lines to pass on the small track. With two laps to go, a rider got around Peterson, finishing out in the 9th place spot, while Bester was able to move up and finish in 12th.

Triple Crown Round 2

As the Pro sleds lined up for Round 2, Peterson was in the front row and Bester in the back row. As the sleds roared off of the line and into the first corner, Peterson was pushed out and Bester was able to sneak his way into the top 5 going into the first corner. The small track conditions, sugary snow and getting mixed in with lappers were a challenge but Peterson and Bester pressed on throughout the 8 minute plus on lap final. As the checkered flags flew for Round 2, Peterson finished out in the 9th place spot and Bester in 11th

Triple Crown Round 3

For the final race of the night; Peterson ripped out of the gates on his Team LaVallee, Polaris, Red Bull sled and was pushed to the outside, while Bester, coming from the back row, was able to sneak through the field into the top 5. At about the halfway point, lappers and a couple yellow flags caused a challenging second half of the race. As the checkered flags flew, Peterson and Bester finished out beside one another, with Peterson finishing in the notable 8th place spot and Bester rounded out the weekend in 9th.

Pro Round 8 Overall: Peterson 10th and Bester 12th

Saturday Round 9 Triple Crown Round 1

After a tough previous day of racing, Peterson and Bester were looking for redemption on Saturday for Round 9. As the sleds lined up and as the green light went for the first Pro race on Saturday, Bester in the front row and Peterson in the back row, both riders were able to get out of the gates on the Team LaVallee, Polaris, Red Bull sleds and into the first corner within the top 5. As the race pressed on, Bester had contact with another rider, unfortunately pushing him back a few positions, while Peterson found a new gear and was pushing his sleds to the limits. As the checkered flags flew, Peterson finished out in the exciting 4th place spot and Bester rounded out in 10th.

Triple Crown Round 2

As the sleds lined up for Round 2 it was Peterson in the front row and Bester in the back row. As the green light went, Peterson ripped out of the gates on his Team LaVallee, Polaris, Red Bull sled and into the 6th place spot and Bester, from the back row, right on the heels of his teammate and ready to take on the 8 minute plus 1 lap final. As the clock was winding down and the pressure was winding up, Bester got around Peterson and was able to finish Round 2 in the solid 5th place and Peterson close behind in 6th.

Triple Crown Round 3

For the final race of the day in Salamanca, New York, both riders had nice gate picks in the front row. Off of the start, Peterson and Bester ripped out of the gates on their Team LaVallee, Polaris, Red Bull sleds and where neck and neck. Going into the first turn, Peterson’s sled went off the track and Bester was pinched but still managed to be within the top 5. As the 8 minute plus 1 lap final continued on, Bester and Peterson continued to charge hard. As the checkered flags flew, Bester finished in the solid 6th place spot and Peterson rounded out the night in 10th.

Pro Round 9 Overall: Peterson 6th and Bester 8th