Longville, MN (February 13, 2024)- The Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt was the home to Rounds 6 and 7 on the Snocross National Series. It has been several years since the National Snocross Series has made the stop at Valcourt, Quebec and this year the Pro Class, Pro Lite, and Pro Women were headed to Quebec for two full days of high flying racing action.
Friday, PRO Round 6 - 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 an exciting show in Quebec. In qualifying, Bester was able to earn himself a front row gate pic, while Peterson would enter Round 1 in the back row. As the green light went for the first Triple Crown race of the afternoon, Peterson came out mid pack in the 7th place spot and Bester was pushed out and towards the back of the pack. As the clock was winding down of the 8 minute plus one lap final both Peterson and Bester were charging hard and riding with much determination. Peterson was able to make an impressive pass and finished out in the 6th place spot, and Bester finished in the notable 11th.
Triple Crown Round 2
Due to Peterson’s 6th place finish in Round 1, Peterson had a front row gate pick, while Bester lined up in the back row for Round 2. As the engines roared on the starting line and as the green light flew, Peterson ripped out of the gates into the 3rd place spot and Bester, from the back row, was able to find an incredible line on his Team LaVallee, Polaris, Red Bull sled and was sitting in the awesome 4th place spot! Bester was able to grab his momentum and moved up to 3rd with Peterson right on his heels in 4th. Track conditions really start to get rough and the lines continued to change and with 2 minutes to go; Peterson and Bester were swapping back and forth trading positions. Both riders continued to ride incredibly smooth on the challenging track and finished out in the excellent 3rd (Peterson) and 4th (Bester) place spots.
Triple Crown Round 3
For the final race of the night; Peterson and Bester ripped out of the gates on their Team LaVallee, Polaris, Red Bull sleds and into the 3rd and 4th place spots. As the teammates were running neck and neck; Adam Peterson hand an unfortunate off and Bester was able to continue a solid charge in the 3rd place spot. Bester continued to ride smart, find smooth lines and focused on the riders in front of him; rather than from any pressure from behind. Around the half-way mark of the 8 minute plus one lap final, Bester was passed one position from 3rd to 4th. With 20 seconds plus one lap to go, Bester continued to charge but a couple of riders snuck by. Bester rode an impressive race and finished out in the 7th place spot and Peterson rounded out in the 14th place spot.
Pro Round 6 Overall: Bester 5th and Peterson 6th
Saturday, PRO Round 7 - TRIPLE CROWN ROUND 1
After a consistent and solid day one, Peterson and Bester were on the hunt for victory in Valcourt. As the sleds lined up and as the green light went for the first Pro race on Sunday, Peterson ripped a huge holeshot with his Team LaVallee, Polaris, Red Bull sled, earning the Studboy Holeshot award and came out first amongst the stacked field. Bester, coming from the back row was able to make his way mid-pack. A small bobble, allowed a couple riders to sneak around Peterson but he continued to charge hard throughout the 8 minute plus one lap final. As the checkered flags flew, Peterson finished out 6th and Bester in 11th.
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 5th 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, Peterson was able to finish out in the solid 5th place, while Bester had a hard off and finished in the 13th place spot.
TRIPLE CROWN ROUND 3
For the final race of the day in Valcourt, Quebec, Peterson qualified 5th with a nice front row gate pick, and Bester lined up in the back row. Off of the start, Peterson ripped out of the gates on his Team LaVallee, Polaris, Red Bull sled, earning another Studboy Holeshot and was pushing to hang onto that 1st place spot. With the pressure of the entire field pushing on his heels, Peterson went back and forth for the first and second place spot. As the 8 minute plus 1 lap final continued on, Peterson continued to charge hard and at the half way point, Peterson was sitting in 4th and Bester in 11th. As the checkered flags flew, Peterson finished in the solid 5th place spot and Bester rounded out the night in 10th.
Pro Round 7 Overall: Peterson 6th and Bester 13th
Sunday, PRO AM PLUS 30 - ROUND 5
PRO AM Plus rider, Andy Lieders, did not race the Valcourt, Quebec National.
Up next: SALAMANCA SNOCROSS, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino Salamanca, New York - February 16-17, 2024
Photos ©CrystalWallemPhotography
