Elk River, Minnesota (December 10, 2013) – Coming of an incredible weekend in Duluth, where Andrew Carlson dominated the Pro Lite class; Carlson continued his podium performance with two more trips to the box in Bessemer, Michigan during the Northern Clearing National Snocross.
Conditions changed dramatically for racers compared to the relatively warm and snow-dust free environment they experienced in Duluth. Facing numbing temperatures, sub-zero wind-chills, and stinging snow dust that madevisibility nearly impossible; the Carlson Motorsports crew came prepared with meticulously prepped Polaris race sleds, and equally prepared racers in their high performance FXR Racing gear.
Considered one of the more challenging tracks on the International Series of Champions (ISOC), national tour, the Bessemer track features a two up-hill runs, and a nasty downhill section dubbed the “dirty dozen” for its seemingly unrelenting series of huge jumps and deep crater like holes.
For Carlson and his Pro Lite teammate Marcus Johansson, they picked up where they left off, crushing the holeshot time and time again, and getting to the front early.
“Our crew so far has just nailed the set-up of our Polaris sleds,” said team owner and manager Chris Carlson. “Getting out front early and out of the snow dust was a must here (Michigan). If you got stuck back in the pack, chances are you weren’t going anywhere.”
Neither Carlson nor Johansson faced such a challenge, as both busted out into the lead pack from the line, and stayed there. Carlson netted a pair of third place finishes, while Marcus just missed the box in both races, with two fourth place efforts.
During the post race interview, Carlson let it be known that he has no intentions of relinquishing the podium this season. “I would have liked to a have won…I had a great holeshot, but I’m just glad that I was able to prove Duluth wasn’t a fluke. I like it up here (on the podium) and I plan on staying here all season.”
While Carlson’s comeback from a severe knee injury suffered this past March, has been nothing short of amazing, Bessemer reminded Andrew that he still has a ways to go to return completely. With plenty of off-camber racing surfaces, the knee gave Carlson trouble at times, but it was merely motivation for Andrew to continue is dedicated rehabilitation program.
“The doctors said it would be at least 9 to 12 months before I would be back to 100%. Considering I’m just 8-months removed from surgery, I feel incredibly blessed to be where I’m at.”
Where Carlson is at is leading the Pro-Lite championship after four rounds of racing. His four-podium performance in four races emphasizes the importance of consistency when vying for the year-end crown.
In Sport competition, Ryan Springer’s mechanical gremlins followed him from Duluth. This combined with a few first turn tangles kept Springer from the top of the qualifying order, but he was on the front row for both finals, and he collected a pair of fifth place finishes. When he was “on” his performance was clearly front of the pack stuff, and the team is confident he will be ready for the podium when the team returns to competition in three weeks.
The AMSOIL Championship Snocross tour continues January 3-5 at Shakopee, Minnesota. You can follow the Carlson Motorsports’ efforts on Facebook or at www.carlsonmotorsportsllc.com