Winnipeg, MB. – November 28, 2016

2016 Clash of Nations Champion Aki Pihlaja made an impressive debut for the Jimmy John’s/Lucas Oil/FXR/Ski-Doo team on Saturday night, finishing second in the Pro Lites main event in his first-ever North American snocross.

Pihlaja is a multi-time Finnish champion who had his best season in 2016, winning the Pro Open class at The Clash, to go along with an Arctic Cat Cup and World Cup. Pihlaja was fast throughout qualifying, winning his first heat and finishing fourth in his second heat to earn a spot on the front row.

Veteran Adam Renheim was also quick in Pro Open qualifying going 2-5, however, a three-way tie in points relegated him to the Last Chance Qualifier for the final five spots in the main event. Adam won the LCQ and had the option of the last gate pick on the front row or the first pick on the back row. He chose the later to provide the best chance at ducking inside the first turn and nearly made it work coming out in ninth. He was able to move forward in the early stages of the race but a mistake on a new downhill section of the course cost him valuable time. He was able to remount and finish 10th.

“The times were good all weekend and I got a lot of time riding in Canada before the race so I’m a little bit disappointed with the results,” said Renheim. I can come back next time, I’m not worried. The speed and the sled and the comfort were good.”

Sunday’s round two of the national series was cancelled when a heavy fog rolled in off of Lake Superior overnight, reducing visibility to just a few feet. Race officials held out until 12:30 pm to make a call but determined the course was still unsafe to race.

The crew will be busy cleaning up muddy equipment this week and then begin preparations for the next event in Winter Park, Colorado on December 16-17.