ESSEX JUNCTION, VT  – Organizers of the Rock Maple Extreme Snocross Snowmobile Races, presented by Land Air and Progressive Insurance, say they expect to have the great racing conditions when they return for the third year of racing at Champlain Valley Exposition.
"Whether it is natural snow or man-made, we'll be ready for a weekend of high-flying jumps and top-speeds on the track," said Stephen Mease, spokeman for the Exposition.

For the uninitiated, snocross snowmobile racers, speeding at up to 60 mph, often reach big-air heights of 30 feet off extreme jumps and then travel about 130 feet before touching down. Riders earn points for winning and many have been featured in the X-Games Extreme Snocross competitions.

The Expo’s Jan. 26-27 weekend is part of a 10-week racing circuit at 20 northeastern sites. Spectators can expect to see racers from Pro, Semi-Pro, Sport, Women, Junior and 120cc divisions taking flying through the air and roaring around dramatic curves. 

 “Seeing more than a dozen high-powered snowmobiles flying through the air is something you don’t want to miss,” said. Chuck Minasalli, president of Rock Maple Racing. “This is an event that brings more than 1,000 racers, support crews, their families and 7,500-plus spectators to the region for a great sports weekend. They’ll be ready to show off their riding skills big time this weekend.”

          Advance discounted tickets are on sale through Friday, Jan. 25 at Land Air in Essex Junction; Lenny’s Shoe and Apparel stores in Williston, St. Albans and Barre; and Montpelier PowerSports. Advance purchase tickets save $3 off the gate admission of $13. Children under 8 free when accompanied by an adult. Coupons good for $3 off admission (not valid with other discounts) at the gate are available from area New England Dodge Dealers. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.flynntix.org or in person at the Flynn Center Box Office.

          Gates will open at 8:30 a.m. both days with race action beginning at 10 a.m. Champlain Valley Exposition’s Robert E. Miller Expo Center provides fans with indoor warming area with food and snowmobile and sports exhibits.

          With the help of Milton Cat of Richmond, Rock Maple Racing and support from local radio stations WOKO 98.9 FM and WIZN 106.7 FM, the Exposition is able to bring in snow from the area. “This special group of sponsors stepped up to help make sure this extra-effort possible. We couldn’t do it without their support,” Oddy said.

          The New England Dodge Dealers, Progressive,Land Air and Montpelier PowerSports are presenting sponsors, with support from: Lenny’s Shoe and Apparel, Milton Cat of Richmond, WOKO 98.9, WIZN 106.7, The Burlington Free Press, New England Coffee, Harrington’s, Interstate Batteries All Battery Center, Williston and Softub of New England.

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'Go Big or Go Home Semi-Pro Shootout' added

ESSEX JUNCTION, VT - It's one of the most anticipated stops on the entire Central series schedule. With an incredible view of Mt. Mansfield to the east and nearby Burlington and Lake Champlain to the west, the Champlain Valley Exposition has a special charm unmatched anywhere in northern New England.
Vermont's premiere special events center and the Coca-Cola Grandstand will roar to life with the sounds of snowmobile racing on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 26-27, as Rock Maple Racing (RMR) gets set for Round 4 on the 10-race 2007-08 Central series snocross schedule. Rock Maple's third annual visit to this historic venue promises to deliver some exciting competition both days, according to Phil Whipple of RMR.
Spectator gates will open at 8:30 a.m. each day, with racing starting promptly at 10 a.m. Admission is $13 per day for adults, children under the age of 8 are free with a paying adult. Advance tickets (save $3) are available at Land Air in Essex Jct., Lenny's Shoe & Apparel and Montpelier PowerSports. This event is presented in part by local Dodge dealers which offer a coupon to save $3 on adult general admission at the gate.
This year's race weekend brings added value with the 2nd Annual "Go Big or Go Home" Semi-Pro Shootout, presented by the Vermont Army National Guard. RMR's Semi-Pro division has been blessed with a number of incredibly talented riders and this high-stakes, high-profile event puts them in the spotlight, giving them a chance to race for increased purse monies and earn bragging rights. Last year, Buckland, Mass., native Doug Decoigne earned $2,500 in the inaugural Shootout in Schaghticoke, NY. "This year, the depth of talent in semi-pro is perhaps the greatest in RMR's 16-year history," Whipple said.
"Leading the charge into Essex Junction are Pro riders C.W. Sirjane and Danny Poirier. Sirjane of Whitehall, N.Y., currently leads defending Pro champion Jason Boron by 11 points after four races. Rookie sensation Darrin Mees sits just 12 points behind Boron in third, proving he was indeed ready for the move up from Semi-Pro this season. Poirier, of St. Theodore, Quebec, is now tied with Sirjane in Pro Stock at 184, with Boron trailing by 17 as we hit the stretch run.," Whipple noted.
In Semi-Pro, Alaska native Robert Graeber has taken the series by storm. The new pride of Team Southside leads RMR veteran Chris Chico by 12 points in the Open class, with New York's Jason Stone sitting third just one point behind Chico. Graeber also leads the Stock class by a 39 points over Stone and Jake Melville who are tied for second.

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