The 46th Annual AMSOIL World Championship brought subzero temperatures for Friday Night Thunder, but the racing action was a full schedule of heated action.
The show, spectacular in nature, was highlighted by the Sweet Sixteen. The top 16 riders in the Pro 44o Champ class squared off with the winner getting a Saturday pass and the pole position for Sunday's AMSOIL World Championship. AMSOIL rider PJ Wanderscheid set the tone early by winning the first heat race over defending champion Brian Bewcyk. In the final, the two would battle once again, this time with Bewcyk getting the edge and winning the pole position spot for the second straight year. Wanderscheid finished second, holding off a slew of riders battling in the third spot."We are really close," said Wanderscheid following the race. "A few minor tweaks and we'll be in the mix come Sunday."
In Snocross, AMSOIL's Shaun Crapo asserted his dominance early by winning three combined heat races in the Pro Super Stock and Pro Open classes. The number one qualifier in Pro Open, Crapo got a great jump off the start and dominated in the final. Crapo easily led from flag to flag, taking home his first win at the AMSOIL Derby Track. Crapo finished second in Pro Super Stock.
"What a great experience," said Crapo. "I've always wanted to come out to Eagle River and race, but to come here and win makes the trip that much better. This should give us some momentum heading into Winter X next week."
Saturday marks another full day of racing, including qualifying for Sunday's AMSOIL World Championship race.
Until then, we'll see you at the races.
