Return to Black Mountain next stop for Rock Maple Racing snocross tour
DERRY, NH (Dec. 3, 2008) - While it may not receive the media attention of
bigger resorts like its neighbors Sunday River or Sugarloaf USA, the Black
Mountain of Maine ski area is considered a true gem by skiers and riders of
all ages.
And after one very special weekend in December of 2007, the place means a
great deal to a few thousand snowmobile racing enthusiasts, as well.
Hundreds of race teams from around the northeast are anxious for their
return to the historic mill-town of Rumford on Saturday and Sunday, Dec.
13-14, as Rock Maple Racing (RMR) returns to Black Mountain for Round 2 on
the nine-race 2008-09 Central series snocross schedule.
Spectator gates open at 8 a.m. each day, and racing will get under way
promptly at 9 a.m. Admission is $12 per day for adults, with weekend passes
available for $20. Children age 10 and under will be admitted free with a
paying adult. Pit passes are available for an extra $10.
Last year at Black Mountain, multi-time RMR champion Jason Boron, of
Leverett, Mass., and former national tour champion T.J. Gulla, a native of
South Hero, VT, split the Pro finals. Boron (Outdoor Performance/D&Z Racing
Ski-doo) earned his first victory of the season in Pro Open, holding off
rookie sensation Darrin Mees and eventual champion C.W. Sirjane. Gulla
backed up his sweep of the Pro finals in Windham, NY the previous week with
a dominant victory in Pro Stock. Sirjane followed Gulla across the line,
with Vermont native Chris Chico third.
In last year's Winter X Games Qualifier, series newcomer Robert Graeber, of
Willow, AK, powered his Woody's/Team Southside Polaris to victory. Nick
Kelly put Arctic Cat back on the RMR podium in grand style with his victory
in the Semi-Pro Open final. Kelly, who will ride Polaris sleds for Team
Southside this season, held off divisional strongman Derek Graham (now a
full-time Pro) and Graeber (still recovering from an injury late last
season) for top honors. Graeber also claimed the Semi-Pro Stock final over
Mike Tietjen and Jake Melville.
Along with the high-flying Pro and Semi-Pro riders, RMR also features a full
pit area of Sport, Women and Junior division teams. These riders put forth
just as much effort as the Pros, and enjoy a wholesome, family-oriented
experience in the process. Add a special smaller track just for children
ages 6 through 10 who compete on the 120cc machines, and you've got a
fun-filled weekend for all ages.
Black Mountain of Maine opened in 1961 as the Chisholm Winter Park. The land
and facility itself is owned by Maine Winter Sports Centers, while the ski
area is a non-profit run by a local board of directors.
Rock Maple Racing is now in its 17th consecutive season of snocross
competition. RMR also operates the Can-Am Series for ATVs, racing on some of
the finest motocross tracks in the northeast. For more information, visit
their Web site at www.rockmaple.com.
Last Updated on 12/08/08
By George Campbell or Greg Fish
Email: neracing@neracing.com
