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LaVallee Scores Second Place Finish at Canadian Nationals
March 10, 2010This week the ISOC AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series went international as the drivers and teams headed to Sarnia, Ontario for the Quick Draw Canadian Nationals at Hiawatha Horsepark. This stop marked the seventh round of the series and with only a few rounds remaining, Team LaVallee was looking to tighten up the championship points chase.
In Friday night's Pro Super Stock action, Levi LaVallee qualified into the final event in seventh place via fifth and second place finishes in heats one and two, respectively. At the start of the final, LaVallee was pinched off by another rider causing him to slip to the back of the pack. However, LaVallee put his head down and used some creative lines to work his way all the way back to sixth place when the checkers flew.
When asked about his come-from-behind ride, LaVallee said " I'm pretty pumped about that and ready to do it all over again!"
LaVallee is a quick learner and in Saturday's Pro Open class he made sure to stay at the front of the pack and avoid trouble. LaVallee qualified easily into the final race with a solid one-two punch in the qualifying rounds. In the final, LaVallee jumped on the gas and pulled a massive holeshot to start off the race. He led close to the half-way point of the 20-lap race when Ross Martin took a low line and physically bumped LaVallee out of the lead. LaVallee quickly got back on the gas and matched Martin's lap times for the remainder of the race before crossing the line a close second.
On the podium, LaVallee had this to say about the race, "I am super excited about the second place, it has been a tough year with my foot injury, but I hoped that if I kept working hard - I would make it onto the podium. Hopefully we can continue to do so the rest of the season."
Team LaVallee Semi-Pro rider, Chris Kafka, also rode well throughout the weekend, however, some bad luck struck the likeable Wisconsin native. In the Semi-Pro Super Stock #1 final, Kafka was bumped off the track in the first turn and was forced to work his way through the pack. Just like LaVallee, Kafka was on the gas and made his way up to sixth place by the end of the event. Unfortunately a questionable yellow flag ruling by the officials led to Kafka being disqualified from the final race.
Looking for redemption in the Semi-Pro Super Stock #2 final, Kafka grabbed an impressive holeshot and immediately began putting real estate between himself and second place. Lady luck would strike again as the race was red flagged for a downed rider and just after the restart, Kafka experienced some mechanical issues that would end his night prematurely. While disappointed about the weekend's results, Kafka is looking forward to racing in his home state in two weeks for the penultimate round of the series.
With only two rounds of racing left to go, LaVallee is still within striking distance of Martin for the championship in the Pro Open class. The drivers will get one week off before heading to Hayward, Wisc. and LCO Casino for the Hayward PowerSports/Polaris Hayward 300 Nationals on March 6-7, 2010.
In off the track news, Levi LaVallee's Good Morning America feature was aired this past Sunday on ABC and in case you missed it, you can watch the segment by following this link.
Top 5 for LaVallee and New Products Unveiled in Indy
February 17, 2010For the second week in a row the competitors of the ISOC AMSOIL Championship Snocross series were doing battle. This weekend, the site was Rockingham Park in Salem, New Hampshire for the HK Powersports New England Nationals.
The racers were greeted by a track with tight turns, big jumps and a challenging whoop section that ran the length of the front straightaway. All of these obstacles combined to make for some close and exciting racing at the sixth round of the series.
In Pro Open class action, Levi LaVallee made quite a run as the Arctiva rider came out of the first turn mid-pack after having to start on the back row. LaVallee was on the gas and was picking off drivers left and right as he charged toward the front of the pack. With the race drawing to a close, LaVallee and Cory Davis were locked in an epic battle for the final podium spot. LaVallee made a move on Davis on the final lap and was poised to take the third position but Davis snuck back by right before the checkers and LaVallee finished a hard fought fourth place.
After the battle, LaVallee commented, "I'm super pumped on the battle Cory and I had at the end of the race! It was a ton of fun and hats off to him for finishing third. Thanks to everyone that came out, watched online and was cheering me on! I appreciate it."
The ISOC series heads to Canada next weekend, February 19 - 21, 2010, when Hiawatha Horsepark in Sarnia, Ontario hosts the Quick Draw Canadian Nationals. This is the seventh round of the series and the only international event on the schedule.
In other Arctiva news, the annual Indianapolis Dealer Expo took place last weekend at the Indiana Convention Center. Arctiva and all of the other Parts Unlimited brands were on hand to showcase all of the new gear and accessories that will be available later this year. Dealers were able to communicate directly with the brands about new product highlights and the exciting new programs available to help make 2010 as successful as possible.
Below is a photo of LaVallee in the all-new Comp RR5 jacket and pants taken during the recent Good Morning America photo shoot. Be sure to visit Arctiva.com to get the latest Arctiva Racing News.
About Parts Unlimited
Parts Unlimited is the world's largest distributor of aftermarket accessories in the powersports industry and is owned by LeMans Corporation headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin. Parts Unlimited sells to over 12,000 dealerships worldwide and continues to expand its market penetration with its sister companies, Parts Canada, Parts Europe and Drag Specialties.
Parts Unlimited continues to promote racing through its campaign WE SUPPORT THE SPORTŪ, helping to drive consumers to dealerships, while entertaining its dealers through hospitalities at the events it sponsors.
About Arctiva
Arctiva is dedicated to the sport of snowmobiling. Countless hours are spent researching and designing performance outerwear and layering garments specifically for the powersports enthusiast. Everything we make uses top quality materials and construction. That, coupled with our innovative designing and extensive product testing program, makes for the most technical snowmobiling gear you can buy. So whether your ideal day is hauling the sleds north to your favorite trails, meeting up with the crew on in the backcountry, or beating your best lap time at the snowcross track, we've got you covered.
LaVallee and Kafka Earn Top-Five Finishes in New York
February 11, 2010After a successful showing at the Winter X Games, Arctiva rider Levi LaVallee and fellow teammate Chris Kafka were back on the track for the fifth round of the ISOC AMSOIL Championship Snocross series at Finger Lakes Racetrack in Farmington, New York.
After a successful showing at the Winter X Games, Arctiva rider Levi LaVallee and fellow teammate Chris Kafka were back on the track for the fifth round of the ISOC AMSOIL Championship Snocross series at Finger Lakes Racetrack in Farmington, New York.
When asked how he felt about getting back to the racing side of things, LaVallee commented "I was really looking forward to this next race, mostly because I knew that with X Games being over with, I could put all of my concentration back into racing."
LaVallee's first race back was the Pro Stock class where he narrowly missed a top 10 spot in his qualifier. LaVallee righted the ship in the LCQ taking the win and carrying momentum into the final. Starting from the back row is always a challenge and LaVallee gave it his all, however, a collision with another rider would cause LaVallee to finish in the 13th position.
In the Pro Open class, LaVallee came back with a vengeance and after some good qualifying runs, he was ready to put together a solid Final race. With the Team LaVallee sleds running in top shape, LaVallee got on the gas and pulled a massive holeshot at the start of the 20-lap final. Focusing on riding a consistent race, LaVallee pulled off a solid fifth place finish after battling throughout the entire race.
Semi-Pro Super Stock rider Chris Kafka had a very similar weekend as team leader LaVallee when a collision with another rider forced Kafka to exit early from the Semi-Pro Super Stock #2 final. Kafka was still able to hold his head high as strong qualifying races, smart lines and determination led Kafka to a fifth place finish in the competitive Semi-Pro Super Stock #1 final on Friday night.
In case you missed it, LaVallee's gold medal run in the Snowmobile Knockout competition is available for viewing on the Winter X Games website. LaVallee, wearing the all-new Arctiva Comp RR5 race gear, flew almost 170 feet en route to his second medal of the games.
With the halfway point of the series in the books, the series heads to Rockingham Park in Salem, N.H., for the all new HK Powersports New England National on February 12-14, 2010. This all-new event is sure to be a good one as the drivers make their second half push to earn valuable points towards the series championship.
About Parts Unlimited
Parts Unlimited is the world's largest distributor of aftermarket accessories in the powersports industry and is owned by LeMans Corporation headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin. Parts Unlimited sells to over 12,000 dealerships worldwide and continues to expand its market penetration with its sister companies, Parts Canada, Parts Europe and Drag Specialties.
Parts Unlimited continues to promote racing through its campaign WE SUPPORT THE SPORT®, helping to drive consumers to dealerships, while entertaining its dealers through hospitalities at the events it sponsors.
About Arctiva
Arctiva is dedicated to the sport of snowmobiling. Countless hours are spent researching and designing performance outerwear and layering garments specifically for the powersports enthusiast. Everything we make uses top quality materials and construction. That, coupled with our innovative designing and extensive product testing program, makes for the most technical snowmobiling gear you can buy. So whether your ideal day is hauling the sleds north to your favorite trails, meeting up with the crew on in the backcountry, or beating your best lap time at the snowcross track, we've got you covered.
LaVallee Takes Home Hardware From Winter X Games 14: Gold in Snowmobile Knockout and Bronze in Best Trick
February 2, 2010After nearly landing the first ever double backflip on a snowmobile in last year's Winter X Games, Arctiva rider Levi LaVallee returned to Aspen, Colo. and Buttermilk Mountain with a vengeance.
The Winter X Games is the biggest annual winter sporting event in the world and LaVallee was determined to leave his mark by competing in all four Snowmobile disciplines, Freestyle, Best Trick, Snocross, and the all-new Knockout. LaVallee also provided the fans with a sneak peak of the all-new Arctiva Comp RR 5 race wear which will be available later this year.
In Thursday's Snowmobile freestyle competition, LaVallee suffered a horrific slam at the end of his run while attempting a seat-grab backflip. Just after take off, LaVallee missed his grab and was forced to let go of the sled in mid-air. He landed on his back on the landing and narrowly missed having the 450-pound sled land on him. Fortunately Levi would walk away unscathed and turn his attention to the Best Trick contest.
While the double backflip wasn't in the cards for this year's Snowmobile Best Trick, LaVallee still had his sights set on getting a medal! After pulling off a huge superman backflip, it looked like Levi might take the gold. He would ultimately end up with a Bronze medal as Heath Frisby and Daniel Bodin snuck by for Gold and Silver, respectively.
As a past champion and regular fixture on the ISOC Championship Snocross series, LaVallee is no stranger to the racing side of the sport. In his first qualifying heat of the Snocross discipline, Levi had a good run en route to a fifth place finish and a spot on the line in the finals. However, shortly after the start of the final round an error in a tricky section of the course forced LaVallee to retire early with a damaged sled.
Snowmobile Knockout was a new addition to this year's games and was LaVallee's last chance to take home a Gold medal. The event was a distance competition where competitors jump their snowmobile off a ramp, and the distance travelled through the air determines the winner. The event is similar to what you might see from long jump in track and field.
After battling head-to-head with six other drivers through five different rounds, Levi won with a jump of 166' 9" bettering runner up Chris Burandt by almost 10 feet! The Bronze medal went to Joe Parsons followed by perennial Snocross champion Tucker Hibbert and Robbie Malinoski.
After four intense days of competition, Levi LaVallee would leave Buttermilk Mountain with Gold and Bronze medals to add to his already packed trophy case. Next weekend LaVallee will join his teammate, Chris Kafka, and the other ISOC Championship Snocross racers as the series heads to Farmington, New York for the Eastern Nationals on February 5 & 6, 2010.
Justin Tate Takes Runner-Up Finish at U.S. Air Force Nationals Team LaVallee Notches a Pair of Top 5 Finishes
January 25, 2010Mother nature provided some challenging conditions but the fans still came in droves to cheer on their favorite riders as the ISOC Championship Snocross series stormed into Canterbury Park on Friday, January 22.
The Shakopee, Minn. track was the host for the U.S. Air Force Nationals and is a favorite amongst riders and fans. Levi LaVallee commented, "Its a great facility for the fans, and always a fun track for us."
Leading the way for the Arctiva brand was Pro Plus 30 Super Stock rider, Justin Tate. With two heat race wins leading into the final, Tate was the odds on favorite to take the win. After battling for the lead throughout the final race, Tate would finish in the second position when the checkered flag flew. With three races in the books, Tate holds a 17 point lead over Chad Bauerly in the title chase.
Pro Super Stock rider, Levi LaVallee, also rode well in his qualifying races and headed to the line seventh for the final race. After a mid-pack start, LaVallee put his head down and started working his way around riders on the icy track. At the end of the 20-lap final, LaVallee crossed the line with a solid fifth place finish. In the overall standings, LaVallee sits just outside the top five and still within striking distance for a podium spot in the championship.
Coming off a strong third place finish at the last round, LaVallee's teammate, Chris Kafka, had high hopes for the U.S. Air Force Nationals, "I was really looking forward to Canterbury, I had a podium in the Semi-Pro Super Stock #1 in Sandy, UT and was hoping to get on there again this weekend," said Kafka.
Kafka qualified into the Semi-Pro Super Stock #1 Final via two third place finishes and proceeded to get an excellent jump off the line as the riders charged into the first turn. Kafka kept his pace consistent throughout the final and finished just shy of the podium in fourth place. After four rounds of racing, Kafka sits in fourth position overall just three points off the podium.
The ISOC Championship series will take a week off as Levi LaVallee prepares to wreak havoc on Buttermilk Moutain and X Games 14. LaVallee will be going for the Ironman Award as he competes in four different disciplines, Snowmobile Freestyle, SnoCross, Knock Out, and Best Trick, where he almost won gold last year with an insane double back flip! ESPN's Action Sports division did an exciting piece on LaVallee as he gears up for Winter X Games 14.
When the ISOC series gets back underway it will be in the great state of New York for the Eastern Nationals hosted by Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack in Farmington, N.Y. This round will mark the official halfway point of the series as riders try to earn valuable points towards the season championship.
Kafka Grabs Podium Finish at Inaugural Western Nationals in Sandy, Utah
January 12, 2010After a brief hiatus for the holidays and New Year, the warriors of the ISOC Championship Snocross series charged into Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah for the third round of the series on Saturday, January 9.
This was the first time the ISOC series raced in the state of Utah, and the 9,000+ fans in attendance rocked the house! The confines of the stadium made for a tight track and even tighter racing, but that didn't stop Team LaVallee/Arctiva rider Chris Kafka from nabbing a solid third place finish in the Semi-Pro Superstock #1 Final.
Kafka's podium appearance comes on heels of a first place finish in the Pro Super Stock class at a Minnesota Regional event in Elk River, Minn. on January 2.
The tight track at the Western Nationals made passing a challenge and rewarded those drivers able to get a quick jump off the line. After finishing a close second in both round one and round two heat races, Levi LaVallee charged hard into the first turn of the Pro Super Stock final. LaVallee worked his sled through the tricky rhythm section and used just about every line on the track on his way to a sixth place finish.
Taking the win in the Semi-Pro Open class, sponsored by Arctiva, was Nisswa, Minnesota's Cody Thomsen. Dylan Martin backed up his runner-up finish at the Milwaukee Mile with another second place and rounding out the podium was Willie Elam.
With the completion of the Western Nationals, the ISOC season is officially one-third over. In the overall point standings, Levi LaVallee sits comfortably inside the top 10 in the Pro Super Stock class while teammate, Chis Kafka, holds on tight to the third place spot in the Semi-Pro Superstock class.
The racers get only week to recover as the series gets back to the standard two-day racing format at the Air Force National on January 22-23, 2010 in Shakopee, Minnesota's Canterbury Park.
LaVallee Notches Top-Ten Finish at the Famous Milwaukee Mile National
December 22, 2009After notching a solid third place at the opening round of the ISOC Amsoil Championship Snocross Series in Duluth, Minn., Parts Unlimited/Arctiva driver Levi LaVallee was looking to move to the top of the podium as the series rolled into Milwaukee, Wisc. for two nights of action at the legendary Milwaukee Mile on December 18-19.
The snow conditions at the Milwaukee Mile National were challenging and forced all of the riders to be creative with their line selection throughout the weekend. In Friday's Pro Super Stock action, LeVallee pulled down a first round heat race win before heading to the line for the 15-rider final. Carnage ensued shortly after the green light but LeVallee was able to navigate safely through the first turn and by the fifth lap was sitting in third place. After battling for a spot on the podium for most of the race, LeVallee ended up in the eighth position when the checkered flags flew. When asked about the track, LeVallee commented, "This was a very fast and tight track and I just struggled with it."
Other racing action included the Semi-Pro Open class sponsored by Arctiva, where Waukesha, Wisconsin's Justin Broberg took the win followed by Dylan Martin and Logan Christian. Arctiva driver Justin Tate had a strong showing at the Milwaukee Mile as he garnered wins in round one and round two heat races as well as the Pro Plus 30 Super Stock final.
Track conditions improved for the second night of racing and the crowd was treated to some exciting bar-to-bar racing in the Pro Open Final. Unfortunately the race did not go exactly how LeVallee had planned but the Arctiva driver rode tough and would ultimately cross the line in 13th place. "We have a little bit of a break now, so both Chris (LeVallee racing teammate) and myself know what things we need to work on and what we need to do to come out on top at the next National in Sandy, Utah." commented LeVallee.
Despite a challenging weekend of racing for the Parts Unlimited/Arctiva driver, LeVallee is still very much in the title chase as he sits tied for sixth in the Pro Open class and just outside of the top 10 in the Pro Super Stock class. LeVallee and the rest of the drivers take a few weeks off for the holidays before getting back to action on January 8-9, 2010, at the Western Nationals in Sandy, Utah.