Bessemer, MI - While many sledheads are familiar with the
top freestyle snowmobile athletes they see on TV competing in the Winter X
Games, there are many lesser-known but very skilled up-and-coming riders from
North America and Europe pushing the limits on their sleds with the goal of one
day being invited to ride at premier events like Winter X or Red Bull Fuel
& Fury.
These riders hone their tricks on backyard ramp setups and
at smaller local and regional demos. The Young Guns Shootout was created to
give them a chance to gain experience in a competitive format in front of a
large crowd.
The Young Guns Shootout takes place this weekend, Dec. 9-10,
at Blackjack Ski Resort in Bessemer,
MI.
Matt "Tinger" Tingstad has been riding freestyle professionally for the ISOC
Amsoil Championship Snocross Series for the past three years. When ISOC
announced they were holding a national event at Blackjack Ski Resort, the Bessemer local saw it as
a perfect opportunity to showcase these "Young Guns."
"There are a lot of talented riders out there who just need
some exposure and this is an excellent event for them to get it," Tingstad
said. "We've also put together a nice purse and prize package to help outfit
the top competitors and the winner will also be given the opportunity to ride
in the ISOC freestyle show on Sunday along with Cory Davis, Dylan Harju and
myself."
The Shootout kicks off Friday evening with qualifying heats running after the
ISOC regional snocross races have wrapped up. A jam session format, where each
heat of riders gets 10 minutes to squeeze in as many ramp hits as possible,
will make for non-stop action. Once the ISOC ACSS events winds down on Saturday
night, the Young Guns freestyle action will heat up Blackjack Ski Area.
"While we have a lot of skilled freestylers right around the area, this is by
no means a locals only event," added Tingstad. "Riders are coming from as far
away as Maine, Wyoming
and even Alaska
to throw down. We've got a panel of Pro riders for judges and with Paul Thacker
on the microphone so it's sure to be a high caliber show."
Saturday evening's entertainment will not end once the competition is over.
Young Guns supporter, No.Style Productions, is throwing a premier party for
their new video release "The Brofessional" at Club Sierra in nearby Hurley, WI. The film features Tingstad and many other
professional riders performing stunning tricks and maneuvers on freestyle ramps
and in the backcountry. Several of the featured riders will also be in attendance.
The premier starts at 9:30 p.m. and is a 21+ only show.
The Young Guns Shootout organizers sponsors are: EVS, The Hurley Inn, Digital
Ink Design & Graphics, Club Sierra, Enbridge Energy, C&A Pro Ski, Snow
Country Contracting, Braand Apparel, No.Style Productions, Drift Media, ISOC,
and Blackjack Ski Resort.
For additional information on the Young Guns Shootout, visit www.exconfreeride.com/youngguns.