AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
August 25, 2004--
American Snowmobiler is revamping its popular Shoot-Out this fall to showcase the world's fastest trail modified, fully modified and turbo sleds.
In addition, due to logistical and other concerns at the previous location in Old Forge, N.Y., the magazine is relocating the one-day event to Brainerd, Minn.
The Mod Shoot-Out Invitational will be Oct. 23 at Brainerd International Raceway (BIR), a track that also hosts National Hot Rod Association's fastest dragsters and is an internationally recognized performance center for car and motorcycle races.
AmSnow's new Shoot-Out is scheduled to run on Brainerd's 1/4-mile asphalt drag racing track and will focus on trail mod sleds that feature aftermarket equipment and modifications that you can buy to improve your own snowmobile's performance. In addition to the mod sleds exhibition on track, consumers will see a shoot-out of fully modified sleds, turbo-equipped sleds and more.
Trophies will be awarded to top performers, plus a variety of prizes will be offered to snowmobilers attending the Shoot-Out.
A decision to move the event came after numerous discussions between
Kalmbach Publishing Co., which bought
American Snowmobiler in March, and Jerry Bassett, former owner and now founding editor of AmSnow.
"Last year when we saw Bender Racing's trail modified Yamaha hit 122 mph in less than 1,000 feet, it established the clear and unfortunate fact that continuing to run the event at our previous track was both unsafe and unwise for our particular event," said Bassett.
He added, the Old Forge's track has an "idiosyncratic character, which includes rises, rocks and a severe lack of a safe shutdown area," that over time has made it unsafe as sled speeds continue to increase.
Scott Stollberg, the magazine's publisher, said the new venue will give participants the advantage of a smooth, consistent surface, professional timing equipment, a high-quality staging area and sufficient cool-off area. "There also are ample seats, concessions and parking to make it pleasant for spectators," he said, adding that the easily viewed on-track action will be "exciting for die-hard snowmobilers."
Bassett said he knows the move will disappoint Shoot-Out participants in upstate New York, but that safety ultimately made the change necessary. He said local dealers had provided "great support" for the event and he praised those who have helped stage the annual event.
Bassett notes that BIR is no stranger to snowmobile events. It was the site of the first asphalt snowmobile drag races, also supported by
American Snowmobiler. Stollberg said the new event is "just the beginning of an exciting new Shoot-Out."
Gates will open at 9 a.m., with sledding action to get underway at 11 a.m. An awards ceremony will follow. Cost is $10, but look for a discount coupon inside the November issue of American Snowmobiler. A coupon also will appear on this Web site closer to the date. Sunday, Oct. 24, will be the rain date.
Folks who aren't able to make the event will find a detailed report in a future issue of
American Snowmobiler and at www.amsnow.com