After the WPSA closed shop last spring, John Daniels and the International Series of Champions (ISOC) stepped up to the plate and worked with several of the big name snocross teams, riders and numerous volunteers to formulate and adopt a business plan that would solidify the future of snocross. ISOC presented its plan to a loosely formed coalition (basically an LLC) of team owners, sponsors, racers industry reps and fans. This plan for a new national and regional race circuit was accepted in June, and at press time plans were moving forward quickly.
In the 1990s ISOC ran a cross-country racing circuit. ISOC is now being resurrected as the new promoters for snocross.
The new series is aiming to make it more affordable for the "average Joe" racer to enter and compete. We talked to Ski-Doo's race manager Steve Cowing and he told us they "had finalized signing contracts with ISOC, and Ski-Doo is on board for the upcoming season." Ski-Doo had already signed Warnert and Boss racing for the 2008-2009 race season as well. "In the past, ISOC ran a great race circuit and they are looking at tight shortened race days and compact programs that will engage the spectators and get racers more actual time on the track," said Cowing.
Polaris has signed on. ISOC Marketing Manager Andy Groebner told
AmSnow that the group offered the exact same proposal to each manufacturer to ensure full cooperation. "We know that the former sanctioning body ran a high-quality show, but we believe we can support a high level of quality AND sustain it." Groebner said.
Yamaha's racing expert Greg Marier told us Yamaha was excited to test its new snocross sled this year. "Our No. 1 goal is to win the race, but we also use racing as a marketing vehicle and a place to interact even more with customers." Marier said. "We are excited to see the synergy and resource sharing between ISOC and their television affiliate, Sled Heads 24/7." There will be a new racing show aired on FSN in the Midwest region following each of the 8 national races.
Yamaha Marketing Manager Wade West said Yamaha recently signed pro rider Steve Taylor to another year AND picked up former Ski-Doo rider Iain Hayden to ride alongside Steve in the pro circuit this season.
Arctic Cat's team manager Mike Kloety discussed with us that "an advisory board will also be set up by ISOC with two team owners from each brand on the panel, all four race directors/managers, and other crucial participants." A few notable faces and entities will include Russ Ebert, Christian Brothers Racing, Warnert Racing, Team Bauerly and more.
The states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota will have regional races along with the National title, that will follow much the same venue schedule as last year. More info:
www.isocracing.comNational ISOC schedule:• Nov. 28-30, Duluth, Minn.
• Dec. 12-14, Ironwood, Mich.
• Jan. 2-4, '09, Deadwood, S.D. or Elk River, Minn. or Canterbury, Minn.
• Jan. 9-11, '09, Brainerd, Minn. (on the drag strip)
2009 Winter X-Games Break
• Feb. 13-15, '09, Seneca, N.Y. or Cedar Pine, N.Y.
• Feb. 20-22, '09, Valcourt, Que.
• March 6-8, '09, Hayward, Wis.
• March 20-22, '09 Lake Geneva, Wis.