By Steph Anderson, Photos: Lynette Ross
The 53rd Annual Naytahwaush Snodeo Pro Factory final had the pit stop playing a major role in the race. Pro racers are required to take one pit stop and can choose which lap they want to come into the pits for fuel.
One of the laps Aaron Christensen went past the fueling area but looked at his gas tank and he decided he better turn around and go in for fuel. Of course, turning around cost him valuable seconds. Right behind Aaron was Zach Herfendahl, who also decided to take on fuel. Both racers dismounted and ran their sled to their area at almost the same time. Unfortunately, Zach had a fuel spill which resulted in both Zach and his sled catching on fire. The fire was quickly put out and Zach was back to racing, but this cost Zach valuable seconds.
During all this excitement Wes Selby also came into the pits and fueled. Leaving the fuel stop it was Aaron leading, then Wes went out, followed by Zach. Taylor Bunke stayed out on that lap and came in for fuel on the next lap. These four racers remained close for the rest of the race. In the end the final podium positions went to Aaron Christensen in first place, Taylor Bunke in second, and Wes Selby in third.
The Pro Woman’s class has been a tight competition this year. This class raced a two-day combined total time race. Leading after day one was Gabby Hallstrom. However, on day two McKenna Cloose was able to make up time and she came out on the top podium spot, followed by Gabby, and third place went to Savannah Landrus. The season point lead seems to change with every race for this class. With only one race to go it will be very exciting to see who comes out on top!
Going into Naytahwaush Gabby Hallstrom was the season points leader. This is Gabby’s first year racing Pro Women, and her racing has really improved this year. I chatted with Gabby in the pits, she said she is really working hard and has been running other classes to help her improve her racing. She said “In my Pro Women’s I placed 2nd overall, but it was a great battle with the women. I also entered the Sport Stock class and placed 2nd overall. It was fun battling with the boys as well.” We saw Lydia Sobek use the double class running for the past few years, and now several of the women are doing it including Gabby and McKenna. The strategy is resulting in some great racing!
Other top finishers were: Evan Pepple who swept both of the Semi Pro classes, Luke Omang in Expert 600 Limited, Mike Carver in Masters 40+, Re Wadena in Pro Vet 35+, Oliver Olson in Sport Improved Stock, Brandon Sillerud in Trail, Collin Grover in Vintage, Luke Fredman in Jr 10 -13, Taylor Cloose in Jr 10 – 13 Girls, Ryan Derrick in Classic, Aaden Olson in Jr 14-17, Katie Clark in Jr 14-17 Girls, Chad Ingebretson in Masters 50+, Adam Brandt in Sport Stock and Adam Brandt in Vet 30+.
