Midwest Snocross Series, Rounds 3/4 – Hartford, WI

Story: Brian Petersen, Pics: Dan Schmitz

The Midwest Snocross Series returned to Southern Wisconsin for the Hartford Snocross Presented by Town & Country and Roll-Off Solutions. Though the facility typically serves as a practice track for racers in the region, owner Ryan Kuhn and his crew put in the extra hours to ensure the race would go off as planned despite 60-degree temps and rain leading up to the event. 

The amount of preparation that went into this event was evident from the start. Whether it was due to the indoor food and beverage providers, the private seating areas complete with personal fire pits, or the bleachers located next to the finish line straightaway, the fans showed up in bunches both Saturday and Sunday. As for the race track, the Hartford location provided a Deadwood-like feel to it with a section of rollers as well as a technical rhythm section across the front stretch. It should be interesting to see how these improved regional tracks prepare the Wisconsin and Michigan riders for the national series that is just around the corner. 

The next event will take place on January 1^st and 2^nd in Wausua, WI. For more information, please visit midwestsnocross.com

Andy Lieders made his first appearance of the 2021-22 season aboard his Polaris, with wins in Saturday’s Pro Lite and Pro-Am finals. All signs point to Andy having yet another successful season on the ISOC national circuit. 

Lieders also provided the feel-good story of the weekend, donating his Goodwin Performance Holeshot Award to fellow racers, Axel and Ava Kruschke. Incredible racers in their own classes, these two delivered supplies to the victims of the tornado that rolled through their hometown in the days leading up to the race.

Speaking of Axel Kruschke, he had dominant rides all weekend long. He would capture final wins in the 120 Improved Stock 4-12 and 120 Improved Stock 8-12 both days. 

Treyton Kielman will head into the short break as one of the top riders in both Junior 14-17 and Sport Lite. Despite a deep lineup in each class, he would sweep all four of the finals aboard his Ski-Doo. 

Adam S. Johnson continued his impressive string of finishes. On Saturday, he managed to top Lieders in the Plus 30 class and proceeded to follow that up with another win in Sunday’s final. He also joined the Pro-Am class both days, earning 3-2 results in the finals. 

How about all the riders showing up on vintage sleds these days? Chad Rayford and his cousins have been staples in the lineup this season aboard their old Ski-Doo 440s, taking wins in Plus 40 and still being competitive in the Sport class.