The Preston Pride Hillclimb was held on Friday and Saturday, January 22nd and 23rd, just outside Preston, Idaho. This was the 18thyear of this hillclimb and this year was especially challenging. Organizers Shawn Atkinson and Bret Rasmussen did an outstanding job. The only thing that did not go off like clockwork was the weather. Most of the hillclimb took place in almost white out conditions. The blowing snow tripped the finish line lights so many times that Matt, at the top of the mountain, built a snow shield around them and solved the problem.
The entire RMSHA staff is to be commended on a job very well done.
But the harsh weather did not cool the hot racing action. Over 150 racers took on the mountain.
Past world champion, Amy Zollinger won all three women’s classes and took home a triple crown for Arctic Cat and the Zollinger Race Team. This is the second triple crown she has won and the only lady to ever accomplish this.
Vinnie Clark won the 1000 stock class and the Stock King title. He rides for Ski-Doo. Vinnie is a past world champion and comes from Valemount, BC, Canada.
Last years Stock King from the World Championship from Jackson went on to continue his winning streak. Tom Roby won Improved Stock King here at Preston. He also rides for Ski-Doo and hails from the Jackson, Wyoming area.
Mod King this year was a racer out of the Boise, Idaho area, Erin Beukelman. Erin rides for
Polaris and was the 2007 Jackson World Championship Improved Stock King.
The Preston Pride Hillclimb was filmed by BAM Film Productions for the TV show “Sledding The West”. It will be featured in their upcoming episode on sledding in Southeast Idaho. For airdates visit: www.sleddingthewest.com.
The next race on the RMSHA circuit is Bear Lake on February 5th and 6th. For a complete race schedule and more information on the Rocky Mountain Snowmobile Hillclimb Association, please visit: www.rmsha.com.
