Longtime snowmobile and powersports racing and competition organizer Joe Duncan today officially launched a plan to spur new growth for snowmobile racing in the Northeast.

Duncan and his X Racing Inc. company, announced plans for a major, three-day event at a ski hill in New Hampshire that will include snocross, hillcross, ditchbanger racing, vintage competition and more.

What’s more, Duncan’s plan is to include a “Sunday Funday” program of amatuer/run-what-you-brung fun competition, very similar to the zany Sunday events that have become popular the last couple of year at ERX Motor Park in Elk River, Minnesota.

Speaking to Duncan recently at the Big East Powersports Show in Syracuse, he told us the March event is just the tip of the iceberg of his plans to reinvigorate racing and fun competition in the Northeast. But while we wait for those other plans to solidify, we’ll share his press release about the New Hampshire event below.

Officials announce inaugural Mountain Sled Fest at Tenney Mountain; Event to include Hillcross, Snocross, KaBOOM Freestyle show

PLYMOUTH, New Hampshire (Oct. 17, 2024) — Officials at X Racing Inc. have announced plans for a major wintertime motorsports event in the Granite State of New Hampshire.

The inaugural Mountain Sled Fest is set for Mar. 21-23 at the beautiful Tenney Mountain Ski Area in Plymouth. Categories of racing included in the inaugural Mountain Sled Fest include Hillcross, Snocross, DitchBanger (1990-2004 sleds), Vintage (built before 1989), and a “Sunday Funday” program, with the spotlight placed on creating a fun, family-oriented festival atmosphere for “Kidz, Teenz, and Familyz.”

“We’re working to bring back the glory days of sanctioned snowmobile racing to New England,” X Racing president Joe Duncan said. “The sport has a rich history up here, with groups like Rock Maple Racing (1991-2009) and East Coast Snocross (2009-2018) showcasing the depth of talent in the East.

“We plan to continue that tradition of exciting racing. We know it will take time and money to rebuild the sport, but are confident the support is there to warrant those efforts. New partners are joining our program weekly. They all want to see the glory days return, and we’re committed to doing just that.”

Duncan says this time-enduring ski area is enjoying a resurgence thanks to several major upgrades.

“Tenney Mountain is really a beautiful facility,” he added. “They’ve invested five million dollars in snowmaking upgrades alone; with millions more around the property to put this amazing facility back on the map. It’s the perfect venue to host a fun event for those who love snowmobiles.”

Skiing at Tenney Mountain dates back to the 1930s. It truly came to life in 1959 when World War II veteran Sam Hall cut and opened the first official set of trails, served by a single T-bar lift. The mountain expanded in the mid-1980s, with a triple chairlift and more trails.

The 2022-2023 season saw a big revival thanks to its owners, the NorthCountry Development Group.

This world-class snowmobile competition will be sponsored by two longtime supporters of sled racing in New England; HK Powersports, with stores in Hookset and Laconia, New Hampshire; and North Adams, Massachusetts-based powersports dealer Southside Sales.

HK Powersports has been supporting both sled racing and auto racing for years. Company official Brian Whalley is a longtime racer, both on sleds and in an asphalt Super Late Model on the Pro All Stars Series tour. Whalley says this event in Plymouth is a great fit for HK, and is long overdue.

“Joe knows how to execute a world-class snowmobile event, so we’re thrilled to be involved,” Whalley said. “Tenney Mountain is thriving once again, and is a great facility to host an event of this nature. We will have a big presence onsite and be promoting it throughout the winter season.

“I like the fact that Joe is looking at a three-year deal, so teams know there’s a future. Racers want a little stability and commitment; Joe has that and more. He’s got the resume and the right approach, he has evolved with the times as required. We’re excited to work together to bring back those glory days.”

HK Powersports is South/Central New Hampshire’s leader in outdoor powersports equipment. Since 1976, HK Powersports has been a leading dealer for Can-Am, Kawasaki, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha at their Hookset location, later opening a Lakes Region branch in Laconia in 1980.

Both locations provide a wide selection of everything from ATVs, watercraft, snowmobiles, motorcycles and trailers. Visit them online today for their full inventory at www.hkphookset.com and www.hkplaconia.com.

Bruce Gaspardi Sr., second-generation owner of Southside Sales, has supported snowmobile racing for decades. His own race team has always fielded top-notch athletes in a number of classes, including a few riders from Norway and Sweden over the years. His passion for snowmobiles is second-to-none.

“We’re excited to be involved with this upcoming event at Tenney Mountain,” Gaspardi said. “Our team has competed in events sanctioned by Joe in the past. He has years of experience hosting races, from his days with the WSA to today’s “Sunday Funday” programs and great events out at ERX” in Elk River, Minnesota.

“He’ll attend to every detail, ensuring the weekend goes off smoothly. I’m convinced this will be a very successful event. A lot of us have missed sanctioned sled races here in New England. Joe’s efforts are both welcomed and greatly appreciated.”

With more than 25 years of racing experience, safety management, course design, construction, equipment operation, budgeting and innovation with multi-venue layouts, Duncan understands all aspects of an event; from toilets to trophies, staffing, spectators, safety and everything in between.

As a Sport Organizer for ESPN’s Winter X-Games for all 25 years that ESPN has been conducting snowmobiling events, Duncan has done everything from organizing and designing the courses, creating exciting new competitions, running race operations and inviting the athletes.

To learn more about X Racing, you can go to www.sundayfundayx.com.

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