CARRABASSETT, Maine (March 12, 2012) — Two-time regional points champion Danny Poirier took another step closer to his third title Sunday, completing a sweep of the Pro finals as East Coast Snocross (ECS) completed Round 7 at the Sugarloaf Regional Airport.
Poirier (Bailey/Hulten Polaris), of St. Theodore, QC, slotted into third at the start of Saturday’s 16-lap Pro Stock final. After taking the lead from Corin Todd (daSilva Racing/Ski-doo) at lap 12, Poirier powered away from the field to claim top honors. Lincoln Lemieux (Lemieux Racing/Ski-doo) hung on for a solid second, while Todd was third.
In Sunday’s grueling Pro Open final, Poirier slotted into second at the start behind Pro Lite points leader Lucas Brunelle (Damexco Racing/Ski-Doo), making his first start at the Pro level. Poirier inherited the top spot when Brunelle pulled off the track, then checked out on the field to complete the Pro sweep. 
“We have the total package in place right now,” Poirier said without intention of bragging. “Steve Bailey works hard to prep my sleds, Ray Hulten does a great job on the engines, and our Walker Evans shocks are simply the best. I’ve been training hard, so everything is working well. It feels great to win again, yet I don’t take it for granted. It takes a total team effort and perfect sleds to run like this.”
Talented rookie Mike George (Ingles Performance/Ski-Doo) was impressive Sunday, slotting into third at the start and holding on for a second place finish. Locked in a fight for Rookie of the Year honors with teammate Chris Ackerman, George went all-out Sunday to show his skills. Sophomore sensation Lemieux came home third, while Todd and Dylan Martin (Team Southside/Polaris) completed the top five.
In Saturday’s Pro Lite final, Fall River, Massachusetts, rider Mike Pilotte (Team Southside/Polaris) prevailed over Andrew Bailey and Brunelle. Since he turned so many heads at Duluth last November, Pilotte has taken his skills to a new level this season. On Sunday, he almost stole one away from Brunelle in the closing laps of the final. Brunelle had a brief bobble on the front-stretch, and Pilotte was right there to capitalize. He led for about 20 or 30 yards until Brunelle got things squared away.
“I could hear Mike’s sled and knew he was right there on me,” Brunelle said after the final.
“Fortunately, I was able to get my sled straightened out pretty quickly and regain the lead. He made me work for this one, but after he beat me Saturday, I was very focused on winning today.”
Brunelle had that unique opportunity to ride a mod sled Sunday after teammate Renaud Alexandre suffered a mild concussion from a crash on Saturday. With Renaud’s Open sled sitting idle Sunday, Damexco Racing team owner Luc Brunelle decided to give his son a chance. After watching him grab the holeshot and lead the first two laps, it’s clear he’ll be ready to advance to Pro next season.
In Sport action over the weekend, young Montana Jess completed his fourth clean sweep of the season. The talented athlete from Westminster, Mass., claimed the Super Stock final on Saturday and again on Sunday, plus won his qualifying heats both days. Known as “The Flyin’ Onion” in racing circles, Jess certainly lived up to his nickname while visiting the Great State of Maine.
Competition in the Junior division was intense during Round 7, as well. Cole Fredericks (Saturday) and Nate Newland (Sunday) each registered wins in Jr. 16-17 action, while Newland also posted a pair of wins in Jr. 14-15 action. Michael Newman and David Camara both recorded victories in Jr. 10-13 battles, keeping the crowd on its feet as they pushed the limits of young man and machine.
Other final round winners over the weekend in Maine include Tucker Kierstead (Jr. 8-10 500 Saturday); Dalton Tatro (Jr. 8-10 500 Sunday); Vermont veteran Joe Lemieux (Pro Am); Tim Slocum (Plus 25/35 Saturday); and Rene Desrochers (Plus 25/35 Sunday). Congratulations to all for a job well done.
East Coast Snocross would like to thank officials at the Sugarloaf USA ski resort and Town of Carrabassett for hosting Round 7. As many racers and fans stated, there was never a more beautiful backdrop for a snocross track anywhere on the planet. With ample snow in this part of Maine, ECS track engineer Bob Pawlowski was able to construct the largest track of the season thus far.
Next up for ECS teams is a trip to western New York, as the beautiful Peek ‘N Peak Resort in Findley Lake hosts Round 8 on the nine-race 2012 campaign.
East Coast Snocross, presented by AMSOIL and Woody’s Traction, is the sanctioning body for snocross competition in the northeast. As the eastern affiliate to the International Series of Champions (ISOC). For full results from Carrabassett or for more information, go to www.eastcoastsnocross.com.
i would really like to know the age limit and where to get information to sign up.
I thought the Patenaude boys raced in Maine this past weekend? I didn’t see any results on your web site!