Tucker Hibbert, Snocross Racing’s Winningest Driver, Retires

Tucker Hibbert, the winningest driver in the history of snocross racing and truly one of the all-time greats in snowmobile racing overall, announced his retirement from snocross racing today at the age of 33. 

Hibbert, winner of 11 national championships, 138 Pro race victories on the national circuit in 235 starts and 10 X Games Gold Medals all on Arctic Cat race sleds, has been an seemingly invincible force in the sport since he won his first X Games Gold medal in Vermont at the age of 15. Through his illustrious career, which included a sideline for awhile in the mid 2000s to chase his motocross/dirt bike dreams, Hibbert had several rivals but no true enemies. Generally, the only people who disliked him did so because his  domination of the modern, big-air snocross races made event results predictable and thus, to some,

somewhat boring. 

In a press release circulated this morning, Hibbert said, “It’s time for me to retire from professional snocross racing. It’s been a great career and now is the right time to move on. I’m healthy and happy. I’ve accomplished my goals, which were to do my best and enjoy the process of working hard with the people around me. We just finished a great season where I felt as good as I ever have and won my 11^th Championship.”

Indeed, Hibbert did wrap up another championship in March after yet another dominating season, during which he won 11 of the Amsoil Championship Series’ 17 Pro finals in a star-studded field, including seven of the season’s first eight finals. At times during the last five years of his career, somebody in the crowd or in the pits might ponder if Hibbert was getting too old, or if the competition was catching up, and then Hibbert — always one of the sport’s best conditioned athletes — would rip off another half-dozen victories in a row and show everybody who was the king. 

Fans of racers or brands that he competed against may have disliked the consistent whooping their favorite drivers took from Hibbert, but Hibbert was difficult to dislike.  For competing as long as he did, he had very few run-ins with other drivers — and that’s unusual in a high-speed sport that can include much contact. In post race interviews, Hibbert was always quick to praise his team, his God, the fans and offer kind words about his competition while humbly accepting yet another  victory, often with steam coming off of his sweat-covered head. Plus, while watching him, it was hard not to acknowledge his supreme skill, his team’s incredible craftsmanship and his dedication — and to realize you were seeing a truly historic racer whose accomplishments likely will never be matched. 

Below is the press release from the Hibbert team. Also, to see Tucker Hibbert’s career stats click here. 

TUCKER HIBBERT RETIRES FROM PROFESSIONAL SNOCROSS RACING

May 16, 2018 – After 25 years of chasing checkered flags in snowmobile competition, Tucker Hibbert today announced that he’s reached the finish line of his remarkable racing career. The 33-year-old from Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, is now officially retired as a professional snocross racer.

“It’s time for me to retire from professional snocross racing,” Hibbert said. “It’s been a great career and now is the right time to move on. I’m healthy and happy. I’ve accomplished my goals, which were to do my best and enjoy the process of working hard with the people around me. We just finished a great season where I felt as good as I ever have and won my 11^th Championship.”

Reflecting on his career, he added, “I’ve dedicated a huge part of my life to racing snowmobiles. I’m thankful for the lessons and experiences that racing provided me over the years. It’s been an incredible ride.”

Hibbert leaves the sport as the most decorated racer in snocross history. He began racing snowmobiles as an amateur at age 8, won his first X Games gold medal at 15 and turned professional at age 16. In his 18 years as a professional snocross racer, Hibbert won 138 of the 235 Pro National events he entered in addition to 11 Pro Championship titles, 10 X Games gold medals and two World Championship titles.

Hibbert’s storied career is a testament to the talent, determination and hard work of his own as well as those who were integral to Team 68 over the years.

“Working hard, as a team, has been the most rewarding part of racing,” Hibbert said. “There are so many amazing people who have played a role in my career. I’ve been fortunate to work with some extremely talented, dedicated and all-around good people. I’ll cherish the memories we’ve all made together for the rest of my life.”

The team’s success was also the result of the support given by key sponsors. “I’m proud of the relationships we’ve built with the brands that have supported me,” he said. “Many of them were career long sponsors and that’s something I’m really thankful for.”

Hibbert also credits his fans, saying: “I’m blessed to have met a lot of great people through racing. Their energy and excitement helped push me to do my best. I truly thank all of them for their passion and support.”

Hibbert’s retirement from professional snocross is effective immediately. He is currently working on event opportunities at which he can personally thank his fans, sponsors and the snowmobile racing community for their contribution to his career.

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