In the Tucker Hibbert-less era, every racing team is looking for the next young star that will dominate the sport.
Hailing from Sayabec, Quebec, Theo Poirier will join the Woodies Racing team for the 2019-2020 Amsoil Championship Snocross Series (ISOC) season.
Entering his fourth season racing snowmobiles competitively while still only 17-years-old, last year he won the Super Competition Motorsport Extreme (SCMX) Pro Lite Championship in Quebec and two Canadian Snowcross Racing Association (CSRA) Pro Lite races. For ISOC, he will race in the Pro Lite class.
“Mike Kloety with Arctic Cat mentioned him to us, saying he showed some good speed last season in Canada,“ said owner Paul Woodie. “We started researching him by watching race film. Then we spoke with staff of the two Canadian series he raced, including other race competitors in the class – they all told me that he was absolutely the ‘real deal.’ As a younger athlete, he will help us reach our long-term goals to grow our team structure and excel.”
Poirier has one previous experience racing in the ISOC – in 2018 he made the trip to Salamanca, New York, and finished third in the Sport Lite and Jr 16-17 classes.
As fans and teams alike search for who will run away from the competition consistently, last season 20-year-old Norwegian Ski-Doo rider Elias Ishoel became a fan favorite. Meanwhile fans were dealt another blow when Ski-Doo rider Tim Tremblay also announced his retirement this past summer.
“In his first year with the team, we are hopeful he will finish in the top-five in the points championship for the Pro Lite class,” Woodie said of expectations for the team rookie.
Eager to grow its team further before the season begins, Woodies also announced a program in July seeking riders interested in being sponsored by the team.
“The sponsorship program is getting some good response. We are excited to review athletes and determine what level of assistance we can give,” Woodie said. Applications for the program will be accepted through Oct. 1, 2019. “Whether it’s discount pricing on parts and accessories, technical advice or entry fees – Our team was helped out so much when we started, it’s a way for us to pay it forward. It’s also a way for Woodies Racing to gain more exposure for our team sponsors.”
Implying the possibility of the program returning for a second season, Woodie said, “There will also be some track-watching to determine future opportunities – Maybe a rider doesn’t make the cut this season, but they show good progress during the winter; that will given them a leg-up if they apply again next year.”
Before racing in ISOC, team owners Paul and Kym Woodie hosted grassroots snocross races in western Wyoming, while also becoming involved with local hill climbs. On the national circuit, Woodies Racing sponsored and developed the Jr. Girls Class – a decision influenced by female racer Taven Woodie, as well as wanting to give youth girls everywhere another place to showcase their talent.
Editor’s Note: Every Snow Goer issue includes in-depth sled reports and comparisons, aftermarket gear and accessories reviews, riding destination articles, do-it-yourself repair information, snowmobile technology and more. Subscribe to Snow Goer now to receive print and/or digital issues.