Small-town Canadian Girl Races at Duluth Snocross Nationals
>> Dreams Reached Thanks to BAILEY MOTORSPORTS <<

Hard Work, Perseverance and Positive Attitudes Pay Off for Karkoulas Sisters

Oakwood, ON (April 5, 2017) – Racers and fans from across Canada united at Horseshoe Valley Resort in Barrie, Ont., for the final race weekend of the Canadian Snowcross Racing Association (CSRA) championship. Karkoulas Sisters, Brooklyn, Dakota and Zoe, excitedly geared up in their Choko Design race gear eager to secure a National Champion title.

ZOE #502

Zoe hopped on her Polaris 120 stock and Briggs machines for what may be her last time on the 120 machines.  Executing some of her best starts this season had her out amongst the leaders numerous times in Stock two. However, one particular corner gave her trouble and saw her trackside up in the snow a few times throughout the weekend. None-the-less she was still able to get back on and finish her races. In the end, Zoe accomplished a fifth place final standing in the National Championship for stock 2 and earned a year of valuable experience on her Briggs snowmobile, finishing tenth overall in that class. 

For the 2017/18 season, Zoe is looking forward to being one of the first kids to race the CSRA circuit on a brand new 200cc snowmobile!

DAKOTA #501

Dakota had a whirl wind of a weekend combining two of her most loved sports – gymnastics and snowcross.  On Friday she bid good luck to her sisters and fellow competitors, and headed south for a required gymnastics competition.  This was incredibly difficult for Dakota, as she was potentially walking away from a third place snowcross championship in the points race.  Her parents still registered her on Friday in the Transition Girls class with fingers crossed that she could make the race and keep up her points. Thankfully, races were a bit behind schedule and with literally two minutes to spare, Dakota geared up and conquered a track she had never seen or practiced on.

In the end, all the effort paid off and Dakota completed the season with an impressive Third place National Championship.  She ended her season in Novice A with sixth overall and Transition mixed class in ninth place.  Next season, Dakota has goals of taking over her sister, Brooklyn’s, title as Transition Girls champion.

BROOKLYN #500

Brooklyn conquered what was likely her most stressful weekend of racing to date.  She entered Friday with a tie in the points race for the Transition Girls championship.  Unfortunately, she had a fall in her first moto but was able to take the checkered in the second moto giving her a third overall that day and trailing by 5 points heading in to Saturdays competition. 

On Saturday, Brooklyn rode fast and clean, capturing the checkered flag in both motos. As Sunday rolled in, so did Brooklyn’s nerves. As she sat atop her Ski-Doo RS 600, mentally preparing for the race, many fellow racers and supporters approached Brooklyn with well wishes and words of encouragement. 

Brooklyn was able to take first place in the first moto setting her up for an all or nothing second moto.  With nothing to lose but everything to gain, Brooklyn had a great start. A clean inside pass in the first corner was all she needed to get ahead and win the race, securing title of National Champion in the Transition Girls 8-13 class.

BAILEY MOTORSPORTS

Karkoulas Sisters Racing excitedly started this season by announcing a partnership with Bailey Motorsports. At that time, the goal was to mentor and support this young team of racers. Never did either team imagine the impact that this partnership would have on them. The realization came full circle on Sunday, which was the last day of racing for Stale Eggen of Bailey Motorsports, who had decided to retire from snowcross racing. Over the season, Stale had become Zoe’s idol and mentor. After the last checkered flag had flown this past weekend, Zoe was called to the Bailey Motosports trailer by none other than Stale himself, where he gifted her with a signed number plate right from his sled. Zoe spent the entire ride home planning where she would display her prized possession. That is what mentorship is all about.

A delay in the schedule this weekend gave KSR the opportunity to cheer on Bailey Motorsports team members. Isaac St. Onge threw one of the biggest fist pumps ever after capturing the final checkered flag in the Sport 600 class earning him two championship titles.

As previously mentioned, Stale Eggen rode his final CSRA race Sunday afternoon in the main event-  which  would have surely been bitter sweet for the pro open rider.  KSR wishes him all the best back home in Norway. Stale’s fellow Pro open rider Mitch King rode hard and secured some of his best finishes on an incredibly physically demanding track.  The Pro lite division was well represented with Ryan Hunt No. 729   earning an overall fourth place in the National Championship.  It was also great to see the Williams family lining up for some superb racing in the Briggs class and Novice category. 

SEASON FINALE

The end of a race season always brings mixed emotions. Contentment and joy for the sport supersedes sadness; however the team will definitely miss the track community during the off-season. KSR relies heavily on the support and friendship of fellow track families. Every tidbit of advice given to KSR racers, every pat on the back, thumbs up or even a lucky coin (thanks Tom Wilson – mechanic for Isaac St Onge!) makes a huge difference. These small gestures are in fact quite large and help shape the girls racing mind set and attitudes. It is these phenomenal track friends that have helped build KSR racers back up when they were down and celebrated with them when they were up.  They have watched over them as they grow and thrive on the track; they learn sportsmanship, a sense of community and togetherness that they will forever remember as they grow as racers, and young women. This is what racing is about; it’s more than the checkered flag; it’s about the mentorship, comradery, and lessons learned. To each and every one of our supporters, we thank you, and look forward to seeing you all again next season!

Karkoulas Sisters Racing would like to thank their sponsors and supporters: Bailey Motorsports, Lucas Oil, Off Road Vixens, Backwoods Promotions, Backcountry Motorsports Media, Dayco Products, Stud Boy Traction, Choko Design, Gamma Powersports, Zoan Helmets, Dragon Goggles and LAPS 4MD.

RESULTS: To see full results for both KSR & Bailey Motorsports, visit www.snowcross.com/race-results

FOLLOW US: @KSRsnowcross (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram)

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Contact Jessica Kline, info@backwoodspromo.com

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: Shelby Mahon / Backcountry Motorsports Media 

[POST RACE UPDATE]

Karkoulas Sisters Racing Promotes Women in Motorsports

Snowcross Racing in Timmins Concludes with Positive Outcomes

Oakwood, ON (March 7, 2017) – Karkoulas Sisters Racing (KSR) packed up and headed north to find bright blue skies, frigid cold temps, and most importantly, the white snow that seems to be eluding the team this season. This past weekend, Timmins, Ontario, was the location for the Eclipse Financial Cup, comprised of rounds 9 and 10 of the Canadian Snowcross Racing Association (CSRA) circuit.

With races in London and Barrie cancelled due to unseasonably warm temperatures and lack of snow, the team was only too happy to make the seven hour drive north to ride a fast, tight track for a weekend of action packed competition. Like any race weekend, the team had its share of ups and downs, and successes and disappointments. However, in the end, with strong family support and an incredible show of solidarity and backing from fellow track families and competitors, the team leaves Timmins behind with a few lessons learned and the drive to arrive in Kitchener (next scheduled race) with positive attitudes and optimism.

ZOE #502

Timmins saw Zoe bring her best racing yet! Although she didn’t sweep the podium, it was clear she elevated her riding capabilities on her Brigg’s sled with her best finishes to date. Zoe also rode her Polaris 120 Stock 2 to its absolute max, and although the team worked tirelessly on the sled, it still wasn’t enough to capture the checkered. None-the-less, Zoe was happy to collect her trophy on Sunday for a respectable fourth place finish in the final.

DAKOTA #501

Another race weekend of steadfast racing is under Dakota’s belt (or should we say TekVest?). She was able to overcome some psychological stress of missing an important gymnastics competition to race this weekend with her usual style and dependability. Any true racer knows motorsports racing can be just as psychological as physical if not more, so her ability to overcome the stress was admirable. Saturday saw Dakota on the losing end of some rubbing in Transition girls that sent her over a berm, yet the next moto she was able to move past the incident and finish third. In the same class on Sunday, she finished in second place. The real testament to how far Dakota has come in her racing occurs each time she lines up for her Novice A final. Previously Dakota has struggled with intimidation related to racing in the mixed classes, yet the last few races she has been the only girl left pulling up to the line. She has been able to overcome her feelings of intimidation, and has found her confidence as a racer and competitor while giving her all in each race.

BROOKLYN #500

The -30 degree Celsius temps didn’t stop Brooklyn from arriving in Timmins with her usual drive and focus. The term “pin it to win it” takes on whole new meaning to Brooklyn, sometimes in her favor and sometimes not, which was demonstrated in her second moto in Transition Girls on Sunday. Sitting in second place on the last lap, Brooklyn challenged her limits and unfortunately overshot a corner which cost her dearly.

With a head full of mixed thoughts and emotions, “what if’s”, and incredible disappointment, she got on her Ski-Doo 600RS again to finish out the weekend with solid racing in her Transition 8-13 class. This was not an easy feat with emotions and pressure at an all-time high.

Overall, Brooklyn had a stand-out weekend with multiple moto wins and highest number of laps led (in more than one class). As a result, the team will be donating one dollar per lap led to the Laps for Muscular Dystrophy program.

In addition to those achievements, this weekend saw race winners interviewed by the announcer, Dave Bell, giving Brooklyn many opportunities to promote young girls in racing. Winning several Novice B moto’s, as the only girl left in the class, was the perfect opportunity to show race fans and future little girls in the stands that a racer is a racer no matter what gender. This was also a great opportunity to represent Ski-Doo as the only Ski-Doo snowmobile amongst a class full of Arctic Cats. Brooklyn was able to give a shout out to sponsors and affiliated Team members from Bailey Motorsports, a team of which had many of their own successes and interviews this weekend. KSR was thrilled to see many of the team members from Bailey Motorsports track side cheering them on and showing immense support.

Karkoulas Sisters Racing cannot thank Backcountry Motorsports Media enough for their support and constant presence on and off the track. No matter which direction the team turned, there was a good chance a camera was pointed their way capturing moments that will forever be cherished.

Enormous thanks to the teams others sponsors and supporters: Bailey Motorsports, Lucas Oil, Off Road Vixens, Backwoods Promotions, Dayco Products, Stud Boy Traction, Choko Designs, Gamma Powersports, Zoan Helmets and Dragon Goggles.

RESULTS: To see full results for both KSR & Bailey Motorsports, visit www.snowcross.com/race-results

NEXT RACE: ROCKSTAR ENERGY NATIONAL SNOWCROSS, March 25 &26, Kitchener, ON.

FOLLOW US: @KSRsnowcross (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram)

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Contact Jessica Kline, info@backwoodspromo.com

[POST RACE UPDATE]

Successful Season Opener for Karkoulas Sisters Racing

Top Finishes for Racers at Rouyn-Noranda

Oakwood, ON (January 16, 2017) – Racers from across Canada excitedly arrived in Rouyn-Noranda, QC, this past weekend for the International Snowcross Grand Prix.  The weekend marked the first event of the Canadian Snowcross Racing Association (CSRA) schedule, and drew thousands of fans to the track for fast-paced, ski to ski racing.

Karkoulas Sisters Racing (KSR) racers, Brooklyn (age 12), Dakota (age 10), and Zoe (age 7) arrived Friday night to drop the trailer, go through technical inspection and prepare for early morning practice on Saturday, January 14. Transition practice went well, leaving Brooklyn and Dakota in good spirits and with ample time to catch up with fellow teammates afterwards. Zoe had open practice all day on a small oval track off to the side of the main track. The weekend was brisk and chilly, but this didn’t phrase KSR racers who kept warm in their Off-Road Vixens beanies and Choko Design snowmobile gear.

ZOE #502

Sunday was the day racers had been waiting for what seemed like forever. Dark and frosty conditions didn’t stop Zoe #502 from taking her chance to practice on the main track. After several laps in -23 degree Celsius temperature, she still didn’t want to get off the track. Her dedication paid off when she was able to step up onto the podium and receive her third place trophy in the Stock two class. She also secured the sixth spot in her first ever Briggs class. Moments after receiving the award, Zoe eagerly scoured the pits for her idol, pro-racer with Bailey Motorsports, Stale Eggen, finally locating him at an autograph session for fans. The moment she showed him her award was heartwarming, and a true testament to the importance of mentorship in the snowcross industry.

DAKOTA #501

Dakota had a solid season opener. In the Transition Girls class, she bolted off the start on her No. 501 Ski-Doo 600 RS, and was right on Brooklyn’s tail in the moto 1 race. They were 1:2 for a few laps, until Dakota hit a bit too close on the inside edge and went over the berm. She bravely untangled herself from underneath the sled, jumped up and started to rock the 450 pound sled in an attempt to get it trackside down again. Her sheer determination is the foundation of a great racer. Her second moto saw her cross the finish line in third place, with a fourth place overall. In her Transition 8-13 class, she went 6:4 in her moto’s earning her front row final where she secured a ninth place finish.

In her Novice A class she rode hard, and made the front row final, and had a solid race in the main race. The team is awaiting lap times in the main race to confirm final standings.

BROOKLYN #500

Brooklyn showed her competitive edge throughout all of her races on Sunday. She had amazing starts and a few solid holeshots, which saw her take the lead in Transition Girls. She finished first in both heats and finished first overall. In the Transition 8-13 race, Brooklyn raced head to head and placed in the top three in both heats, then placed fifth in the final.

This year, Brooklyn wanted some extra seat time so she decided to jump on her sisters Ski-Doo Sport 600, and take it for a rip in the Novice B class. Although it handles very differently than her RS, Brooklyn was still able to go 4:2 in her heats, placing fifth in the final. Congratulations to Brooklyn for leading nine laps, resulting in a donation to the ‘Laps4MD program’ befitting Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

RESULTS: For official race results, visit www.snowcross.com/race-results

NEXT RACE: January 28-29, 2017 at Georgian Downs Raceway, Innisfil, ON

FOLLOW US: @KSRsnowcross (Twitter & Instagram)

WEBSITE: For more information about KSR, visit www.Kracing.ca

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Contact Jessica Kline, info@backwoodspromo.com

[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE]

Karkoulas Sisters Racing Team to Collaborate with Bailey Motorsports

Two Teams, One Goal Puts Ski-Doo on Top

Oakwood, ON (September 12, 2016) – Karkoulas Sisters Racing (KSR) is thrilled to announce that they will be working closely with Bailey Motorsports for the upcoming 2017 Canadian Snowcross Racing Association (CSRA) season. The all-female race team composed of three young sisters is excited to join forces with the professional snowcross team, with the primary goal centered on supporting up and coming youth in the sport.

Established in 1999, Bailey Motorsports is an extreme sports team that focuses on the sport of snowcross. The team consists of five primary riders: Ryan Hunt, Christian Sarracini, Stale Eggen, Mitch King and Isaac St. Onge. Bailey Motorsports will also support the racing efforts of young Eric and Christian Williams. With 19 championships and numerous podium finishes over the years, Bailey Motorsports is well established in the snowcross industry, earning the title of CSRA ‘Team of the Year’ and representing Ski-Doo as their Canadian Super Team.

Now, Bailey Motorsports team members look forward to mentoring and supporting the next generation of racers this year. With 38 years of combined snowcross racing experience, the affiliation of two like-minded teams couldn’t be a better fit.

“We are really looking forward to getting back to racing this winter. A lot has happened over the summer, and continuing our relationship with KSR is definitely a highlight. The Karkoulas sisters are all talented racers and this young family has a flair for promotion. We can’t wait to see them on the track again!” said Stuart Hunt, Owner of Bailey Motorsports.

With the 2017 season quickly approaching, the Karkoulas Sisters are hard at work preparing for what is anticipated to be another epic year. Support from Bailey Motorsports will help them reach some of their goals this season. “We’re excited to align ourselves with such a solid team. Brooklyn, Dakota and Zoe have proven that they are tough contenders in the series, and are ready to take their racing to the next level. Our affiliation with Bailey Motorsports will help with this,” said Troy Karkoulas, KSR Team Manager.

Last season the team garnered TV and print news coverage for their race efforts, all while racing their hearts out and having fun at the same time. Stay tuned for lots of exciting updates, announcements and surprises for this upcoming season!

Be sure to stop by and visit both teams at the Toronto International Snowmobile ATV and Powersports show October 21-23 at the Toronto International Center.

FOLLOW US: @KSRsnowcross (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram)

WEBSITE: For more information about KSR, visit www.KRacing.ca

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Contact Jessica Kline, info@backwoodspromo.com

We’re so excited to team up with Laps for Muscular Dystrophy!! This is going to be a great season – to learn more about supporting Muscular Dystrophy Canada, visit www.muscle.ca

We are proud to join them and can’t wait for the season to start! So bring on winter and a lot of snow!

(Click the logo for the link)