Tag Archives: racing

KSR RIDER CINCHES TWO TRIPLE CROWN SERIES CHAMPIONSHIPS

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[POST RACE RECAP]

 Round 3 of Triple Crown

Oakwood, ON (March 14, 2022) – This past weekend marked the third and final race in the Northern Triple Crown Series that included stops in Sault Saint Marie, Sudbury and lastly Timmins, Ontario.  Karkoulas Sisters Racing (KSR) travelled North for the Timmins Pro Snowcross competition presented by J&B Cycle & Mikey’s Sales, which marked round 3 of the Triple Crown. This race weekend sure did not disappoint, with KSR Rider Dakota Karkoulas riding her way to title holder in both Jr 14-17 and Pro/Am Women’s classes on her 2022 Ski-Doo 600 RS!

Dakota #501

Dakota swept both classes on Saturday and nearly repeated the same results Sunday until a fall in her first moto of the Jr 14-17 class found her pinned beneath her sled. She ended the weekend going 1:1 in Pro/Am Women and 1:2 in Jr 14-17.

Enjoying the massive jumps and doubles, Dakota excelled on what she called, “her kind of track”, that really suited her riding style. In addition to those spectacular results, a special treat racing in Timmins was the generous hole shot awards organizers give out.  Dakota was able to earn some cash with her hole shot award in Pro/Am Women.  Leaving the track overjoyed with how the weekend turned out, Dakota said, “I am so excited to get back on the race track in two weeks in Kitchener.”

Brooklyn #500

Brooklyn, the team’s eldest rider, also enjoyed the track set-up and quick progression through the program. Feeling super happy to have two full days of racing (after last weekend’s cancellation of the Sunday race day due to inclement weather), Brooklyn described the atmosphere as amazing with lots of spectators coming out to get in on the racing action. The track was relatively long and less time constraints in the schedule saw the riders enduring many laps in their second moto. Brooklyn enjoyed this test of endurance and was happy with her performance, leaving super stoked to have pulled two podium finishes this weekend, going 3-3.  Heading off to British Columbia for some skiing action, Brooklyn looks forward to resuming the season with full force for the last two weekends of the season after March break.

Zoe #502

Once again due to low entries, Zoe was disappointed to learn that Transition Girls would not happen this weekend, resulting in her putting it all on the line for Transition 2.  Great qualifier heats saw Zoe having top five picks in both final days. In the finals Zoe said, “I couldn’t get off the line quick enough and that made it hard to pass.” This resulted in her ending up with 7th place finish on Saturday and 9th on Sunday. Zoe is hoping to be able to race Transition girls in Kitchener in two weeks and finish the class out in Barrie after that!

Class final results:  Saturday    Sunday

Brooklyn #500

Pro/am Women        3rd               3rd

Dakota #501

Pro/am women        1st               1st

Junior 14-17              1st              2nd

Zoe #502

Transition 2              7th                9th

 

KSR would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support for this 2022 season: Bailey Motorsports, Motul, Ski-Doo, Fly Racing, Backwoods Promotions, Scott Sports Canada, C&A Pro Skis, Rox Speed FX, Dayco, Off-Road Vixens, Stud Boy Traction Products, Atlas Brace, 139 Designs, Clean Media, Tekvest, St. Onge Recreation, Backcountry Motorsports Media, Laps for Muscular Dystrophy.

PHOTO CREDIT: Shelby Mahon // Backcountry Motorsports Media 

RESULTS: To see full results for the CSRA Series, visit: http://live.tracksideresults.com/csra/

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

NEXT RACE: Royal Distributing Cup – March 26-27 – Kitchener, ON 

WEATHER WARNINGS CUT WEEKEND OF RACING SHORT FOR KSR TEAM 

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Oakwood, ON (March 7, 2022) – Karkoulas Sisters Racing (KSR) travelled North to Sudbury, Ontario for what was expected to be rounds 8 and 9 of competitive snowcross racing. Unfortunately, inclement weather warnings for Sunday cut the weekend short. Given weather predictions for high rainfall with anticipated negative impacts to the track, race officials cancelled Sunday giving the team a long, full race day for Saturday only. Making the best of the day they had, all KSR team members found themselves achieving podium finishes.

Brooklyn #500

Brooklyn described the track as “different than most tracks we have raced on.” She really enjoyed how it was longer with different features such as a split lane portion.   After achieving hole shots for both motos of Pro Woman, Brooklyn was able to secure some solid moto finishes and achieved a third-place podium for the day.  Brooklyn expressed disappointment in the cancellation of races Sunday stating, “I wish I had more time on this track to try some new things and see what we could have accomplished, but I am grateful that CSRA made the necessary call to keep all of the race teams safe.” She is looking forward to a quick turn around back to Timmins this weekend!

Dakota #501

Feeling good after practice on Saturday, Dakota unfortunately took a hard hit in her first race (Junior 14-17), which left her quite sore and put her on edge for the rest of the day.  Pro women Moto 1 was a battle, falling off the track twice, coming to a complete stop per the rules, and starting from the back of the pack.  Pushing herself in that race, she was able to work her way back up to 2nd. Second heats of each class were postponed until after the Pro Show so teams were racing in near dark making it slightly more challenging. Overall ended the day with overall 2nd in Junior 14-17 and 1st in Pro Women.

Zoe #502

Zoe loved the track and was very excited to be racing on it. She had two great heats in Transition Girls class going 1-1, achieving a first place over all! Solid heats for Transition 2 going 5-4 saw her front row for the final.  Unfortunately, at the first corner Zoe tipped her sled and had difficulties getting the sled back up. Once she was up and going, other racers were about a lap ahead, but she was undeterred and able to make up some time to finish 10th.

The team would like to extend a special thank you to Pit Boss Doug and Cathy for all of their efforts and support to keep the team fed and encouraged. 

Class final results:  Saturday      

Brooklyn #500

Pro/am Women       3rd

Dakota #501

Pro/am women        1st        

Junior 14-17             2nd

Zoe #502

Transition Girls        1st

Transition 2             10th

 KSR would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support for this 2022 season: Bailey Motorsports, Motul, Ski-Doo, Fly Racing, Backwoods Promotions, Scott Sports Canada, C&A Pro Skis, Rox Speed FX, Dayco, Off-Road Vixens, Stud Boy Traction Products, Atlas Brace, 139 Designs, Clean Media, Tekvest, St. Onge Recreation, Laps for Muscular Dystrophy.

RESULTS: To see full results for the CSRA Series, visit: http://live.tracksideresults.com/csra/

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

NEXT RACE: Timmins Pro Snowcross – March 12-13 – Timmins, ON

 

ROUND THREE OF SNOWCROSS AT SAUBLE BEACH SPEEDWAY

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5 TOP FINISHES FOR KSR RACERS

Oakwood, ON (February 23, 2022) – Family day weekend was packed full of speed, blistering winds and the sounds and smells of sleds competing. This past weekend marked round three of the Canadian Snowcross Racing (CSRA) Championship. For the KSR team, what better way to celebrate the importance of family than a father loading up his three teenage daughters for a three-day race weekend at the track.  Nothing promotes togetherness more than a family sleeping in a gooseneck race rig for three nights!

Rolling into Sauble Beach Speedway was met with excitement but also trepidation about track conditions due to rain.  CSRA worked tirelessly to put together the best possible track with what they had to work with thanks to rapidly declining snow conditions.  Although track conditions saw the afternoon feature classes sitting these rounds out due to safety concerns, KSR was able to compete in the morning programs all three days. KSR racers attacked a challenging track that had rapidly changing conditions throughout the weekend with perseverance and optimism.  

Brooklyn #500

For Brooklyn, the weekend was filled with both highs and lows.  The Pro/am women rider started the weekend off pretty rough on Saturday, having a pretty big off and bending both steering posts and an a-arm. It was the fast, competent mechanical skills of dad and mechanics from other teams that were able to get Brooklyn’s Ski-Doo track ready for her second race of the day. With combined moto points, Brooklyn achieved a 4th overall for the day.

Capitalizing off of frustration from the day prior, she was set to go green on Sunday. After two solid motos, taking second in both resulted in a second over all for the day. Monday did not come without challenges. Starts were not where the young rider would have liked them to be seeing her fight her way through the field a bit with a third overall for the day. Brooklyn looks forward to getting some more practice time in during the off weekend and going into Sudbury stronger than ever.

Dakota #501

As if going 1:1 in Junior 14-17 and Pro/Am women both Saturday and Sunday weren’t enough, Dakota jumped at the opportunity to sign up for CSRA’s first “Dominator” of the season.  This challenge sees 2 competitors line up for a 1-on-1 battle to the checkered, with the winner advancing and loser eliminated.   Eliminated on her third round, the young rider was all smiles being the last female rider standing. Earning a little monetary reward was also a welcomed bonus.  Monday saw Dakota clean sweep the weekend in Pro/Am women and second place overall for the day in Jr 14-17.

Zoe #502

Zoe’s weekend didn’t quite go as she had hoped for. The Transition Girls class didn’t run due to low entries leaving the Transition 2 class as the only race she entered for the weekend. Describing the track as “a challenging tight track” saw her down on her luck in the finals finishing 9:7:9 but she had some solid qualifiers. Overall, Zoe left the speedway happy to be able to race the weekend and she is looking forward to Sudbury in 2 weeks!

Class final results:

                                     Sat        Sun       Mon

Brooklyn

Pro/am Women           4th         2nd         3rd

Dakota

Pro/am women           1st        1st          1st

Junior 14-17               1st         1st           2nd

Zoe

Transition 2                9th         7th           9th

KSR would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support for this 2022 season: Bailey Motorsports, Motul, Ski-Doo, Fly Racing, Backwoods Promotions, Scott Sports Canada, C&A Pro Skis, Rox Speed FX, Dayco, Off-Road Vixens, Stud Boy Traction Products, Atlas Brace, 139 Designs, Clean Media, Tekvest, St. Onge Recreation, Laps for Muscular Dystrophy.

RESULTS: To see full results for the CSRA Series, visit: http://live.tracksideresults.com/csra/

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

NEXT RACE: Sudbury Pro Snowcross– March 5-6 – Sudbury, ON

HOMETOWN RACING IN LINDSAY MAKES FOR A GREAT WEEKEND FOR KSR

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Oakwood, ON (February 7, 2022) – It was another incredible race weekend for Karkoulas Sisters Racing.
This time, the team didn’t have to travel far, instead racing in their hometown of Lindsay, Ontario, on
February 5th and 6th for the FXR Kawartha Cup. The Canadian Snowcross Racing Association (CSRA)
outdid themselves, creating a top-notch track that provided exciting racing action for local fans and
spectators. KSR racers were thrilled to take to the track on Saturday morning in front of family and
friends who braved the cold temperatures to cheer on the team.

Brooklyn #500
Brooklyn raced the Pro/Am Women’s class on Saturday. She had solid starts that saw her in second
place by the first corner and she never wavered from there. She executed a deep lean on a drifting left
corner at the bottom of the track that set her up for full throttle over the front section. This strategy led
her to double in front of the grandstands keeping her in second position.
Brooklyn described the FXR Kawartha Cup race as a solid race weekend in her hometown. She said, “I
always love to put on a show for Lindsay. The track was great this year and I really enjoyed the
complexity and consistency throughout the track. I was super happy to walk away from this weekend
with a second in Pro/Am women. I’m looking forward to a weekend off to get more practice in before
going green for a three day event in Sauble Beach.”

Dakota #501
Dakota had a great weekend in Lindsay as well, where she won her first heat in Junior 14-17, and
finished second in her next heat securing her second place overall on Saturday. She raced the Pro
Women’s class on Saturday, achieving 1:1 in both motos, holding top spot.
On Sunday, Dakota raced Junior 14-17, finishing second place in her first heat and was in second in the next
heat, when she lost control and flipped off the back of her sled. In record time (11 seconds!) she was
able to roll right up onto her feet, sprint back to her sled, tether, start it and get back on the throttle
where she worked her way back up to fourth place. She had broken her right foot stirrup when she fell,
making it more difficult to keep her feet on the running board over jumps. The combined finished earned her 3rd for the day.  When asked about the weekend, Dakota said, “I am super proud of myself for making up positions and ending the day with
third place. I can’t wait for our 3 day race weekend in Sauble Beach!”

Zoe #502
Zoe always enjoys racing in Lindsay in front of friends and family and this year was no exception. She
had a clean sweep of Transition Girls on both Saturday and Sunday, and raced solid motos including a
win in Transition 2. This gave her front row picks for the finals both days. With enthusiasm Zoe said,
“My weekend was awesome! I was very excited to go riding at my hometown race! I really loved the
starting line this weekend and am very happy with my end result. I’m super excited to go to Sauble
Beach in two weeks!” Zoe finished the weekend with 2 first place finishes in Transition Girls, and a 5th
and 4th place in the finals of Transition 2.
This weekend was extra special for the girls due to support from Bailey Motorsports, Stu Hunt, who was
on the track snapping photos. The team also had “pit boss” Doug and Cathy preparing them lunch to
keep them fueled for their races..

KSR would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support for this 2022 season: Bailey
Motorsports, Motul, Ski-Doo, Fly Racing, Backwoods Promotions, Scott Sports Canada, C&A Pro Skis, Rox
Speed FX, Dayco, Off-Road Vixens, Stud Boy Traction Products, Atlas Brace, 139 Designs, Clean Media,
Tekvest, St. Onge Recreation, Laps for Muscular Dystrophy.

RESULTS: To see full results for the CSRA Series, visit: http://live.tracksideresults.com/csra/
FOLLOW US: @KSRsnowcross (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram)
NEXT RACE: Royal Distributing Cup – February 19-21st – Sauble Beach, ON

Successful 2022 Snowcross Season Opener for KSR in Sault Saint Marie

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Oakwood, ON (January 25, 2022) – In what feels like an eternity, Karkoulas Sisters Racing (KSR) was able to pack their gear and set the truck North with the final destination of Runway Park, Sault Saint Marie, Ontario, set in the GPS. With a few brand new 2022 Ski-Doo 600RS’ featuring a fresh new look thanks to 139 Designs, the team set off for the Can-Am International Canadian Snowcross Racing Association (CSRA) season opener on January 22-23rd with nothing but optimism. 

The team found themselves rolling into the race site Friday morning in time to hit the track for an afternoon of practice.  Four practice motos had the two oldest riders, Brooklyn (age 17) and Dakota (age 15) reacquainting themselves to maneuvering through whoops and doubles while younger sister Zoe (age 12) eagerly watched and waited for her turn to practice Saturday morning, which turned out to be a day that the team will not soon forget.

Zoe #502

Saturday was a national event day and also one of the worst weather days in the history of CSRA racing. Blowing snow made visibility extremely challenging, but despite this added obstacle, the team managed to pull off a great day of racing with no major incidents.  Zoe #502 was the first to take to the track dominating the Transition Girls class going 1:1 all weekend long.  Transition 2 saw her a little throttle shy off the start with a larger more aggressive group of riders in the class finishing the day with a solid 5th place finish after going 5:5 in her combined motos. Final results were not posted for Sunday’s regional competition for Transition 2 but Zoe remained consistent mid pack.  When asked about her weekend, Zoe said, “My weekend went good! I really enjoyed the track, especially the jumping section at the front.  I hope to get better starts next race and come back strong!”

Dakota #501

Dakota #501 was the next rider ready to start her 2022 season in the Junior 14-17 class. Her first race was on Saturday in the Junior 14-17 class. She had a rough start but rode as hard as she could and was able to make a lot of passes, moving from 8th to 4th place. Dakota’s second Junior moto saw significant improvement where she was able to get the holeshot and finished in 2nd place. Overall, in Junior 14-17 she finished with a 2nd place for Saturday.

Dakota also raced her first ever Pro/am Women’s race on Saturday during the afternoon main events program. Racers had to restart the race three times due to multiple sled pile ups, but all three times the race was restarted, Dakota was able to get the holeshot which proved a major advantage.

With all the blowing snow and poor visibility, Dakota didn’t have the added challenge of roost from riders ahead and so she was able to lead the race from start to finish. In her second Pro/Am Women race, there were no crashes and again, Dakota was able to lead the race from start to finish.

Sunday focused on Regional classes racing and unfortunately in her first Junior moto Dakota got in a tangle up with other racers. However, she was able to make up time and go from 9th place to 5th place. In her last Junior race, Dakota had a clean run and placed 2nd which allowed her to get another 2nd place overall finish for the day. In reflecting on the weekend, Dakota said, “I am very happy with my performance and my results, even if all the races didn’t go how I would have liked. I am even more excited for our next race in two weeks!”

Brooklyn #500

The team’s most seasoned rider, Brooklyn #500, hit the track for the “pro show” Saturday afternoon as part of the National series in the Pro/Am Women class.  In addition to the added pressure of being the returning championship title holder, the 2022 season brings the first year the two eldest sisters add the dynamic of being competitors to their relationship.  After keeping their Dad, Troy, busy bouncing back and forth at the line anxiously awaiting the green light, Brooklyn had a solid start finishing 2nd overall in the class for the day. 

When asked about her experience, Brooklyn replied, “It felt great to get back out racing this weekend! After a very modified past season due to Covid-19, I am very excited to have an almost completely normal season this year with spectators and all.” Brooklyn mentioned that she didn’t have as much practice leading up to the event as she would have liked, so it was a bonus to have an entire practice day on Friday. The track was great and included a downhill, so it was a lot of fun to race on. On race day Brooklyn had a great first moto after two restarts, finishing in second place. The extreme weather definitely played a part in moto two, but she still managed to get away with a second place over all for the day.

The weekend’s experience didn’t just stick to the track.  On Friday afternoon, Troy Karkoulas (team manager and dad), had the opportunity alongside his eldest daughter Brooklyn, to do a radio interview describing the Sport of Snowcross and the team’s experiences.  In addition to this opportunity, the entire team had the pleasure of being filmed by a local news channel (northernontario.ctvnews.ca) sharing their excitement for being back at the sport!    

KSR has made some amazing relationships with many great sponsors over the years that we would like to thank for their continued support for this 2022 season: Bailey Motorsports, Motul, Ski-Doo, Fly Racing, Backwoods Promotions, Scott Sports Canada, C&A Pro Skis, Rox Speed FX, Dayco, Off-Road Vixens, Stud Boy Traction Products, Atlas Brace, 139 Designs, Clean Media, Tekvest, St. Onge Recreation, Laps for Muscular Dystrophy.

RESULTS: To see full results for the CSRA Series, visit: http://live.tracksideresults.com/csra/

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

 NEXT RACE:  Kawartha Cup – February 5-6th – Lindsay, ON

Successful Weekend Despite Challenging Conditions

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KSR Racers Enjoy a Successful Weekend Despite Challenging Conditions

Oakwood, ON (March 24, 2021) – This past Sunday marked the third and fourth rounds of the CSRA Regional Snowcross championship races in Lindsay, Ontario.  Initial icy conditions led to rider and team trepidations in hitting the track. However, event organizers were able to take team concerns into consideration which led to postponement of the first race for an hour in order to provide some time for the sun to shine, resulting in warmer temperatures. This allowed for the ice on the track to break up a bit, and for KSR to then make the final decision to go racing.

And race they did! In what turned out to be a successful track challenging KSR racers Dakota and Zoe, they were able to adjust their riding style and conquer what was described by Dad as a “late 90’s style snowcross track”. It was unlike any track they have previously raced on.

Zoe #502

Zoe raced hard and fast with changing track conditions, saying she “needed wipers on her helmet” for wet roost aimed her way as she was charging and making efforts to pass other riders.  Zoe ended up with 2nd overall in transition girls R1 and R2 for the day. In Transition 2 (11-13), Zoe was able to achieve 8th in R1 from backrow and 6th in R2.

Dakota #501

Dakota was excited to race regardless of the track conditions! She was exceptionally pleased after coming off the track after her first junior girls race of the day stating “it was like a whole new track” after the one hour start delay.   She was happy to model her new Fly Racing jersey (which happens to include her favorite colour purple) and could be seen posing for the camera in the pits to show her enthusiasm for the gear.  Dakota came away with the wins in R1 and R2 of Junior girls and battled very hard in the Junior 14-17 class achieving top spot R1 and second in R2.   With no large jumps or doubles which traditionally tends to separate the field a bit, Dakota had to summon all her strength and endurance in order to stay top 3 in the Junior class. 

Karkoulas Sisters Racing is looking forward to the next race on Easter Weekend (April 2-4th), at Horseshoe Resort, in Barrie, ON.

KSR would like to thank the following sponsors for their support: BAILEY MOTORSPORTS, Ski-Doo, Motul, Fly Racing, Backwoods Promotions Inc., Off Road Vixens, STUD BOY Traction, St-Onge Recreation, Dayco, Rox Speed FX, Inc., C&A Pro Skis, SCOTT Sports, Scott Sports Canada, The Compound – Muskoka, Tekvest, 139 designs, Clean Media, Laps for Muscular Dystrophy.

 

RESULTS: To see full results for the CSRA Series, visit: http://live.tracksideresults.com/csra/

FOLLOW US: @KSRsnowcross (Twitter & Instagram)

NEXT RACE:  Dayco Snowcross finals – April 2-4th – Barrie, ON  

First National CSRA Race of 2021

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First National Race of 2021 Season is a Success for Brooklyn Karkoulas

 

Oakwood, ON (March 16, 2021) – After much race season uncertainty and anticipation, Brooklyn Karkoulas #500, was finally able to line up and get the green flag this past Sunday, March 14th. The race, held in Lindsay, Ontario, was the first National race of the 2021 CSRA Snowcross season.

 

With a great thaw the week prior to the event, combined with warm sunny skies, many teams were doubtful the race could be held as planned.  If there is one thing avid snowcross racers can attest to, ‘where there is a will, there is a way’.  CSRA organizers were able to do what seemed like an impossible feat by trucking in 400 loads of snow the days before the event and tirelessly building a technical and physically demanding track for the National series classes to compete on.   Race after race saw the track hold up albeit change with every lap. This created challenges for riders to adapt and overcome, which is just what Brooklyn did.

 

An early season practice mishap had Brooklyn’s confidence shaken leading up to this opening race.  However, as we have learned time and time again with this rider, her competitive drive tends to see her through and this opener was no different.  After a cautious practice to start the day, Brooklyn was feeling back at home while lining up and waiting for the light to go green.  Capturing the hole shot she never looked back and led from start to finish, a result she repeated in moto 2.  For the final, while Brooklyn missed the holeshot she was able to make necessary passes by executing a smooth double double in front of the grandstands. This allowed her to move from third place  to first by the first corner and led the way until the checkered flag!

 

Since this past weekend featured National classes, it allowed for fellow Bailey Motorsports teammates, Yanick Boucher # 53 and Ryan Hunt #729, to hit the track as well.  Yanick and Ryan both piloted their Husqvarna/Yeti Snow Bikes to great finishes with Yanick riding to a carbon copy of Brooklyn’s results going 1-1 in qualifiers and taking the win in the final as well. Ryan raced some great moto’s going 5-8 and finishing out the final in the top 5 position. Pulling double duty, Ryan not only raced the Snow Bike class but he also raced the Pro snowmobile class.  Racing hard on a soft consistently changing track Ryan qualified 4-3 in his qualifiers and after a gruelling 10 minute plus 2 lap final Ryan found himself in the top 10 position.

 

KSR would like to thank the following sponsors for their support: BAILEY MOTORSPORTS, Ski-Doo, Motul, Fly Racing, Backwoods Promotions Inc., Off Road Vixens, STUD BOY Traction, St-Onge Recreation, Dayco, Rox Speed FX, Inc., C&A Pro Skis, SCOTT Sports, Scott Sports Canada, The Compound – Muskoka, Tekvest, 139 designs, Clean Media, Laps for Muscular Dystrophy.

 

RESULTS: To see full results for the CSRA Series, visit: http://live.tracksideresults.com/csra/

FOLLOW US: @KSRsnowcross (Twitter & Instagram)

NEXT RACE:  Regional  event scheduled  March 20-21st in Lindsay, ON. 

2021 Season Opener at Home Track in Lindsay

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Karkoulas Sisters Racing Kicks off Season Opener at Home Track in Lindsay

Oakwood, ON (March 3, 2021) – This past weekend, KSR racers Dakota and Zoe were extremely eager to undergo the highly anticipated and, respectfully, long awaited first race weekend. After months of preparation and countless hours spent at The Compound Muskoka, the girls were fired up, prepared, and confident to take on the Kawartha Cup Regional Snowcross home opener, in Lindsay, ON.

First race jitters were set aside the moment that our racers got to that starting line, dialled down the nerves and welcomed the adrenaline to kick in.

Zoe #502

Zoe Karkoulas was the first of the KSR racers to get the green light last weekend, in her Transition 2 class. This race in particular showed a direct correlation between time spent practicing and improvement, as Zoe was able race a phenomenal moto, securing a strong first place finish in this qualifier.

The day did not slow down for our youngest racer as she then moved on to take another first place in a very competitive transition girls’ race. Spirits were high going into her second Transition 2 qualifier, as Zoe carried a confidence boost from her first two races. While battling in the early laps of the race, Zoe hit a kicker while trying to make a pass on the outside of the track. This caused her sled to get away from her, but she was quickly after to remount her Ski-Doo while also starting it herself with just one pull! Zoe finished her second Transition Girls moto with a first and her Transition 2 final with a 11th after getting stuck behind a sled in the first corner of the track, along with half of the pack.

After a very impressive morning, Zoe then had to repeat all five races again with the new COVID-19 policy programing! She ended up with a second and a first in the Transition Girls’ class (giving her a first overall) and a fifth place finish in the Transition 2 final. When asked about her thoughts on the season opener, Zoe said, “It was a good weekend and with lots of support I could leave the track with 2 gold medals which makes me unbelievably happy! I am now ready to race again next weekend!”

Dakota #501

Dakota Karkoulas’ day was powered by perseverance. With two very tough battles in the Junior Girl’s class, she ended up with a second place finish. Hungry for the win, she was able to set everything else aside and focus for her next two Junior Girls motos. She raced strong and proved that she is a force to be reckoned with after winning both of her Junior Girls’ classes in the second half of the day.Not to be underestimated, Dakota will push herself to the fullest while riding smart and hard in every race. While fighting to defend her championship in the Junior Girls’ class, Dakota also battled it out in the Junior 14-17 class. With so many races in one day, Dakota’s endurance had proven to be a vital component leading to her success with two over all third place finishes in a highly competitive class. When asked about the weekend, Dakota said, “This weekend was amazing! There was so much tight competition and great battles! I am so happy I was able to be a part of this weekend and podium in all my classes. I had so much support and help, it was truly amazing.”

Overall, Karkoulas Sisters Racing is incredibly proud and happy with the performance of their two regional racers this past weekend. With ten races each, there was not a single free minute and so the team would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who provided support and assistance.

KSR would like to thank the following sponsors for this support: BAILEY MOTORSPORTS, Ski-Doo, Motul, Fly Racing, Backwoods Promotions Inc., Off Road Vixens, STUD BOY Traction, St-Onge Recreation, Dayco, Rox Speed FX, Inc., C&A Pro Skis, SCOTT Sports, Scott Sports Canada, The Compound – Muskoka, Tekvest, 139 designs, Clean Media, Laps for Muscular Dystrophy.

RESULTS: To see full results for the CSRA Series, visit: http://live.tracksideresults.com/csra/

FOLLOW US: @KSRsnowcross (Twitter & Instagram)

NEXT RACE: Postponed due to COVID-19 zoning changes impacting a large majority of CSRA races. The next scheduled race is March 27-28th in Barrie, ON.

                                  

Karkoulas Sisters Racing Travels to Timmins

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Oakwood, ON (March 9, 2020) – Timmins, Ontario was the location for the latest round of the Canadian Snowcross Racing Association (CSRA) on March 7-8, 2020. Karkoulas Sisters Racing loaded up their Ski-Doo 600 RS’s early Friday morning and made the seven-hour trip North, excited to see what this round of racing had in store. Arriving under a veil of sunshine, the girls quickly headed for a track walk. Impressed with many line options and a steep drop start, team KSR completed registration and settled in for a good night rest before a full weekend of competition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zoe #502
Zoe had consistent, successful races all weekend long, even having a post moto win opportunity for an interview. True to Zoe’s personality, loving any chance to talk, she was not short on things to say about her race, the track and her sponsors. Overall, for the weekend, she achieved a 3rd place on Saturday in Transition girls, and a 2nd place finish on Sunday. In her mixed class, Transition 1, she was thrilled to have to report to tech both days accomplishing a 4th and 5th respectively in a competitive class of over 15 riders.

Dakota #501
Dakota pulled off similar results that we’ve seen throughout the season on both racing days. On Sunday, after somehow saving a huge bobble off a double and finding her body over the front of the sled, Dakota had to work a little harder to capture the checkered flag in Junior girls, and continue her green streak. Once she had the sled up and running there was no turning back. In fact, she was so “in the zone” she missed the checkered flag and did a victory lap, later meeting up with BAILEY MOTORSPORTS teammate Hailey Belanger who accomplished 2nd place in the same race. In Junior 1 Dakota continued to race hard and skillfully earned a 3rd on Saturday and 4th on Sunday. Congratulations to Dakota for winning the hole shot award, and seventy dollars, in her Junior Girls final Sunday.

Brooklyn #500
Brooklyn lined her 2020 Ski-Doo 600RS in the Pro-Am Women’s class each day intent on continuing her winning streak in the class, and was successful in this endeavor. Starts continue to be an area of challenge for the young rider, with her having to maneuver and power her sled to take the top spot. However, once there, she has been able to pull away a little and ride her preferred lines. Brooklyn was able to sweep all motos giving her plenty of time to thank all the sponsors who have made this dream of hers possible.
Bailey Motorsports

Congratulations to Yannick Boucher #53 for his victory both days in the Pro Snow Bike class, joined on the podium by teammate Ryan Hunt #729 in 3rd Saturday and 5th Sunday.

Up next for the team is a couple weeks off racing to hone in on mastering and perfecting some skills through practice at The Compound – Muskoka. After that, the team will travel to Kitchener, Ontario to put the sleds to the test on the ski hills.

KSR would like to thank the following sponsors for their support: BAILEY MOTORSPORTS, Ski-Doo, Motul, Sunoco Racing, HMK USA, Backwoods Promotions Inc., Backcountry Motorsports Media, Off Road Vixens, Troy Lee Designs, TEAMLTD, DEFT FAMILY, Flybyu Motorsports, STUD BOY Traction, St-Onge Recreation, Dayco, WTD Gloves, Rox Speed FX, Inc., C&A Pro Skis, SCOTT Sports, Scott Sports Canada, The Compound – Muskoka, Tekvest, 139designs, Clean Media, Laps for Muscular Dystrophy

RESULTS: To see full results for the CSRA Series, visit: http://snowcross.com/results-points/

FOLLOW US: @KSRsnowcross (Twitter & Instagram)

Family Day Weekend Fun

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[POST RACE REPORT]

12th Annual Royal Distributing Cup in Innisfil

Oakwood, ON (February 19, 2020) – Georgian Downs Race Track and Casino in Innisfil, Ontario, was the site for another successful round of racing for Karkoulas Sisters Racing Team.   It was a pleasant experience to be met with warmer temperatures and sunshine for this Family Day weekend, which was full of competition at a location historically known for being bitter cold with high winds.  KSR racers suited up and headed out to practice early Saturday morning and turned on race mode for the remainder of the weekend.

Zoe #502

Zoe struggled most of the weekend with hitting the green light, making for some impressive riding to make some passes and work her way up the pack.  Used to softer snow and technical tracks, the hard pack track the team experienced on Saturday saw Zoe having to adjust her riding style and work to keep up with the front of the pack.  She achieved third place in Transition Girls, but didn’t make it to tech for the Novice 8-10 race. As a result, she was happy to put the day behind her and focus on Sunday’s competition, coming out strong from the start. With milder temperatures on Sunday, the track was softer and more to Zoe’s preference. Her results showed it, with her going 2:2 in Transition Girls and earning a fourth place overall in Novice 8-10. 

Dakota #501

If there was an award for perseverance, Dakota would have earned it without contest for her grit in competition while battling fevers, chills, sore throat and cough… a likely flu.  Given the option both days to sit out this round, without hesitation she shook her head no and with pure determination, she donned her helmet and took her seat on her 2020 Ski-Doo RS.  The day started rough to say the least. When on her first race (Jr Girls), in the first corner she hit some ice and drove off the track, hitting a flag and barrel in the process of re-entering the track.  True to her form, she entered back on the track over half a lap down, and yet she pushed her limits and was able to make up massive time earning her a second place finish. This set her up nicely for her second moto, in which she captured the checkered and continued her first place streak in the class. 

In her second race, Junior 14-17, Dakota’s “hot start” button was stuck down leaving her at a standstill on the line as she watched her competition race off, leaving her in their roost.  Once her sled engaged, she again was forced to make up time in a mere three lap race but succeeded in crossing the line in fourth.  The second moto she achieved 3rd giving her a combined moto final of 3rd place and a spot on the podium.  Sunday saw her feeling even worse than Saturday but determined to get her four races in.  More consistent riding for her, saw her going 1:1 in Junior girls and 3:3 in Junior 14-17, again making podium in both classes. 

Brooklyn #500

KSR’s eldest rider, Brooklyn, had consistent results in Pro Women going 1:1 both days lifting her skis high in the whoop section to make the pass for first.  Sport 600 presented a challenge this weekend. Brooklyn had an outstanding start in the class on Saturday, and lead the race for several laps, coming across the finish line in second place. This put her in a good position for the second moto. Unfortunately, she bobbled in the corner losing control, and with little room between riders, she was unavoidably hit from behind by another rider.  With sheer fortitude she got back on her sled and finished out the race returning to the trailer with bruised and swollen fingers that were clearly protected from a burn by her Deft Family gloves.  Sunday the team decided to have Brooklyn sit the Sport Class out until more comfort and execution of large doubles could be achieved.

 

Bailey Motorsports

Lunch break on Sunday gave the entire Bailey Motorsports Team an opportunity to come together for a group photo.  Who knew at that point that that team would achieve a notable total of 18 podiums in this round of competition?  Well done to all the riders who contributed to those amazing results and special congratulations to Ryan Hunt #729 for winning the Top Gun Shoot out Saturday night, coming home with a $5000 award and impressive bragging rights.

KSR would like to thank the following sponsors for this support: BAILEY MOTORSPORTS, Ski-Doo, Motul, Sunoco Racing, HMK USA, Backwoods Promotions Inc., Backcountry Motorsports Media, Off Road Vixens, Troy Lee Designs, TEAMLTD, DEFT FAMILY, Flybyu Motorsports, STUD BOY Traction, St-Onge Recreation, Dayco, WTD Gloves, Rox Speed FX, Inc., C&A Pro Skis, SCOTT Sports, Scott Sports Canada, The Compound – Muskoka, Tekvest, 139 designs, Clean Media, Laps for Muscular Dystrophy.

RESULTS: To see full results for the CSRA Series, visit: http://snowcross.com/results-points/

FOLLOW US: @KSRsnowcross (Twitter & Instagram)