Hello everyone!
There have been lots of questions regarding the 2021 Race Season given the current state of things. After some preliminary discussions with health officials it looks like we WILL BE RACING THIS SEASON! It may mean some small changes in race day protocols ( possibly that spectators will need to remain in their vehicles ) but so far we haven't discovered anything that can't be overcome. Stay tuned for more information and a schedule.
Before explaining the changes, it will help to recap the previous Open Improved Stock rules. This class was created for the factory four stroke sleds with minimum modifications. As 2 stroke sleds to a maximum of 800 cc's were allowed, the class basically followed 800 Improved rules (that is why there was no stutter or launch control in Open Improved, it wasn't allowed in 800 Improved). These rules made the class fit into a somewhat awkward spot in the class listing as it was more than 800 Improved but lower than 1000 Improved, but was called Open Improved.
For the upcoming season, the Improved Classes are more rationalized. Open Improved will slot in above Improved 1000 making the class progression 800-1000-Open. Both 800 cc and 1000 cc 2 stroke Improved sleds will be able to move into Open Improved. Improved 1000 concepts and rules will apply to the factory 4 stroke turbo sleds in this class. This allows the factory 4 stroke turbo sleds to have more engine, intake, ignition, and exhaust changes than previously allowed in Open Improved. The idea is to mirror the modifications allowed in 1000 Improved on the factory 4 stroke sleds. The class is slotted in above 1000 Improved due to the potential power levels possible.
These changes give the 1000 cc 2 stroke Improved sleds another class to compete in without having to move into the Pro Sno classes and above. It also simplifies tech in the Open Improved class.
Please note that with this change there is also a change in the progression to the Mountain Classes. Open Improved sleds may still progress to the Mountain Open class if they meet the track requirements, but will no longer be allowed to compete in Mountain Improved. Open Stock qualified sleds will still be allowed to compete in Mountain Improved if meeting the track requirements.
We look forward to watching the battle between 2 stroke 1000 cc Improved sleds and 4 stroke Open Improved sleds this season.
For more details please visit the Open Stock - Open Improved rules page HERE.
Tech Report
- Only 3 entries were changed to different classes upon being examined in tech. This was an exceptionally low number.
- One sled was required to add a tether cord as their sled wasn’t equipped with one.
- The engine of one sled was measured for bore and stroke to ensure that it was entered in the correct classes and happily no issues were found.
Race Report
- Despite the melting temperatures in the days prior to the race and the blustery conditions on Saturday, mother nature couldn’t spoil the day at the Western Canadian Championships in Meadow Lake. The only thing nastier than the weather that blew in was the fierce competition on the track as racers battled it out for bragging rites and the honor of being crowned Western Canadian Champion.
- “Bruce the Moose”, the mascot for the Meadow Lake Winter Festival which was running on the weekend, roamed the spectator area and was a big hit with the crowd.
- The adrenaline always runs a little bit higher at the WCC and it got the best of a few racers with red light starts costing several racers the finish they were hoping for in the final heats.
- The competition was raised a notch with the return of some racers we haven’t seen for a while. Nice to see Warren Wild as well as the JTB racing team which did well taking wins in multiple classes.
- Another large contingent from Bonnyville, Alberta made their way to Meadow Lake and their travels were not in vain. The location Bonnyville appears 25 times in the results listing for the race. Congrats and thanks for making the trip.
- Bruno Boulaine from Bonnyville had a good day taking wins in Improved 800 and Improved 1000 but just couldn’t hold off the top end surge of Maxceleration Racing’s turbo charged Sidewinder which took the Open Improved title.
- Jordan Boulaine from Bonnyville had a bit of a scare in the Outlaw final as his sled came to a rather abrupt stop and almost threw him over the handlebars, but Mike Moore on his 4 Seasons Equipment entry held on tight to claim victory and the title of fastest man on the snow at the Western Canadian Championship.
- And with the final heat on Saturday, another busy SSRA race season came to a close. 7800 visits to the website which had over 23,000 page views, 9 highly competitive races in two provinces, and close to 800 heats of snowmobile drag racing all added up to one great time during the 2020 season. Congratulations to all our winners and thanks to everyone for their sportsmanship and support. We look forward to seeing you all next year!