It’s tough to race snowmobiles without snow. That’s the challenge organizers with ISOC, including Director of Operations Carl Schubitzke, are facing this season. Warm weather forced the rescheduling of the Farmington, N.Y. event of the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series to February 24-25. That comes on the heels of the near-postponement of the race in Pontiac, Mich. until enough snow could be made at the last minute. AMSOIL Racing talked with Schubitzke about the challenges the snowmobile racing industry is facing this season.
AMSOIL Racing: Can you recall a winter when weather has been more of a challenge to the racing season than this winter?
Schubitzke: I personally have not seen a year where the weather has been such a challenge. People that have worked within the industry much longer than me have never seen anything like this as well. It is a huge undertaking to pull off an event and now we have been faced with the challenge of having enough snow at every stop. With every challenge comes a reward, and I think because of the lack of snow, our attendance has risen.
AMSOIL Racing: We heard it took some impressive technology and a legion of workers pull off the race in Pontiac, Mich. recently.
Schubitzke: ISOC really went above and beyond to make sure we had enough snow. We had some of the best snow-making equipment in the world, and expensive additives to help freeze the water at warmer temperatures. We also had an industrial chiller to help lower the water temperature of the fire hydrant. We even created a controlled climate with refrigeration units in a large tent to make snow. All this and personnel with years of experience to make sure we were doing everything we possibly could.
AMSOIL Racing: What is ISOC doing to ensure the Farmington, N.Y. race takes place February 24-25?
Schubitzke: As of right now we are moving forward with the event. The weather did turn cold enough for us to make adequate snow, and it looks like we will continue to make snow right up to the event. I’m extremely happy that we are able to have a race this season in New York because of the great snowmobile community that surrounds the area. Farmington is always a favorite stop on our tour and it wouldn’t have been the same without it.
AMSOIL Racing: Can you look into your crystal ball and predict how weather might affect the remaining races this year?
Schubitzke: We are looking very good for the rest of our season because the facilities have been able to make snow with a few cold fronts that have come in. They have had time on their side and have taken advantage of the snow-making weather. With a great team and great partners like AMSOIL, we always keep a positive outlook and make sure we pull off the best races possible.
AMSOIL Racing: To end on a positive, the top five racers in the Pro class are all pretty close in the standings. How has the action been this year and what do you expect going forward?
Schubitzke: The racing action has been fantastic and that speaks volumes for the Pro riders we have. They are all so close and so fast that if any of them have a problem, the other riders are there to capitalize. My hat goes off to them because it has been a great season so far and it is just heating up. The championship is up for grabs and right now there is no clear picture on who will take it.