Hibbert Wins in Michigan's Silverdome
Monster Energy/Arctic Cat’s Tucker Hibbert rode with intensity and intuition Saturday night at round five of the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series’ stop in Pontiac, Michigan. Nearly 20,000 fans filled the Silverdome to watch riders battle on a rough and technical track for the only indoor event of the eight-race series.
Hibbert won both of his qualifying rounds for the Pro Super Stock final and got a solid jump off the line for a fourth place start in the 15-rider, 26-lap main event. On lap eight, he moved into second but sat ten-seconds behind the leader, no. 837 Ross Martin. He put on an intense charge — taking advantage of the entire course and constantly changing his lines to reel Martin in. With four to go, he made the pass and opened nearly a six-second gap over Martin for the win.
Later in the night, Hibbert lined up for the Pro Open final as the number one qualifier. He was quick off the line but ended up at the bottom of a massive first turn pileup that prompted the officials to stop the race. All of the riders involved, including Hibbert were unharmed and lined up for the restart. He got another great start and finished lap one in second with the leader in sight. On lap six of 26, he got bucked off his snowmobile in the middle of the technical, back stretch rhythm section. By the time he regrouped and got running again, he was shuffled back to ninth. He rode smart and clocked the fastest lap of the race but ran out of time to catch the leaders to finish fourth.
Hibbert is currently leading the points championship in both classes and will now enjoy a two-weekend break from the national tour before gearing up for the final three events of the season.
Tucker Hibbert – Michigan National Results
Pro Super Stock
Round 1: 1st
Round 2: 1st
Final: 1st
Championship: 209 (3-point lead)
Pro Open
Round 1: 3rd
Round 2: 1st
Final: 4th
Championship: 210 (18-point lead)
Tucker Hibbert - #68 Monster Energy/Arctic Cat
"It was a wild night of racing at the Silverdome. The track was tight but developed multiple lines which made it exciting for racing.
Racing indoors brought new challenges for the Monster Energy/Arctic Cat crew and myself but I was so impressed by how the team worked together. Getting the sled from the pits, into the stadium and on the track on time was a serious operation on its own but the team got a system dialed. It was like clockwork and really fun to see come together.
Unfortunately, like last weekend in New York, a mistake in the final kept me from winning the race. It was frustrating but honestly, I’m just happy to walk away from the race healthy and still in the points lead in both classes.
I’m looking forward to the two-week break to regroup and prepare for the final races of the season."