In late May, we announced that Cor PowerSports plans to expand the Midwest Extreme Snowmobile Challenge (MESC) from a single event into a Triple Crown series in 2016. The details of this new race series were a bit sparse in May, but Cor PowerSports just announced that it has finalized the format for the MESC Triple Crown.
The Triple Crown, scheduled to start at the conclusion of the 2016 cross country series, will consist of three spring race events: Terrain X, Hillclimb and Hill X.
Terrain X -- This new snowmobile racing format will take place on a course designed like an old-school motocross course but run entirely on a ski hill about 2-3 miles long. The event will feature a two-moto format with a combined finish for an overall winner. Motos will be timed +2 laps.
Hillclimb -- This repeat event will continue to follow the standard of hillclimb racing set by Rocky Mountain States HillClimb Association (RMSHA). Thecourses will be designed to have great flow, challenging obstacles and fun elevation changes.
Hill X -- Although this sport has been declining in popularity recently, it still has a huge following of racers in the Midwest who are looking for some good hillcross racing. Cor PowerSports will be taking some ideas used in the original hillcross series from years past, but it also plans to add a Midwest Extreme twist into the course design. Riders will face jumps, rhythm sections, turns, whoops, and possibly both downhill and uphill portions as well.
Here is the tentative schedule for the MESC Triple Crown:
Round 1: March 19-20, location: TBA
Round 2: April 2-3, location: TBA
Round 3: April 16-17, location: Lutsen Mountains, Lutsen, Minn.
Cor PowerSports is still finalizing what classes will be offered during the series, but there's sure to be something for everyone from junior riders to seasoned pro racers.
We'll be sure to pass along more information about the MESC Triple Crown as it becomes available. To stay up to date on all the latest snowmobile news, be sure to register on the website and sign up for a subscription to American Snowmobiler magazine.
Photo: 447 Photography