February 4, 2013 – Monster Energy/Arctic Cat’s Tucker Hibbert held on to his points lead in the ISOC Pro Open Championship after a wild weekend of racing at the Deadwood Snocross Shoot Out in historic Deadwood, S.D. The Days of the ‘76 Rodeo Grounds featured a natural snow, tight, sub-30-second track that left riders fighting for visibility and positions.

Photo Credit: John Hanson

Hibbert came out swinging Friday night turning the fastest lap in practice and winning both of his qualifying rounds. He got a solid launch off the start in the 15-rider final finishing lap one of 24 on the rear bumper of leader Kody Kamm. On lap nine, he tucked under Kamm in corner three and made the pass stick for the lead. He went on to move through lapped traffic eventually finishing over six seconds ahead of second place.

Saturday started much the same for Hibbert turning the fastest practice lap and winning his first qualifier. In his second qualifier, he got into fellow Arctic Cat rider Garth Kaufman trying to make a pass for second place. The move caused officials to give Hibbert the black flag and regulated him to an automatic last place finish for that round. With 1-6 qualifying finishes, he earned the 10th spot in the 15-rider final. A far outside starting position was a recipe for disaster. He got pushed wide and rode off the track. He reentered in last place, put his head down and began an impressive charge forward. With the heavy, dirty snow roost, he rode the race “blind and by memory” eventually rallying all the way up to fifth place.
Hibbert looks to further extend his 23-point lead in the Pro Open Championship this weekend in Traverse City, Mich. at rounds nine and 10 of the ISOC tour.

Photo Credit: John Hanson

 

Tucker Hibbert – #68 Monster Energy/Arctic Cat
“I’m happy to be out of Deadwood in one piece and with a comfortable points lead. After my first practice Friday, I felt really good and comfortable but knew it could be challenging if I got a bad start. The snow was heavy and full of salt and dirt. The roost was so gnarly and made it really hard to see if you were behind anyone. I made a point to memorize the track each race because once you got a face full of roost, you couldn’t see. Obviously every time I hit the track I want to win but in a 16-race championship, you have to look at the big picture. My plan was to go for the win if I was in good position but not take any unnecessary chances that could take me out of the championship. I’m healthy, extremely motivated and ready to rip in Traverse City.”

Fast Facts
• Hometown: Pelican Rapids, Minnesota
• 2012 and 2010 FIM Snowcross World Champion
• Six-Time National Snocross Champion – 74 National Pro Wins
• 11-Time X Games Medalist

Resources
www.tucker-hibbert.comwww.monsterenergy.comwww.arcticcat.comwww.isocracing.com

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