January 18, 2012 – Monster Energy/Arctic Cat’s Tucker Hibbert is prepared to reclaim his world title at the FIM Snowcross World Championship in the Ivanovo region of Russia February 25. This year marks the first time in history the Snowcross World Championship will be held in Russia. The Technical Sports Centre Semigorje is already locked in to host the event through 2015 and will also hold round 11 of the FIM Motocross World Championship this summer.
Tucker Hibbert with members of Team Russia at the 2011 FIM Snowcross World Championship in Finland.
At the 2010 Snowcross World Championship in Sweden, Hibbert became the first American to be crowned champion in the history of the event. It was his first competition outside of North America. Last year in Finland, he was the heavy favorite to win but after suffering a mechanical issue in the second of three races, he finished third overall.
Hibbert will depart the United States in the middle of the ISOC National Snocross Tour where he is the reigning champion. His Arctic Cat Sno Pro 600 has been modified for the unique race conditions and shipped to Russia. Unlike ISOC, FIM has sound and fuel restrictions and does not allow the use of traction products in the track of the snowmobile.
At least eight countries are slated to send their top riders to compete for the 2012 title including Canada, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the U.S. Entries are also expected from Iceland and Italy.
To stay connected with Hibbert and get up-to-date information on the World Championship event, visit www.tucker-hibbert.com
Tucker Hibbert at the 2011 FIM Snowcross World Championship in Finland.
Tucker Hibbert – #3 Monster Energy/Arctic Cat
“The World Championship is an exciting event. It’s a cool opportunity to travel overseas to represent the U.S. Moving the race to Russia is a big deal. Russians are really fired-up about snowmobiling right now so I expect a huge crowd and a great event. Being prepared to race overseas is a serious undertaking. The sled set-up is a lot different than what we race with in the U.S. To try and pack your entire race program into a couple shipping crates is tricky but an exciting challenge. I’ve learned a lot the past two years. We (the team) did our homework and are prepared to bring the title back to the U.S.”
Tucker Hibbert – Third Appearance at FIM Snowcross World Championship
2011 – Tuuri, Finland: 3rd
Race 1: 1st / Race 2: 16th / Race 3: 1st
2010 – Mala, Sweden: 1st
Race 1: 1st / Race 2: 1st / Race 3: 2nd
Fast Facts
• Six-Time National Snocross Champion – 68 National Pro Wins
• 2010 FIM Snowcross World Champion
• 10-Time ESPN Winter X Games Medalist
