Tucker Hibbert has been secretly riding an Arctic Cat Sno Pro 600 specifically tuned for one, unique event. Hibbert and the Monster Energy/Arctic Cat crew recently put the final touches on this snowmobile, strapped it in a crate and shipped it to Finland for the 2011 FIM Snowcross World Championship.

At the 2010 World Championship in Sweden, Hibbert became the first American to be crowned champion in the 11-year history of the prestigious event. Riders from at least nine countries are expected to travel to Tuuri, Finland March 26 to challenge the reigning champion.

Immediately following the final event of the United States national tour, where Hibbert is currently leading both Pro points championships, he and his crew will travel to Finland for a week of testing and training at a private track. European snowcross tracks are traditionally longer, rougher and more technical than U.S. tracks.

Last year in Sweden, he looked right at home and made the adjustment quickly finishing 1-1-2 in a three-race format for the overall win. In Finland, the event will again feature three, 15-minute races with an overall score determining the 2011 champion.

Not only are European tracks dramatically different from those in the U.S., FIM has sound and fuel restrictions and does not allow the use of traction products. The Monster Energy/Arctic Cat crew gained valuable knowledge from the event last year and built Hibbert’s 2011 World Championship snowmobile with suspension adjusted for the rough race course, motor modifications to meet sound and fuel restrictions and removed the studs (metal spikes) from the track.

Hibbert experienced an overwhelming welcome from Sweden last year and hopes Finland is fueled with the same passion for snowmobiling and racing. For up-to-date information on his quest to defend his title, stay posted to www.tucker-hibbert.com.


LINK

Youthstream

Photo: 2010 FIM Snowcross Champion Tucker Hibbert - Joni Launonen image

Read the next news: Snowcross World Championship back in Tuuri (22 Feb 2011)

Back to the latest news