A new format spread the program over 2 days; qualifying rounds on Saturday and Quarterfinal, Semifinal, and Final races on Sunday. As the weekend unfolded, it became unclear exactly what Saturday's races affected besides lane pick should you make the final. Along with Team Highside, defending points champion Daryl Ortleib of Team Miller and a lot of returning racers, the first race of 2010 had a promising amount of newcomers.
Running both the 600 & 800 Pro Ovals, Team Highside's Luke Janiszewski #14 got off to a promising start. After battling mechanical issues throughout most of last season and this preseason, Luke came to Darien Lake hungry to get back in the mix. Early on he did just that, leading races and keeping pace with top pros until sled failure began taking him out again. Now that we know he has the speed to lead, it will just take a little more time in the race shop to keep the #14 Team Highside/Fly Racing Ski Doo up front.
Team Highside Semi-Pro rider Matt Schebaum #99 is coming into 2010 looking for his first Final win and chasing the 2010 Semi-Pro Oval Championship. A consistent top 5 overall in 2009, Matt was the number 2 qualifier in the 600 Semi-Pro Oval class at Darien Lake after Saturday and the number 1 qualifier in the 800's. His luck continued into Sunday through the Quarter and Semifinal rounds of the 600 class as he made the 600 Semi Pro Final with 2nd lane pick. In the 800 Semi Pro Oval class, a bad start and first turn mistake put Matt down in the Semifinal where only 2 riders moved on, keeping him out of the final and into a 3 rider race for 7th-9th place overall.
Starting from Lane 2 in the 600 Semi-Pro Final next to Steven Day #139 in Lane 1 and Dustin Quinn #419 in Lane 3, Matt and S. Day set pace and pulled away from the pack, S. Day running 1st from the inside lane and Matt keeping pace, trying to reel in the leader each lap. Matt crossed the checkers on his Team Highside/Fly Racing Ski Doo in 2nd position.
Team Highside would like to thank Darien Lake for hosting the EWA Season Opener and providing a first class venue to showcase snowmobile watercross. We would also like to thank Fly Racing, Team Industries, Amsoil, Scott Goggles, and MotoOption Clothing for all their help.
Come check us out this weekend, July 3rd at Snug Harbor Restaurant & Marina near Cape Vincent, NY for a watercross demo featuring Team Highside and other professional watercross racers putting on a free show for the fans which will also feature a chicken BBQ and beer tent.
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