Wahl Bros Racing: Fast at the Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt
Greenbush, Minnesota – (February 17, 2017) For the second time in his career, Jordan Wahl, along with the Wahl Bros. Racing team, embarked on the great northeastern trip to Valcourt, Quebec. After a 27 hour-long drive, the team parked the trailer in the pits at the Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt. Last weekend’s three-day event was the 35th edition of the iconic race and there was definitely no shortage of hardcore race fans there to take it all in.
Three full days of racing meant qualifying rounds and a final each day. The #747 Jimmy Johns/Wahl Bros. Polaris hit the ice Friday afternoon and showed some serious speed on the half-mile track that is unlike any other on the Wahl Bros. Racing schedule.
“None of the corners are really the same,” said Wahl. “You have to work to make the corner rounder than it actually is.” A track that favors those drivers quick to adapt, #747 was consistently in the top three but was faced with bad luck in the 10-lap final when the track derailed.
For the first time, the TLR Cup Tour hosted a round of racing in Valcourt, which took place on Saturday. In keeping with his trend this season, Wahl was one of the first sleds off the line each time the green flag lifted. He easily qualified for the 15-lap final, which included a good mix of drivers who follow the Tour, in addition to some who race mainly out east. After driver introductions on the front stretch, it was go time. Wahl shot off the line and found the fastest way through corners one and two, securing the race lead from the very beginning. As he began to get comfortable, bad luck struck again and a blown belt ended his efforts.
Never giving up, the team worked to overcome their luck and come back strong on the final day of racing. Despite being in the hometown of Ski-Doo, the Wahl Bros. Racing team was welcomed and cheered on by the fans who packed the entire facility. Two qualifying rounds took place before a long break leading up to the final. As time went on, snow began to fall more heavily and the wind increased, leading to extremely limited vision on the track. All of the drivers who had made the final voted on whether or not they would race, and with safety being the chief concern, voted against it.
Only two events remain on the Wahl Bros. Racing schedule; Tomahawk, Wisc. next weekend and the Canadian Power Toboggan Championships in Beausejour, Manitoba March 3 – 5. Wahl and the team have been testing this week and will continue to do so leading up to the final events. Be sure to watch our Facebook page for any possible race cancellations.
