Rock Maple Racing suspends 2009 operation of Quad-X ATV Series
DERRY, NH (Mar. 18, 2009) – You don't have to look very far to see wide-ranging effects from the current economic downturn. Everyone from major automobile manufacturers down to the smallest companies have modified their spending habits.
Businesses and industries that rely on discretionary income are enduring hard times, and that includes every aspect of the motor sports industry. Retailers of ATVs, motorcycles and snowmobiles have seen their lowest sales numbers in many years.
Given these facts, officials from Rock Maple Racing (RMR) have decided to suspend operations of its Quad-X ATV Series for 2009.
"This was a difficult decision to make," said Rock Maple Racing president Tara Saxton. "But with the economic situation right now, we felt it would be tough going in 2009. A lot of folks simply won't have the funds required to travel and race this year, and we understand.
"When we first tested the waters in ATV racing back in the fall of 2006, response was positive. We had two great seasons of competition in 2007 and 2008, but late last summer we could see participation starting to fall off. As much as we enjoyed ATV racing, the time has come to step back and allow our struggling economy to recover."
Rock Maple Racing's Quad-X series would not have been possible without support from a host of great companies. In addition to Can-Am ATVs by BRP, RMR would also like to thank Dodge, Bickford's Sport Center; Dasilva Motorsports; Ingles Performance; CDB Motorsports; Scott USA; PowerMadd; New England Racing Fuel; Quad Graphics and Rick's Motorsports Electrics. Your support of organized ATV racing was greatly appreciated.
From late 2006 until the 2008 season was completed, RMR's Quad-X series competed at a variety of respected motocross tracks across the northeast, including Hemond's MX Park in Minot, Maine; Twister Valley in Fort Plain, NY; Thornwood MX in Williamstown, NY; River's Edge ATV Park in Canaan, NH; Thunder Ridge in South Edmeston, NY; and Crow Hill Motor Sports Park in Templeton, Massachusetts. RMR would also like to thank New England Dragway in Epping, NH, for hosting the Quad-X series in 2008. Blessed with great tracks as host sites, Rock Maple had an advantage when setting up its ATV circuit.
Riders from across the northeast participated in the Quad-X series during its three-year existence. Class champions from 2007 (first full season with points awarded) include James Handy (Pro Unlimited); Freddy Kiefer (Pro Am Unlimited); Brian Daigle (A Unlimited); Steffan Dager (B Unlimited); and Brad Burbine (C Unlimited).
In 2008, RMR spilt the Quad-X series into two divisions (East and West) to reduce travel expense for teams chasing points. Some class champions from the 2008 season include Luke Marois (Pro Unlimited East); Andrew Ruel (C Unlimited East & West); Justin Chamberland (Open Amateur East); Dale Robinson (Open Amateur West); David Livingston (16-24 Unlimited East); and Bruce Gaspardi (16-24 Unlimited West).
Rock Maple Racing is now completing its 17th consecutive season of regional snocross competition. All that remains is the West series finale March 28-29 at the Peek N' Peak ski area in Findley Lake, NY, and the Central series finale on April 4-5 at Windham Mountain in Windham, New York. For more information, please visit www.rockmaple.com.
