With the sun finally peeking out for the Pro-Open class, spectators were greeted with an exciting, heads-up Pro Open final. Early on, Arctic Cat was in command with Wes Selby (#15), Zach Herfindahl (#312), Ben Langaas (#231) and Ross Erdman (#111) jockeying for position.

Photos and captions by Aaron Kennedy

After two races in frigid conditions, the 40F+degree temperature swing at Park Rapids, MN was welcomed by racers and spectators alike.  Due to a lack of snow in the area, the race was pushed from the ditches back to Fish Hook Lake. Although not ideal given the upcoming ditch courses, Park Rapids continues to be a gracious host.  Also unchanged was the coveted Heartland 106 neon sign for the winner of the pro race.

Zach Herfindahl’s two race win streak came to a halt as Alex Hetteen and Ben Langass became first-time winners in Pro Stock and Pro Open, respectively.

Although clouds were abundant this weekend, the plowed course and warm temperatures led to comfortable racing conditions with minimal snowdust issues other than during heads-up contests.
Just over 12 miles in length, the course tested riders’ skill and endurance with a number of chicane sections. Evan Peppel (#188) took a tumble after tangling with Marshall Busse’s (#711) in one of the many corners. Marshall went on to win the Jr. 14-17 class later in the day.
The course also had several straights to test top-end speed. Glen Arlaud (#61) piloted his 4-stroke Yamaha Viper to a win in the Masters 50+ class… a much rarer scene since Yamaha shuttered it’s race division.
Derek Kloety (#212) looked comfortable on the course, taking the Jr. 10-13 class win by over two minutes. Perhaps more impressive was a time that would have put him in the middle of the Jr. 14-17 pack!
After last weekend’s mishap, Thomas Junglen (#35) had a great recovery with a win in Sport 600 Improved and a 2nd place finish in Sport 600 Stock.
In the Women’s class, Lydia Sobeck (#444) narrowly edged out Savannah Landrus (#402). The two have been trading wins, and once again, this looks like a class that may be decided in the final weekend.
Dustin Dohrn (#29) continues to be photogenic, but also successful. He improved over his 2nd place last weekend with a 1st in the Semi Pro Improved class.
David Brown is having a near-perfect rookie year in the Semi Pro class. With his 2nd win of the year at Park Rapids, he is firmly on top of the point standings for this class.
Just behind David are the Revering Brothers Dan (#101) and Charles (#187). After Dan’s third place podium, a mere 4 points separates the two of them.
With the sun finally peeking out for the Pro-Open class, spectators were greeted with an exciting, heads-up Pro Open final. Early on, Arctic Cat was in command with Wes Selby (#15), Zach Herfindahl (#312), Ben Langaas (#231) and Ross Erdman (#111) jockeying for position.
Whether it was the warm weather or just bad luck, mechanical issues plagued a number of race leaders. Wes Selby went out early, while Zach Herfindahl went out after Lap 5. Ross Erdman led late in the rate, but a gas stop miscue and a bad cylinder allowed Ben Langaas to climb the ranks and grab his first Pro win. Ross was able to nurse his sled in for 2nd, while Alex Hetteen consistently climbed through the pack and rounded off the podium.
This success for Alex on Saturday propelled him through the weekend and he also claimed his first win in the Pro Stock class, leading the race wire-to-wire.

RESULTS