Team LaVallee made had a strong weekend for ISOC’s stop in Elk River, Minnesota at ERX Motor Park. Weather played a variable for racers and track crews all weekend. The race weekend featured unusual warm temperatures, rain and thunderstorms.
FRIDAY PRO ROUND 11
ROUND 1
Heat 1 – Ryley Bester
Bester got a solid start near the front of the pack and quickly settled into a battle for a top three position. Running fourth early in the race, he dropped back after being passed by another rider but remained composed and held his line, finishing the heat in 5th place.
Heat 2: Adam Peterson
Peterson had an excellent start on his Team LaVallee, Polaris, Red Bull sled and was able to tuck inside and come out in 2nd-place position. He stayed close to the leader throughout the race, applying steady pressure and crossed the line with a strong 2nd-place finish.
ROUND 2
Heat 2 – Peterson and Bester
After a 30+ minute delay due to lightning, racing resumed with both Bester and Peterson launching hard off the start. The two riders came through the opening laps, with Bester running in 3rd and Peterson in 5th early in the race. As the laps progressed, Bester slipped back to 5th, while Peterson continued battling to gain a position. With two laps remaining, Bester suffered a hard off that dropped him to the back of the field. Peterson stayed consistent through the closing laps and finished the heat in 5th place.
Round 11 FINAL
Peterson qualified 5th, lining up on the front row, while Bester started from the back row. Peterson got a strong jump off the line and despite being pinched out on the front straight stretch, he powered through the first turn running 3rd. As the early laps unfolded Peterson settled into 5th and Bester worked his way through traffic in 13th. As the race progressed, Peterson dropped back to 7th, but with three minutes remaining, the battle tightened up. Peterson worked his way back into contention, swapping positions as he fought for a podium spot. At the checkered flag, Peterson secured a strong 5th-place finish, while Bester pushed through the field to finish 10th.
SATURDAY PRO ROUND 12
ROUND 1
Heat 1 – Peterson and Bester
Teammates Adam Peterson and Ryley Bester lined up together in the first heat of Pro Round 12 on Saturday. At the start of the race, Bester launched hard off the line on his Team LaVallee, Polaris, Red Bull sled, grabbing the Studboy Holeshot Award. Through the opening corners the field quickly shuffled, with Peterson settling into 4th and Bester in 5th as the race developed. The pair stayed in the mix during tight racing throughout the heat, with Peterson finishing 5th and Bester crossing the line in 6th.
ROUND 2
Heat 1 – Peterson and Bester
Peterson and Bester again lined up together for the second round of racing Saturday night. Off the start, Peterson had a tough break and was knocked off his sled in the opening moments of the race. Bester was able to navigate through the chaos and settle into 6th place, while Peterson quickly remounted and rejoined the race in 7th. Both riders battled hard throughout the qualifier, navigating a tight field and pushing forward each lap. At the checkered flag, Bester finished 6th, with Peterson close behind in 7th.
