March 10th 2008 – Brainerd BIR WPSA National Double Header

Friday Pro Super Stock Double Header Finals 1 & 2

Pro Super Stock 600 Qualifying Rounds The BOSS Racing Team arrived at track early in the week to secure a staging lane pit position , placing the BOSS RACING Ski-Doo FXR rig in prime viewing position. Friday was a sunny day yet bitter cold with temps early am at -23*F. Pro rider Jeff Snow struggled through his first two heats of intense racing as he battled the influenza virus; a meeting was called and Crew Chief Garth Gordon made the call to send Snow off to the hospital for medication and hang it up for the weekend. Robbie was also feeling under the weather, and yet produced amazing performances. He finished 4th, 1st, and then 3rd in his qualifying rounds to secure an 8th place position on the front row for the first Pro Super Stock finals of the double header weekend. During the second heat, Robbie was landed on by fellow Pro- Parker Brown #119 second heat, during the first lap while leading the race. Steve Hamilton, BOSS Racing Photojournalist captured the crash through his view finder. Robbie never missed a beat and within a second of getting blown off his sled, he was full throttle through the corner to finish the heat race in 1st!

Pro Super Stock 600 Final Qualifying 8th Robbie Malinoski took the center spot on the front row strategically positioned for the crucial first corner. At the flag drop, Robbie was pinched out violently with an aggressive pack or riders. Robbie was 14th out of the hole- passing 3 riders on the front stretch. With a veteran’s ability to route lines Robbie was extremely effective on this tight-super technical track. During the first lap however, Robbie became a landing pad once again! No direct body impact this time but, the sled damage was severe snapping the shock reservoir off and taking Robbie out of the race… an unlucky end to a dominating day. Team BOSS returned to the race trailer to switch out the damaged shock and ready themselves for the second round of qualifying.

Pro Super Stock 600 II Qualifying Rounds With Pro Rider Jeff Snow at the hospital, the crew became extra attentive to Robbie’s sleds- feeling the weight of this singular chance to dominate. It was a fast paced double header weekend leaving no room for error. Every inch of the sled was studied, and readied for the next battle. Robbie’s determination intensified and the look on his frost bit face showed he intended to win. He qualified 2nd, 1st, and then 2nd again taking control of his heats and demonstrated his astonishing strength and rare ability to pound the track, while giving the distinct illusion of being smooth and light. Robbie engaged his audience greeting the many fans and young riders who came for autographs, pictures, and commentary while the hard luck riders battled it out in the LCQ.

Pro Super Stock 600 II Final Robbie’s dominating performance in the qualifying rounds secured a 5th place qualifying spot and Robbie was eager to get back on the track. At the drop of the flag, he railed it into the first hairpin coming out in 5th position. He had high-sided the chaos which embroiled the rest of the pack. This Pro Open final round was one of the most aggressive races seen over the weekend. Sleds flew side by side, at times completely out of sync and showcasing dramatic near misses. While setting up for a towering 150’ triple jump on the backside, Robbie narrowly avoided another pilot coming in for the “can you believe it” third landing of the weekend. Snow dust destroyed rider confidence across the board. It affected our weekend super hero too as Robbie cased a 150’ backside triple which nearly jarred him to pieces around lap 6. Robbie suffered hard from the jolt, continuing to race but falling back to an 11th place finish as a result.

Saturday-Pro Open 600 Qualifying Rounds Saturday started off with warmer temperatures, a light dusting of snow, but a bitter biting cold wind. Robbie exhibited a fierce concentration on Saturday morning as he walked through the pits. He was intensely focused as he watched round after round of racing before he got his shot. Robbie qualified 3rd – 5th – 2nd to clinch the 10th qualifier position on the front row, a .decent break for the big show.

Saturday Pro Open 600 Saturday was summed up in two words, “REPEAT DOMINATION”. As the BOSS Team awaited the final. Robbie told his crew to relax, “It’s all on me now -that’s all there is to work on.” As the flag dropped, Robbie on the inside 2nd from the right rocketed out of the corner in 1st. Robbie continued to display his veteran style, smoothly walking away from the entire Pro field and stretching his lead to nearly half a lap! A final hard charge by Tucker Hibbert #68 fell short – while the checkered flag snapped in the wind and Robbie excited the crowd with a fist punch skyward as the ecstatic crowd cheered his victory. A glorious podium interview followed with Robbie frequently thanking sponsors, family, and crew for the supporting him and the Team’s efforts. In 2nd place was #68 Hibbert and 3rd #108 LaVallee.

Sunday Pro Open 600 Qualifying One Championship owned and the BOSS crew was in to the race trailer early… wanting the 2nd one just as bad. Robbie displayed the team’s abilities with his 1st -2nd -1st finishes during qualifying heats. The stage was set for another Robbie Malinoski show, and anticipation was high. Robbie ended qualifying with a 4th round front row pick for the last final of this crucial WPSA weekend.

Sunday Pro Open 600 Final Sunny; bright blue skies and a light breeze produced a perfect day of snowmobile racing. The stands were packed tight with fans and hundreds more lined the fence. As staging began, the top 15 Pro Riders sat atop a massive 115’ table top, fired up their high octane sleds and prepared to race. When the green flag waved Robbie perfectly executed the hairpin- braking hard and sweeping low out of the corner showing in 2nd place. Robbie aggressively held off the notorious hard charging Hibbert #68, passing LaVallee #108 and positioning himself clearly in the lead. Midway through laps Robbie suffered more shock damage in the rear suspension due to a brutal landing – taking him out of the race. It was a disappointing finish to a dominating display in front of many fans and cameras.

The team now moves on to the final round of the WPSA Snowmobile Tour in Lake Geneva Wisconsin, this up coming weekend.