Rock Maple Racing to host Snocross Adaptive race at inaugural Sno Bowl

DERRY, N.H. (Feb. 11, 2010) – In response to the overwhelming success and interest generated by the first ever Snocross Adaptive event at the recent ESPN Winter X Games 14 in Aspen, Rock Maple Racing (RMR) is pleased to announce plans for a similar race here in New England.

Since that event aired on ESPN during Winter X, powersports enthusiasts with severe injuries or disabilities have been contacting snocross sanctioning bodies asking for an event of this nature. Reacting with compassion and admiration to these athlete’s stories, RMR will host its own Snocross Adaptive race at the inaugural Sno Bowl Feb. 20-21 at the famed New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. Four riders will participate in this dream-fulfilling event.

Rock Maple Racing will host this special race to allow these riders a chance to compete and determine the level of interest for a possible Adaptive class on the regional circuit.

One of the first snowmobile enthusiasts to contact Rock Maple after viewing the Winter X Games was 29-year-old Sgt. Ryan Begin, of Jackman, Maine. Begin’s story tugs at the heart of all who listen.

As a proud member of the U.S. Marines, Begin was injured during his second tour to Iraq in 2004. His right elbow was destroyed, and that arm is now five inches shorter and fused where the elbow once was. Some 60 surgeries later, Begin hasn’t slowed down. He still rides his sled and wants nothing more than to compete against others on a snocross track.

Jim Crumb is 28 years old and was born and raised in Clay, New York. Crumb became paralyzed 10 years ago in a sledding accident while attending Paul Smiths College in the Adirondacks. The accident broke his back in four spots after contact with a tree. Crumb has been riding snowmobiles for about six years and is an avid sportsman. His desire to compete will take him to Loudon with winning as his goal.

Richard Curtis was injured in a motorcycle accident back in 1993. Curtis has limited use of his right arm after it was nearly severed in the accident. He will be racing with the throttle and brake on the left side of the sled. When he first started riding snowmobiles again, Curtis found it difficult. But after some practice, he can now out-gun most guys with two good arms. He has fought off depression and resumed an active life.
Dave Dillabrough Jr. Is from central New York and loves to ride snowmobiles and ATVs. In fact, he used to compete on ATVs when Rock Maple operated the Quad-X series a few years ago. Dillabrough is another rider with physical challenges, yet he shares that same burning desire to race like any other.

It’s this drive to compete that inspires us all, and led to the planning of this wonderful event. When those who have either labored to defend our country or worked hard to provide for their families suffer some sort of tragedy, we owe it to them to give back. Providing a safe place to race and fulfill their dreams is something RMR is happy to do.

Rock Maple Racing is the eastern affiliate of the International Series of Champions (ISOC), the national sanctioning body for snocross. For more information, visit them online at www.rockmaple.com.