Team Arctic racers and crews took on 500 miles of varying terrain with some very fast sections, rough ditches and trails during this year’s USXC Racing Goodridge-Grygla 500. Pro factory 600 leader Zach Herfindahl dominated the course and competitors for the win.
Herfindahl’s flawless pace was backed by a smooth-running ZR and notched a back-to-back win at the 500, which is also the third time he has won the prestigious event.
“Winning the G-G 500 is extra special, and I couldn’t be happier,” Herfindahl said. “Even though I’ve run at the front of the pack this year in the Pro classes, this is the first time I’ve won this season. What a birthday present. Winning this race is partially dependent on rider ability, but it takes much more to win including the hardworking team behind me. Hector and Cory are ace mechanics, and I want to thank Arctic Cat and Team Arctic race manager Mike Kloety for believing in our team, and truly going the extra miles for the race program.”
Other standout performers included Cale Anseeuw’s Semi-Pro 600 win and up-and-comer Jesse Hallstrom’s dual-class wins in Expert 600 Limited and Junior 14-17, while the Junior 10-13 class was swept first through ninth place on Arctic Cats led by Dawson Darco.
Team Arctic race manager Mike Kloety commented, “Watching Zach ride this weekend was amazing. His purpose is to win, and he attacks the ditches and terrain on his ZR—a true cross-country master. When you start the second day with a seven minute lead, that’s a lot of time to think about everything that could go wrong. But not with Zach; he is so calm and concentrates on going fast, being consistent and getting to the checkers first.”
Team Arctic cross country racers get a bit of time off, returning Feb. 22 to compete at the Turtle River Rough Rider 100 in Manvel, ND, while snocross teams compete the same weekend in Salamanca, NY.
Team Arctic USXC Racing Goodridge-Grygla 500 Results
Pro Factory 600
1. Zach Herfindahl
Pro Women
2. Alicia Martin
Semi-Pro Factory 600
1. Cale Anseeuw
Semi-Pro Improved
2. Abe Olson
Expert 600 Limited
1. Jesse Hallstrom
2. Braden Sillerud
3. Eli Nelson
Masters 40+
2. Jon Arneson
Masters 50+
1. Jon Arneson
Sport 600 Improved
2. Justin Winkler
Vintage
1. Collin Grover
2. Levi Mattison
Classic IFS
1. Karl Mattison
2. Doug Ruter
3. Joseph Rainville
Junior 10-13
1. Dawson Darco
2. Aiden Johnson
3. Keagan Houser
4. Jett Cornelius
5. Luke Omang
6. Abe Miller
7. Elliot Clark
8. Bennet Iverson
9. Axle Amsden
Junior 14-17
1. Jesse Hallstrom
2. Cooper Kangas
3. Aaden Olson