Arctic Cat continues to be a driving force in the 2024–2025 AMSOIL Championship Snocross series, with a strong presence in all classes from the youngest Junior riders to seasoned veterans in the Pro Am +30 class.
In the Junior and Sport Lite Classes, Arctic Cat entries have been growing in numbers, with a strong field of up-and-coming talent eager to make their mark in the sport. In Pro Womens, Arctic Cat racers like Cerissa Blessum battle at the top of the field putting Cat on the box in heats and finals. Whether it’s through seasoned veterans or rising stars, Arctic Cat’s strong presence and performance on the track have been undeniable this season.
Pro Am +30 rider, Ryan Frank, explains that his loyalty to Cat began years ago as his son, Raycer, was making his way through the Junior class. Arctic Cat’s support in youth programs has been an integral component to the growth and maintenance of the sport, nurturing future pros through the ranks. Not only that, but a family-oriented company like Arctic Cat provided the ideal environment for Ryan and Raycer that he continues to cultivate in the Krajicek Racing trailer. The atmosphere in the trailer is super positive and reflects the love of the sport, respect for the Arctic Cat brand, and passion to keep pushing forward. The highlights of his season are because Arctic Cat has “the best chassis they’ve ever had” and that the strength and durability of the Cats are truly unmatched. The combination of the sled and his affinity for small, technical tracks lead to him to the box in Deadwood, a track that has boded well for him in previous years.
Whether it’s rising youth or experienced competitors, Arctic Cat’s legacy in Snocross is built on dedication to riders, innovation in design, and a passion for performance. Across every class, Arctic Cat remains a staple on the national stage.
A Brief History of Snocross in Duluth
Duluth has been hosting snocross races for years, becoming a proving ground for the sport’s biggest names. Legends like Tucker Hibbert, Blair Morgan, and Levi LaVallee have all left their mark on this track, making it one of the most iconic stops on the circuit. Spirit Mountain’s infamous uphill start, tight technical sections, and ever-changing snow conditions make it a rider’s dream (or nightmare). It’s a track that doesn’t just test speed but demands endurance and adaptability. Over the years, the event has seen everything from breakout performances to shocking upsets, making it a fan-favorite and a racer’s ultimate challenge.
In the Pro class, Jake Yurk has been leading the charge as the class’s only Arctic Cat rider, consistently battling for top finishes and securing podium spots. For Yurk, the weekend at Duluth wasn’t just about racing; it was about capping off a season of grit, podium finishes, and proving that the legendary green sleds can still go bar-to-bar with the best.
AI: How has your sled performed throughout the season, and will you make any big setup changes for Duluth?
JY727: All in all my sled has performed really well this season. We made a change before ERX with the ski shocks and man did it pay off. We didn’t really get to show it at ERX, but at Eagle River, it was amazing. We expanded on that change with a similar change to the rear shocks coming into Duluth, and I think it’s going to work very well.
AI: Have you noticed any improvements or advantages in Arctic Cat’s sled performance compared to previous years?
JY727: The more I ride this chassis (it’s been 8 years) the more I like it! Each year we are able to fine tune things more and more, from suspension setup to clutching. Everyone is familiar with the sled which makes development easier. So, I would say that our sled this year is better than previous years, and it will only get better.
AI: As the only Pro rider on an Arctic Cat, how does it feel to represent the brand at this level?
JY727: From my perspective, there’s never been a more important time for someone to hold the Arctic Cat flag. I’m honored to be in the position that I am in, and quite proud of it honestly. Obviously, with budget cuts and everything, it comes at a price. Being loyal to the brand right now is more important than any of that.
AI: What was the toughest race of the season for you, and what made it so difficult?
JY727: The toughest race (weekend) of the season for me was definitely ERX. In New York 2 weeks prior, I cracked a rib in my chest during the final moto of the weekend. At ERX, I wasn’t healed yet which made it very difficult and painful to ride. It seemed like in every moto I would hit my chest off of the handlebars, making it difficult to race at full pace. Pair that with a blown belt in one of the moto’s, it was just a tough weekend.
AI: YIKES! Cracked rib! How do you balance an injury like that with your goals for the year?
JY727: With something like that, I am not going to make myself worse. It’s not a major joint and I can still move. I see myself as a top 3 guy and to do that, I have to ride through the pain. It’s not always going to be easy.
AI: How did you push through the low points this season to stay competitive?
JY727: When you’re in the trenches, whether it be injuries or just bad racing results, you’ve got to keep your head down and not make excuses. When you are fighting for championship points, (one day a championship) there can be no excuses. No matter what the circumstances, you’ve got to believe in yourself, shut out the negative noise, and try your absolute best.
AI: Were there any unexpected obstacles this year that forced you to adapt mid-season?
JY727: Definitely riding ERX injured is something I did not see coming, as well as a few unexpected mechanicals. Like I said, excuses don’t help any situations. You’ve got to minimize damage on your bad days and keep fighting no matter what happens.
AI: Your win in Eagle River was huge—what clicked for you that weekend?
JY727: We made some suspension changes before ERX that I was able to fully put through the paces at Eagle River. I was able to charge sections harder without a care about how the sled would take it. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t have to think. It was all instinct and trust. I believed that I could win those races, and it happened.
AI: What’s been your most satisfying podium finish this year and why?
JY727: Eagle River day 2. Moto 3 of the triple crown, I was teed up to win the overall. I made a few passes early and got into 3rd place, which had me in position to win the overall. I didn’t care, I wanted to keep moving forward, because why not? I was feeling great. Trying to pass for second I had a small get off, which put me in dead last. I battled my way through the pack to position myself into 3rd place overall for the night. That podium was bitter sweet, but it was the first weekend I have rode off the track saying “no one was as fast as me. No matter if I was in traffic or had clean air” That feeling is indescribable.
AI: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from your victories this season?
JY727: Believing in yourself is the single most important thing when it comes to success. Truly believing in yourself is difficult at times. We call it “feeling it”. When you fully believe in your goal and trust in you and your teams capabilities, that’s when good things happen.
AI: Kyllo Racing has been a big part of your journey this year—what makes this team special?
JY727: Kyllo Racing means everything to me. What makes the team so special is that we all have a common goal in mind, and work hard to reach it. Everyone is on the same page, there’s NO drama at all, and we just enjoy each others company. Chad Kyllo is a great leader, and he keeps us all pretty straight.
AI: How has the team helped you stay competitive and prepared all season long?
JY727: When it comes down to it, a team is best defined by how it responds to difficult situations. No one has overcome more difficulty than we have this year, and it has strengthened our team so much. We’re a tight group. These guys are my best friends. It’s special.
AI: CFMOTO came on as a major sponsor this year—how has their involvement impacted the sport?
JY727: Obviously we are so grateful for CFMOTO’s involvement with our team this season. They have been great to deal with and their passion as a company is something that our industry needs right now. With sales down, and the industry struggling, CFMOTO’s commitment to the growth of their brand, and or sport, is admirable.
AI: Do you see CFMOTO’s presence helping expand the sport’s audience and opportunities?
JY727: I definitely see an opportunity there. CFMOTO has quite a massive following, and their involvement with snocross racing can only help in my opinion.
AI: What’s next for you in the off-season? Any big plans?
JY727: My wife and I are building a house in Michigan! It’s going to be a BUSY summer! Between working construction, building the house, and training, we won’t have much time to spare. We’re very excited.
Wrapping Up a Stellar Season
While the final points tally put Jake Yurk 4th overall in the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Pro class, his 2024-2025 season told a much bigger story, one of grit, speed, and proving that Arctic Cat still belongs at the front of the pack. As the only Arctic Cat rider in the Pro class, Yurk delivered consistent finishes and a standout win in Eagle River that fired up Cat-faithful fans.
At the season-ending banquet, the Kyllo Racing team brought home a shelf’s worth of hardware, including Mechanic of the Year, the Impact Award, and the coveted Team of the Year title. Well-earned recognition for a squad that kept fighting and kept fans fired up all season long.
So here’s to another legendary weekend in Duluth and another chapter in the storied legacy of Arctic Cat racing.
Written by: Alicia (Martin) Pichner, a lifelong snowmobile enthusiast and writer with a passion for all things power and performance.
Great article and excellent job done Jacob!
love Artic Cat keep up the good work.
The loyalty Cat racers have shown this year shows what type of person they really are. I know some had to make the change for financial reasons, but the ones who put their heads down and continued to charge forward with Cat are the true worriers. I have nothing but respect for all of you. I cant wait for the day they announce a new owner for Cat.
Sorry katden, but you’re going to be waiting a long time. That day will never come. Cat has a good sled in the catalyst, I’ve heard, but the 858 is problematic and the mighty 998 won’t fit it. The catalyst and 858 were just too late because of textron’s laziness and just plain unwillingness to invest in new products for Cat. But like I’ve said all along, textron had no interest in keeping Cat alive, they bought Cat to “milk dry then let die”. Just look at the new products they’ve allowed Cat to make. An extremely underwhelming 600 quad, and a good but too late sled. No side by side innovation at all. How is the wildcat XX supposed to compete with the turbo hot rods from Polaris and Can Am? It doesn’t. Everyone knows the last couple winters have been bad, and sled sales are down, and the dollar is worth a dime, but Polaris and BRP survive. You know why? Side by sides. They will ALWAYS sell, and textron didn’t allow Cat to make the turbo wildcat XX that was shown a long time ago, because they are frankly not interested in keeping Cat alive. And I continue to believe that no one will but Cat because textron won’t sell. They can use it as a tax write off for who knows how long.
Face the facts friends. Cat is dead.
Is it too late to delete your comment?
Just because textron sold the name doesn’t mean the buyer will go anywhere with it. Are they going to place an order with Suzuki for our old engine parts? I doubt it.
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Sorry John, but this time you swung and missed BIGTIME!
🤭
Swung and missed BIG TIME? Well there is a reasonable amount of men on this earth that are paid millions and do the same, so please forgive me.
In my defense, I’ve seen LOTS of sled companies, all but 2, from Alouette to mighty Yamaha, go from doing well to being dead. LOTS of car companies too. You must understand that, more OFTEN then NOT, once something DIES it stays DEAD. Cat is the EXCEPTION, not the RULE.
never put the transmission inside the engine case again in sxs that was just terrible idea. Others are right You’re not going to become famous again for nothing but snowmobiles because the side-by-side sales are killing it. 3/4 the US have no use for a snowmobile. I understand you’re from Northern Minnesota but that’s not the rest of the world if you want to make money. like the RG prototype your next side by side need to be swing arms instead of all these damn radius arms that get bent so easy. build it with 35-in tires from the go and a gearing ratio that can turn them. rock crawler spend a lot of money not updates why not just build a machine that they’ll pay the extra for from the get-go. myself I live in the desert and without a turbo might as well leave it in the garage cuz you can’t keep up with your buddies. pare down to 2 engines. smaller one for 50-in trail models. a 60-in 1000 cc non-turbo. A step up model with turbo. and then a purpose built 72″ racer with a four-cylinder. find it in a mini front suspension like the Maverick r and get rid of double a arms up front or at least make ones that aren’t that like toothpicks if you hit a rut