Time with the WAZ!

If you have attended a Snowcross race in Michigan in the last couple of years, chances are the yellow ski-doo in the lead was driven by one of the Zelinski brothers. They have been making a name for themselves as the top drivers in Michigan. Last weekend was no different, as they both put in excellent rides in both pro classes in Gaylord, MI. Both brothers will by a force to reckoned with this season in the Woody's Michigan WSA regional Snowcross series. I got a chance to ask the brothers a few questions after the Gaylord race. Here's the deal:

SNOWX-How long have you been racing Snowcross?

Jon-5 years

Josh- racing for 5 years. I used to watch it back in like 93' and wanted to try it bad, but my parents wouldn't let me until I could pay most of my way. I tried a beginner race on an old 94' ZR580 I had. I then got a used 98' SNO PRO and kind of went from there.

SNOWX- The season is still young yet, but how do you like the pro class?
Jon- It is pretty competitive racing. Your equipment has to be fast, especially at the nationals, and you need to train. It would be nice to have more guys race pro at the regional's.

Josh- The pro class is fun. I wish we had more guys step it up to ride pro in Michigan. It's more fun the more riders you have. You definitely get faster riding with the pro guys.

SNOWX- What is the biggest change from the semi-pro class?
Jon- It is not as easy to come through the pack. At the nationalist is very difficult to make the main.

Josh- I'd say the pace is not that much faster than the top semi-pro guys. The pro guys tend to make fewer mistakes, which make it difficult to make up ground.

SNOWX- How do you stay in shape?
Jon- I go to the gym in the winter. During the summer I race motocross and go to the gym when I have the time.

Josh- Weight training and some stationary bike or jogging.

SNOWX- What is the highlight of your career?
Jon- ASRA Pro Champ 2003 and winning the Pro stock class at Searchmont this year.

Josh- Probably last year at Barrie ASRA. It was one of the sickest tracks and I came from way back in the open final to pass for the win on the last lap. Even though I was stripped of the win on some crappy call, everyone who was there knows who deserved the win. Either that or I won this indoor in Montreal, Canada like 3 or 4 years ago. It was my first semi-pro win and at an indoor track. Those were pretty big thrills for me.

SNOWX- what are your goals for this year?
Jon-To win races

Josh-Just to win as many races as I can and try my best to stay healthy.

SNOWX- Tell us your funniest moment
Jon- to many to list

Josh-Probably Gaylord 1999-I had this all-bright yellow race gear just for that one race. I have a couple of pictures from that race, and I look like a yellow banana man with a helmet riding a green Arctic Cat. I thought it was cool at the time, but now know it was far from it.

SNOWX- How about injuries?
Jon- Tore my ACL and MCL. I also have broken my fingers and thumbs, and my wrist.

Josh- I separated my shoulder in 98 or something, but it wasn't too bad. At the end of last year I broke my collarbone, which took a while to heal. At the first race this year, I got landed on and broke my shoulder blade.

SNOWX- What is your favorite track?
Jon- Barrie 2003

Josh- Barrie last year. Just an awesome track. Technical doubles and whoops, but pretty safe. Big air and lots of turns.

SNOWX- What is the difference between riding a mod sled from a 440 stocker?
Jon-It is a lot more fun and making big doubles or triples is a bit easier. You can get into more trouble quicker with it. It is also more tiring than a 440

Josh-The biggest differences are that with the power of the mod sled you can easily squirt out of holes and corners and double obstacles without much of a run at it. In some cases it can get you into a lot of trouble. The mods definitely tire you out more which makes good throttle control important. You can get squirrelly real easy with a little whiskey throttle up a jump.

SNOWX- Tell us you sponsors
Jon and Josh-Smokin Jz Racing, Stud Boy Traction, MCR Suspension, Ipone Oils, C&A Ultra Pro, Castle Sales/HJC, Toms Cycle, Paint Werx, Micro Belmont, Tekvest, Goodwin Performance, Zelinski Brother Inc.

SNOWX- Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule. Good luck for the rest of the year.

Jon-Thanks Jon Zelinski#12

Josh-Thanks Josh Zelinski#79