By Darren Lum

Jan. 24 2017

Izac Reid is optimistic about this year’s racing season after finishing fifth and fourth in the opening event to the CSRA (Canadian Snowmobile Racing Association) season.

With close to 14 hours of driving in the return trip to Rouyn Noranda Que. for the International Snowcross Grand Prix on Jan. 14 and 15 the Haliburton Highlands Secondary School senior feels good about his two-race debut in the Pro-Lite class one class removed from top ranked Pro class.

“It felt like I was almost there. Just have to improve a bit more to be running with the fastest guys in pro-lite. We got to make those adjustments to suspension setup and get my starts dialed and I think we’ll be set for the rest” he said.

Although last year’s national title in the 600 sport class provided him with confidence entering his first  Pro-Lite class season he recognizes this class is deeper with more skill and experience so he is realistic about his chances.

“This year everybody is fast and I learned how to not override. It gave me a bit of confidence yeah but it’s a different class different riders” he said.

Reid loves riding his new Polaris. He loves the look and the added ease in handling the new ride provides.

For both races on the weekend he had started in the top-three.

He had been running in third place on Saturday in the first race before he finished fifth.

On Sunday Reid improved on his first race striking early by taking the hole-shot and leading the first lap before getting passed by more experienced riders. He finished fourth and was reminded to race his own race but to pay attention to the other riders to improve.

Losing the lead didn’t leave him down as he turned it into a positive by analyzing the riders that passed him.

“Even if you let them [get] by try and pick up something off their riding follow their lines or just watch how they’re attacking the track and try it out. And try and see what works for you and what doesn’t” he said.

With 16 more races at eight events on the CSRA calendar Reid said it is far too early to make a determination about how this start will influence his final overall standing.

There are 16 Pro-Lite riders he said so anything can happen. He’ll be looking to improve and aim for consistency.

“You just got to use your head that there are faster guys on the track I’m a rookie in this class I wasn’t going to hold them off for five laps” he said.

Reid is looking forward to his next event the Royal Distributing Cup in Innisfil at the Georgian Downs Raceway from Feb. 18 to 19. He has always raced well there adding his first CSRA race win came there close to five years ago.

There is an added benefit of a short drive of a few hours and its location will enable lots of friends and family to see him compete.

Being close to the podium gave the Highlands teen hope he is close to winning despite his lack of experience at this class.

“Now that we know that I’m competitive with the rest of the field. I’ll work off that and see what to improve week-by-week” he said.

His sponsor list includes Polaris USA Stud Boy Curry Motors Timbir Contracting Byers Equipment Motorsports Fly Racing TekVest Dragon Optics Back Country Photography TeamLTD and PowerMadd.

Follow Reid with updates by the Echo .