Hibbert ready for repeat gold at X Games

Photo: John Hanson
Hibbert ready for repeat gold at X Games
By Staff report on Jan 23, 2017 at 1:17 p.m.


Pelican Rapids' Tucker Hibbert took home a fourth place finish and a win at rounds seven and eight of the ISOC National Snocross tour in Deadwood, SD. Photo: John HansonTucker Hibbert took home a fourth place finish and a win at rounds seven and eight of the ISOC National Snocross tour in Deadwood, SD. Despite missing the podium Friday, Hibbert had impressive runs both nights on the tight, rough track – something the sold-out Deadwood crowd has come to expect from the 10-time champion.
“I’m really happy with my rides in the main events,” said Hibbert. “Obviously, I wish I could have won Friday night but moving through the field, I felt good. Saturday night’s main event went about as smooth as it can get. I got a great start, made the pass for the lead on the first lap and was able to pull a big lead. Overall, I’m happy with my performance but disappointed in my qualifying results. Since the qualifiers have bonus points to win, I really need to start winning those races. That’s something I’m focused on turning around.”
In Friday’s 14-rider, 24-lap race, Hibbert was buried off the line, rounding lap one in 11th place.
Battling heavy roost, he moved around the track, searching for new lines to make clean passes. He charged hard but ran out of time to get to the front, finishing in fourth place.
Saturday night’s final was a drastically different race for Hibbert. He took the holeshot, momentarily got shuffled back to fourth place in turn two’s split lane corner but by the time he exited the next corner, he regained control of the race. With a clear track in front of him, he quickly pulled away and by lap 16 of the 24-lap race, he had a jaw-dropping 16-second lead. He rode the remaining laps smart and in control to take his 124th career win.
Next up for Hibbert is X Games Aspen where he’ll compete for his 10th consecutive gold medal.
“I got in a solid week of testing in Colorado and feel really dialed-in with my sled,” he said. “I’m riding as good as ever right now and feel really confident heading into X Games this week.”