Eight  HVRC racers competed in the OhioPrints Slalom Race at 7 Springs on Sunday, January 20^th.  Congratulations to G. Berner (U14), who finishes his first USSA race with two solid runs that put him just inside the top 10 fastest times.  He had lots of company! J. Allegro (U14) ended up 4^th in this very competitive age group;  his finest effort to date.   J. Jupena (U18) finished 4^th in his age group as well.  N. Blasey (U16) won his 2^nd race of the year.  J. Bigatel and N. Castracani  gave HVRC a 1-2 finish respectively for U10 boys.  Congratulations to M. Hessinger (U12) with a 2^nd place finish, his first ever USSA trophy.  All of these boys did well in a race that a number of racers had difficulty finishing.  C. Bigatel (U12) and J. Bigatel (U10) also competed in the Tussey Slalom at Ski Sawmill last Saturday.  Both earned 2^nd place finishes in their respective age classes! 

We have GS practice on Imperial Saturday morning from 9 AM – 11 AM.  

There is also a fundamentals practice on Sunday from 9 AM until Noon for those not racing at Seven Springs.  Those planning to practice should meet the coaches outside old Glaciers. 

The 3^rd Open Cup is scheduled for Saturday, January 26^th on Imperial.  This race is open to the public so anyone can join in the fun.  There are nine age categories including 21-35 and 36 and older for both male and female.  Racers may sign up outside the Season Pass Locker Room from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturday.  As in years past, we will crown Open Cup Series champions for each age class at the end of the season.  For those helping with set-up should meet at the top of Imperial at 11 AM.  We expect to start the race at 1 PM and should be finished by 3 PM.  Please check the volunteer schedule (attached) for assignments. 

The Critchfield GS Race is scheduled to be held at 7 Springs on Sunday, January 27^th.  This is a derby qualifier for U10, U12, U14, and U16.  U18 and U21 entries are also welcome, but we expect this will be a non-scored race.  On-line registration is available now via the WPRC website.  For those racers who have not run a USSA race, this would be a good choice for your first time.  If your racer is planning to compete, registration should be completed by January 21^st .  The race entry fee is $35.  U10 entry spots may be limited for this race. 

The Philip Dupres Memorial Slalom Race is scheduled to be held at 7 Springs on Saturday, February 2^nd.  This is a derby qualifier for U10, U12, U14, and U16.  U18 and U21 entries are also welcome, but we expect this will be a non-scored race.  On-line registration is available now via the WPRC website.  If your racer is planning to compete, registration should be completed by January 28^th The race entry fee is $35.  

The Wisp Classic GS Race is scheduled to be held at Wisp on Sunday, February 3^rd.  This is the final derby qualifier and includes U10, U12, U14, and U16 only.  On-line registration is available now via the DCWS website.  For those racers who have not run a USSA race, this would be a good choice for your first time.  If your racer is planning to compete, registration should be completed by January 28^th .  The race entry fee is $35.   

PA Cup Races 3, 4, and 5 will occur February 1-3 at Blue Mountain.  These races are limited to U18’s, U21’s, and 2^nd year U16’s.  On-line registration is available.  If your racer is planning to compete, registration should be completed by January 28^th.   NOTE:  U16’s will have to make a choice between these races and the final U16 derby qualifiers that occur at the same time.  If you do not have enough finished runs to qualify for derby, you must run in the derby qualifiers to have a chance to go to derby. 

HVRC will hold its annual Race Clinic on February 9^th and 10^th.  The cost for a non-HVRC member is $140.  The clinic will run from 10 AM – 3 PM on Saturday and 10 AM – Noon on Sunday.  Registration includes entry into the Open Cup on Sunday at 1 PM.  You may register your racer via email to me.