07/02/2023
Hentges Racing Announces Decision to Move on from National Snocross
23 Years of Chasing Checkered Flags Comes to a Close for Remarkable Polaris Team
Shakopee, MN (7/2/23) – Hentges Racing announced their decision to move on from national snocross today after 23 years of chasing checkered flags as front-runners in the sport.
Hentges Racing team owner, Nate Hentges said, “This announcement is a tough one for us, but all aspects of the decision have been carefully considered. After twenty-plus years of facilitating a premier-level race operation, it’s time for us to step away.”
Reflecting on the team’s successful longevity in the sport, Hentges added, “Our family has dedicated a huge part of our lives to racing snowmobiles and we have showcased success thanks to the tremendous amount of work and devotion all members have put into this team. One member I can’t thank enough, is Tim Bender, whose title has been Team Manager, but he’s far more than that – Tim is an innovator, mentor and most importantly, a friend. Tim Bender has steadily improved our team for the last 17 years.”
Pro Rider, Oskar Norum, adds his heartfelt appreciation, “I have always dreamed of come race in USA for a professional team since I started race snocross as a kid back in Sweden. So, to be picked up by Hentges Racing for the 2020 season was a dream come true - It was such a big difference from racing back home. It has been an honor for me to work with all the professional people in the team and have the chance to be a part of the Hentges Racing family. I can’t thank Nate and Karen enough for giving me this opportunity, they have been such nice to me and made me feel like home in USA. It’s been an awesome trip and I have had so much fun racing and trying to reach my goals. I also want to give especially thanks to racing legend Tim Bender for his passion and drive for the sport and believing in me. It has been an honor to work with Tim.”
Kody Kamm, finished the 2023 season in the top three in national Pro points and has spent a lengthy career with Hentges Racing. Kamm remarked, “Grateful that Polaris and Hentges Racing opened their doors at such an early part of my career and welcomed me in as just a "fill in" guy for a short time, which turned into 13 years. With a ton of success through those years, I am saddened we are splitting, but will never forget our team memories made together.”
“I wish Kody Kamm and Oskar Norum the best for the future. These guys are truly talented, hard workers, and I couldn’t have asked any more from them.” - Nate Hentges, Hentges Racing Owner
Hentges Racing leaves the sport with a long list of accolades including four Pro championships: Kamm (2017), Gulla (2009 and 2007) and LaVallee (2009), one 2012 Pro Lite Championship (Kamm), eleven Winter X Games medals (4 Gold, 4 Silver and 3 Bronze), the 2021 Eagle River World Championship (Norum), 36 Pro National Wins and 149 Pro National podiums. Hentges is also the only Polaris team to win a gold medal in X games snocross (Narsa). Their rider list over the years is equally impressive, including the top talents: Todd Wolff, Curt Peterson, Justin Tate, Brad Pitlik, TJ Gulla, Levi LaVallee, Brett Bender, Kody Kamm, Justin Broberg, Petter Narsa, Oskar Norum, Emil Harr, Bobby LePage, Jonny Hentges, Chris Kafka, Don Leddy Tyler Olson and Nate Hentges.
Nate Hentges continues, “Our team success story is a direct result of the support given by our many sponsors. I’m truly thankful for every single one of their partnerships. We’ve worked out of the factory Polaris race shop in Wausau, Wisconsin for 17 years. The learning and experiences gained there were nothing short of amazing. It makes me proud to think many of the race components and technology the Hentges team tested on the track, made their way to a production Polaris snowmobile.”
Hentges departure from National Snocross racing is effective now, and Nate added, “While we are moving on from Snocross, we are going to keep our competition options in other arenas open for the future.”
See the Hentges Racing Through the Years Album for some great memories! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=HentgesRacing&set=a.818959946490159
Special thanks to ISOC National Snocross, all the Hentges Racing fans and incredible sponsors: Monster Energy, Polaris, FXR, Pirtek, Polaris Engineered Lubricants, Woody’s Traction Products, S.M. Hentges & Sons Inc., Rinker Materials, IAMACOMEBACK, Walker Evans Racing Shocks, C&A Pro Skis, Camso, Apple Autos, Ergodyne, 139 Designs, Rox Speed FX, Heel Clicker, Starting Line Products and Uncharted Supply
Kody KammOskar Norum SnocrossPolaris SnowmobilesMonster EnergyFXR RacingPirtek PlymouthS M Hentges & Sons Inc.IAMACOMEBACKWalker Evans RacingC&A Pro Skis139designsRox Speed FX, Inc.Uncharted Supply CompanyWoody's Traction
