Burch claims fastest sled at time trials

The 63rd World Championship Snowmobile Derby officially started with time trial and heat racing this morning, as the No. 29 sled of Joey Burch claimed the fastest two-lap time (35.569) during the World Championship Formula III time trials to start the day. It was a challenging morning for the track crew at the World Championship Derby Complex, as consistent snow showers forced plow breaks after roughly every eight drivers or so to keep the track in fair condition for each qualifying run. Burch did pay for a second qualifying run, as did five other drivers.

The top 10 of the qualifying field looked like this: second, No. 57 Zach DeWald (35.686); third, No. 28 Matt Goede (35.778); fourth, No. 221 Reed Klinger (35.913); fifth, No. 54 Ryan McCaig (36.193); sixth, No. 6 Gavin Peterson (36.250); seventh, No. 102 Blaine Stephenson (36.368); eighth, No. 23 Dakota Harris (36.396); ninth, Tanner Foss (36.542); 10th: No. 220 Gunnar Sterne (36.756). 

The WC Formula III class will run heat, semifinal and a final Sweet 16 race later tonight, with the winner claiming the pole position for the 63rd WC on Sunday afternoon. More Friday Night Thunder coverage will be available later tonight or tomorrow morning.