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D.J. Ekre wins USCC Pro Open Title by 25 points

Arctic Cat's D.J. Ekre won the RydeFX Pro Open title by a 25 point lead over Ski-Doo's Bryan Dyrdahl on April at the banquet in Alexandria, Minn, according to a USCC press release.

"After over 1,000 miles of the toughest, fastest cross-country racing on the planet the USCC FXR Pro 600 and RydeFX Pro Open titles were split between two riders who grew up just miles apart from one another," USCC representative said.

Ekre's four wins in the RydeFX Pro Open class allowed him to take the points championship from Dyrdahl. Ekre bested Dyrdahl with 673 points to 648 points and four second places finishes including at Red Lake I-500, according to the USCC press release.

"For all this he was awarded the USCC Racer Of The Year award," USCC spokesperson said.

Ekre's team, Christian Brothers Racing, walked away from the banquet with the Team of the Year award.

"My team, Christian Brothers Racing, and Arctic Cat help me out a lot," Ekre said. "I couldn't do this without them."

The team had 22 podiums including eight wins, 10 second place finishes and four third place finishes.

Ski-Doo racer Bryan Dyrdahl received the FXR Pro 600 title at the banquet. Dyrdahl won the Gonvick 100 and the Grafton Equipment 100 before claiming his fifth win at the Red Lake I-500.

In addition during the banquet, Polaris rider Gabe Bunke was presented the USCC Iron Man award. Bunke has raced at every USCC event and has raced 43 consecutive races.

Yamaha rider Ryan Greening won the Yamaha Sport 85 points championship.

Class Champions include: Sam Vandeputte (Doo), Stud Boy Semi-Pro 600; Cody Kallock (Cat), Fox Racing Shox Semi-Pro Improved; Scott Pivec (Doo), Yamalube 440; Corey Davidson (Pol), ScottUSA Vet 30+; Jim Sobeck (Doo), Orion Sleds Masters 40+; Jim Sobeck (Doo), Action Graphics Legends 50+; Adam Brandt (Cat), C&A Pro Amateur 600; Adam Brandt (Cat), Newman's Amateur Improved; Jenna Sobeck (Doo), Powermadd Women's; Timmy Kallock (Cat), TekVest Junior 14-17; Adam Mach (Cat), Carver Performance Junior 10-13; Marty Feil (Cat), Recreational Salvage Fan 600; Tom Clement (Yam), RV Sports Vintage; Ryan Greening (Yam), Yamaha Sport 85; Sara Larson (Cat), SNO-X 120 Stock; Sara Larson (Cat), SnowGoer 120 Open.

Other awards included:
Race of the Year: Red Lake I-500
USCC Rising Star: Ryan Huston
Sportsman of the Year: Chad Lian
Don Jorstad USCC Award: Aaron Christensen
Career Achievement: Doug Oster
Pro Rookie of the Year: Brandon Gerszewski
Semi-Pro Rookie of the Year: Cody Kallock
Most Improved Racer: Ryan Greening
Top Wrench: Todd Brustad/Jim Boe (No. 55 Bryan Dyrdahl)
For more information on USCC visit www.usccracing.com.